Neoadjuvant treatments for malignant and metastatic melanoma

The objective of this review is to assess the effects of neoadjuvant treatments for stage III and IV melanoma in adults. Historically stage III and IV melanoma have been associated with a very poor prognosis, and available treatments have had very little impact on the disease course.Various clinical options have been explored, including combinations of surgical procedures, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, vaccines, and radiotherapy, in both neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings. Since 2011, there has been a dramatic increase in the availability of systemic treatments which improve the prognosis of patients with melanoma, and now there is an emphasis on determining the optimal clinical use of these agents. In tandem with this, there has been a renewed interest in neo-adjuvant treatment of melanoma, not just in stage IIIc and IV patients, but also in stage IIIa and IIIb patients who are considered to be at increased risk of developing malignant or metastatic disease.

Award Date

15 September 2016

Award Value

€20748

Principal Investigator

Professor Claire Gorry

Host Institution

Trinity College Dublin

Scheme

Cochrane Training Fellowships