Dispelling the myths surrounding radiotherapy for treatment of cutaneous melanoma

SummaryThe role of radiotherapy is well established in the management of most locally advanced and metastatic cancers; however, there has been reluctance to extend this role to melanoma. The reasons can be traced historically to in-vitro and in-vivo data suggesting that melanomas are resistant to radiation. Current findings indicate that these cancers have a wide range of sensitivity to radiation that overlaps extensively with those for common epithelial cancers: indeed, some melanomas show high sensitivity to radiation. Greater incorporation of radiotherapy into multidisciplinary management of melanoma is important because of the typical natural history of the disease (a propensity for both locoregional recurrence and distant metastases) and its poor response to systemic treatment. This review will discuss these issues and preview the strategies being developed for radiotherapy to further improve the care of patients with melanoma.