Role of Radiation in the Era of Effective Systemic Therapy for Melanoma

Abstract

The role of radiation therapy in melanoma has evolved over the last few decades. There has been a dramatic improvement in radiation delivery with the introduction of intensity-modulated radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and stereotactic body radiation therapy/stereotactic radiation therapy. More recently, with the introduction of immunotherapy in various malignancies, including melanoma, the role of radiation therapy is being reevaluated. This article describes the evolution of the role of radiation therapy from nonimmunotherapy to the era of immunotherapy.

Keywords: Cancer; Immunotherapy; Melanoma; Radiation; Systemic therapy.