THE ROLE OF PALLIATIVE RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF METASTATIC MELANOMA

Maja Ivanova; Igor Stojkovski; Solunka Jovova

Maja Ivanova University Clinic of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
Igor Stojkovski University Clinic of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
Solunka Jovova University Clinic for Radiotherapy and Oncology, Skopje, North Macedonia

Abstract

Objective: To demonstrate the role and effectiveness of palliative radiotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma, especially in the context of combination therapy with immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy. Methodology: Four patients with metastatic melanoma, treated at the University Clinic for Radiotherapy and Oncology – Skopje are presented. All patients had a performance status (ECOG 0.1) and were treated with palliative radiotherapy due to pain and/or local progression. Different doses and techniques were used according to clinical indication combined with systemic therapy. Results: All patients showed clinical improvement after radiotherapy: pain reduction, regression of local metastases, improvement of functional status and continuation of systemic therapy without interruption. There were no significant side effects of radiotherapy. Conclusion: Palliative radiotherapy is an important tool in the multimodal approach to the management of metastatic melanoma and allows for a rapid palliative effect and potential synergism with immunotherapy and targeted therapy.

Keywords: metastatic melanoma, palliative radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, multimodal treatment.

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