Neoadjuvant Therapy and Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma

Meghan J. Mooradian, MD
Clinical Oncologist, Massachusetts General Hospital
Assistant Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, as it can spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.
Surgery is the most common treatment for melanoma, but in some cases, additional therapies may be recommended to improve outcomes. These therapies, known as neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy, are used before and after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning or spreading.
In this article, we will explore the role of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in the treatment of melanoma and how they can improve outcomes for patients.
What is Neoadjuvant Therapy?
Neoadjuvant therapy is a type of treatment that is given before surgery to shrink a tumor or make it easier to remove. It is commonly used in the treatment of melanoma to reduce the size of the tumor and make it easier to remove during surgery.
Types of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
There are several types of neoadjuvant therapy that may be used for melanoma, including:
Chemotherapy: This involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is typically used in cases where the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body.
Targeted therapy: This type of therapy targets specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Immunotherapy: This involves the use of drugs that help the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Benefits of Neoadjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
Neoadjuvant therapy offers several benefits for patients with melanoma, including:
Reducing the size of the tumor: By shrinking the tumor before surgery, it may be easier to remove and may result in a smaller scar.
Improving surgical outcomes: Neoadjuvant therapy can help to remove any remaining cancer cells after surgery, reducing the risk of the cancer returning.
Increasing the effectiveness of other treatments: In some cases, neoadjuvant therapy can make other treatments, such as immunotherapy, more effective.
What is Adjuvant Therapy?
Adjuvant therapy is a type of treatment that is given after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning or spreading. It is commonly used in the treatment of melanoma to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.
Types of Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
There are several types of adjuvant therapy that may be used for melanoma, including:
Immunotherapy: This involves the use of drugs that help the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.
Targeted therapy: This type of therapy targets specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: This involves the use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Benefits of Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma
Adjuvant therapy offers several benefits for patients with melanoma, including:
Reducing the risk of the cancer returning: By targeting any remaining cancer cells after surgery, adjuvant therapy can help to prevent the cancer from coming back.
Improving survival rates: Adjuvant therapy has been shown to improve survival rates for patients with melanoma.
Treating any remaining cancer cells: Adjuvant therapy can help to kill any cancer cells that may have been missed during surgery.
Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Therapy for Melanoma Surgery
Neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy are often used in combination with surgery to treat melanoma. This approach is known as multimodal therapy and has been shown to improve outcomes for patients.
Neoadjuvant Therapy Before Surgery
Neoadjuvant therapy is typically given before surgery to shrink the tumor and make it easier to remove. This can help to reduce the risk of complications during surgery and improve the chances of a successful outcome.
Adjuvant Therapy After Surgery
Adjuvant therapy is typically given after surgery to help prevent the cancer from returning or spreading. This can help to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back and improve survival rates for patients.

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