Immunotherapy for Melanoma

A melanoma diagnosis can be frightening. Although it’s relatively uncommon — accounting for just 1% of skin cancers — it results in a large portion of skin cancer deaths. 

Fortunately, there are a number of treatment options available, including immunotherapy.

Through his private practice in Santa Monica, California, and work on innovative clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, Dr. Trevan Fischer combines state-of-the-art surgical techniques with deep knowledge of the nature of cancer for the best possible outcome for his patients. 

One of the treatments we may recommend is immunotherapy. Here’s what Dr. Fischer wants you to know about melanoma and immunotherapy.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma begins in melanocytes in the skin’s upper layer. These skin cells create the pigment melanin that provides skin its color.

Very often melanoma is caused by too much exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. It’s more serious than basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma because of the speed at which it can spread to other organs if not detected and treated early.

Symptoms of melanoma

Melanoma can occur on any area of the skin that’s exposed to the sun, as well as places protected from UV radiation. 

Affected moles are typically asymmetrical and have uneven borders and/or notched edges. Where benign moles are typically a consistent brown, melanoma can be different shades of tan, brown, or black. It may even show white, red, or blue areas as it gets larger. 

Moles that are as big or bigger than a pencil eraser are concerning, as are those that are darker than others found on your body. 

Moles that are new or different in either appearance or behavior, such as itching or bleeding, should be evaluated by us.

Immunotherapy for melanoma

Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer. In some early cases, surgery to remove the melanoma may be all that’s needed. If it spreads beyond the initial location, affected lymph nodes may also need to be removed. In rare cases, radiation or chemotherapy might also be recommended.

Immunotherapy has become a mainstay of therapy for more advanced melanoma. Unlike more traditional treatments that seek to destroy the cancer by attacking it directly, this new-generation treatment uses your body's natural defenses and immune system. 

There are several types of immunotherapy. Those most often used against melanoma are known as checkpoint inhibitors. This type of treatment works by releasing the immune system's natural brake so that its T cells can recognize the tumors and destroy them. At times, your doctor might combine it with other therapies to make it more effective. In general, this type of therapy is well tolerated.

Whether you have an abnormal mole and are seeking a diagnosis or have already been diagnosed and need a medical and surgical expert for treatment, we can help. Call our office or book an appointment online today. We work closely with specialists in melanoma medical oncology to provide our patients the most up-to-date treatment.