title: Malignant melanoma: the role of radiation therapy revisited.
abstract: In a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of malignant melanoma, the role of radiation therapy is often relegated to one of minor importance. There is a supporting body of scientific literature that shows a relative radioresistance of melanoma when compared with other malignancies. Others have disputed the notion of resistance and have recommended radiation in a number of clinical settings including not only palliation but also in the primary management of melanoma. This article reviews the current and historical literature to better define the current role of radiation in a multidisciplinary approach for cancer management.
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA.
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Jenrette
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004260:DNA Repair; D004273:DNA, Neoplasm / Q000235:genetics; D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D008545:Melanoma / Q000532:radiotherapy* / Q000556:secondary; D010166:Palliative Care; D011829:Radiation Dosage; D011836:Radiation Tolerance; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000528:radiation effects
chemical_list: D004273:DNA, Neoplasm