Re-examining the role of adjuvant radiation therapy

J Surg Oncol. 2019 Jan;119(2):242-248. doi: 10.1002/jso.25329. Epub 2018 Dec 16.

Abstract

Previously important roles for adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) in melanoma patients included improved regional control after resection of high-risk nodal disease, to reduce local recurrence for desmoplastic, and other subtypes of melanoma with neurotropism, reducing in-brain relapse of brain metastases after surgery and other situations on a case-by-case basis. This review evaluates the integration of adjuvant RT into clinical practice at this time of rapidly evolving knowledge and improving outcomes from effective systemic therapy.

Keywords: adjuvant radiotherapy; effective systemic therapy; melanoma; regional lymph node dissection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Disease Management
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Skin Neoplasms / pathology
  • Skin Neoplasms / radiotherapy*