Question 1

please describe treatment options for metastatic melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Melanoma tx: Treatment options for metastatic melanoma will include:

yervoy ( ipilimumab) vs zelboraf ( vemurafenib)-a b-raf inhibitor- only if a b-raf mutation is detected; vs clinical trial vs il-2 ( interleukin 2 (aldesleukin) ) for a limited/selected group of people vs. Other systemic cheno vs palliative care only/hospice.  Please discuss with your oncologist the best treatment for you.

Question 2

what are treatment options for somebody with metastatic melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Melanoma treatment: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/melanoma/healthprofessional/page9
i recommend you go to the above site at the nci as there is not enough space to adequately discuss metastatic melanoma therapy.

Question 3

what are the treatment options for malignant melanoma cancer?

Accepted Answer

Many: The treatment for melanoma involves removing the primary site with a margin depending on the depth of the melanoma. In addition for high risk lesion a sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed. If these lymph node contains melanoma the remainder of the lymph nodes are removed from that basin. Treatment for distant disease can involve surgery, chemotherapy and or immunotherapy.

Question 4

how much will melanoma treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

Stage dependent : Thin, early stage melanoma is treated just by removing a zone of skin.  This is rather inexpensive compared to thevtreatment for later stage disease which requires brain MRI and pet scans.

Question 5

is there a drug treatment for melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Yes: It has been an exciting year in melanoma.  There were two new melanoma drugs approved last year and one of these agents was able to demonstrate a survival benefit, something which has not been demonstrated in over 20 years.

Question 6

how long does the melanoma treatment last?

Accepted Answer

It depends: It depends on what treatment you are talking about.  Interferon is given over a course of a year, usually, although some doctors favor giving it over one month.  Vemurafenib can be given as long as there is a response. Ipilimumab is given every 3 weeks for a total to 4 doses.

Question 7

what is the best new treatment for melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Currently, surgical excision is the standard of care.  However, depending on the stage of a patient's melanoma there are some new treatments that may show promise for the future. Vemurafenib is one such treatment, but it is used in a very specific set of patients. Melanoma vaccines are also theoretically possible but have not been very successful to date.

Question 8

what is a good treatment for recurrent melanoma?

Accepted Answer

Recurrent Melanoma: This is a condition that requires in many cases agressive care with an oncologist and surgeon team with a special interest with melanoma treatment. Often a University Affiliated program with specific treatment protocols are of beneift. 
Seeking a second opinion by an expert that specializes in Melanoma treatment is helpful.

Question 9

what are the symptoms without treatment having melanoma?

Accepted Answer

None to many: The symptoms will depend on the extent, location and stage of the disease as well as the presence of distant metastases.

Question 10

a person survived melanoma without treatment for 20 years?

Accepted Answer

Unusual, but: Without knowing many more details it's impossible to guess - bt strange single cases do occur. Each person must deal w/ such a Dx in their best way and with the support of good doctors if possible.

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Melanoma treatment options

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Please describe treatment options for metastatic melanoma?

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What are treatment options for somebody with metastatic melanoma?

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What are the treatment options for malignant melanoma cancer?

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How much will melanoma treatment cost?

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Is there a drug treatment for melanoma?

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How long does the melanoma treatment last?

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What is the best new treatment for melanoma?

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What is a good treatment for recurrent melanoma?

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What are the symptoms without treatment having melanoma?

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A person survived melanoma without treatment for 20 years?

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