Where are we with adjuvant therapy of stage III and IV melanoma in 2009?

Abstract

Adjuvant therapy options for advanced melanoma in 2009 remain active observation, high-dose interferon, or clinical trial participation. Close observation is currently the only required adjuvant management, with the purpose of detecting the emergence of regional or metastatic disease early, when surgical management may still be possible. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for the workup and follow-up of all stages of melanoma must be tailored to specific patients by the treating physician. This article explores the factors to consider when individualizing care within the scope of these guidelines.