Metastasectomy for stage IV melanoma: for whom and how much?
Although the conventional paradigm for treating metastatic melanoma relies on systemic therapies, a surgical approach should be strongly considered in selected patients. A surgical approach may not be appropriate for all patients, but it can offer a rapid clearance of disease without the toxicity of systemic therapy. Patient selection is of paramount importance for surgery to be effective. The rationale for surgical intervention in the management of metastatic melanoma, selection factors to be considered, published results, and future directions are discussed in this article.
Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 444, Houston, TX 77030, USA. ascaudle@mdanderson.org
Abigail S
AS
Caudle
Merrick I
MI
Ross
D003657:Decision Making; D018450:Disease Progression; D006801:Humans; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D009367:Neoplasm Staging; D018579:Patient Selection; D011379:Prognosis; D011859:Radiography; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D012983:Soft Tissue Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D016019:Survival Analysis