Improved systemic chemotherapy for malignant melanoma

Abstract

Systemic chemotherapeutic agents are now available which are effective for palliation in some patients with malignant melanoma. No longer can it be said that only surgery has a proved place in the treatment of melanoma [22]. Response rates of 20 per cent or more have been reported with such agents as dimethyl triazeno imidazole carboxamide (DTIC) and BCNU, alone or in combination with other agents. Presently most of these agents are still classified as investigational. Forty-eight patients treated with ninety-four courses of chemotherapy at the University of Colorado Medical Center were reviewed. Objective responses were observed with thirteen courses of therapy in twelve patients as follows: DTIC, nine of thirty-two courses (28 per cent); BCNU, three of seven courses (43 per cent); and hydroxyurea, one of seven courses (14 per cent). Complications occurred in thirteen of the ninety-four courses (13 per cent).