Complete metastasectomy in patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma

Abstract

Patients with stage IV melanoma have traditionally been managed with various systemic treatments; however, overall survival with this approach has been disappointing. Findings of many retrospective, single-institution, and multicentre studies suggest that participants treated with complete metastasectomy for stage IV metastases have enhanced overall 5-year survival. Complete surgical resection of metastatic disease to stage IV sites-including skin, soft tissue, distant lymph nodes, lungs, or other non-CNS visceral regions-offers the best chance for prolonged survival. This Review will present data lending support to the idea that if complete surgical metastasectomy is technically feasible, then surgery should be the first option for properly selected patients with stage IV melanoma.