Question:
Hi, I have a relative who has had malignant melanoma (skin cancer)
sreading to the lymph nodes and she has been treated with surgery, some
biological treatment (IL-2 or something like that) and some cisplatin
combo therapy. However the metastasis continues.
Does anyone know what other options there are? Have they tried clinical
trials with taxol for melanomas at all? I am not sure if she has radiation
treatment yet.
Answer:
Most chemos work poorly for melanoma. Biologic therapy is the proper
first choice, and a platinal based chemo isn't unreasonable either. At
this point, there are few good options for your relative. He/She might
consider a clinical trial (check out the National Cancer Institute list
at wwwicic.nci.nih.gov, Dr. Oldham at oncosource.com, or Dr. Mastrangelo
at Fox Chase in Phila.) Unfortunately, the most appropriate option is
simply comfort care, with no further chemotherapy.
While the taxanes seem like wonder drugs, I do not believe they are
active against melanoma.
DISCLAIMER:
Please note that all contents of this message, including any advice,
suggestions, and/or recommendations has NOT been generated as part of
any professional
evaluation. No patient has been examined prior to making these comments;
no professional fee has been charged by or paid to myself. The reader is
advised to
discuss these comments with his/her personal physicians and to only act
upon the advice of his/her personal physician.
Also note that in answering an electronicly posted question, I am NOT
creating a physician -- patient relationship. As I can not control the
media, I can not
take responsibility for any breaches of confidentiality that may occur.
Finally, the material produced by myself may be reproduced for personal
use, provided that appropriate credit is given; but this material may
not be reprinted
or reproduced in any format for any other purpose.
