How to Understand the Standard of Care for Stage II Melanoma Patients

AIM at Melanoma hosts this special presentation with guest, Jason J. Luke, MD, FACP, director, Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, associate professor of medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, who discusses the standard of care for Stage II Melanoma patients in 2022. You can watch the webinar Here.

-FDA Approval of KEYTRUDA for Stage IIB and IIC Melanoma Patients;
-What did the clinical trial show?
-What does the treatment entail?
-Are there other clinical trials for stage 2B and 2C being done right now?
-How do you determine what is the best option for you?
-A dedicated question-and-answer session during the webinar will provide an opportunity for attendees to converse and ask questions about the FDA approval.

View past webinars: https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/melanom...

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is one of the most aggressive forms of cancer. It develops when the pigment-producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes, become cancerous. Stage II melanoma refers to cases where the cancer has spread beyond the original site but has not yet reached the lymph nodes or distant organs. Understanding the standard of care for stage II melanoma patients is crucial for both patients and healthcare providers to ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

The standard of care for stage II melanoma patients involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes surgical intervention, adjuvant therapy, and regular follow-up care. The primary treatment modality for stage II melanoma is surgical excision. This involves removing both the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it to ensure complete removal. The size and depth of the tumor determine how much surrounding tissue needs to be excised.

In addition to surgery, adjuvant therapy may be recommended for certain stage II melanoma patients. Adjuvant therapy aims to eliminate any remaining cancer cells that may have spread beyond the primary tumor site but are undetectable by imaging tests or physical examination. One commonly used adjuvant therapy is immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors such as pembrolizumab or nivolumab. These drugs enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells.

Another option for adjuvant therapy is targeted therapy with BRAF inhibitors such as vemurafenib or dabrafenib in combination with MEK inhibitors like trametinib or cobimetinib. These drugs specifically target genetic mutations found in some melanomas and can effectively inhibit their growth.

Determining which adjuvant therapy is appropriate depends on various factors such as tumor characteristics, genetic mutations present, and overall health status of the patient. Healthcare providers consider these factors along with potential side effects and patient preferences when making treatment decisions.

Regular follow-up care is essential for stage II melanoma patients to monitor for disease recurrence or metastasis. Follow-up visits typically include physical examinations, imaging tests, and blood work to detect any signs of cancer recurrence. The frequency and duration of follow-up visits may vary depending on individual patient factors and the specific treatment received.

Understanding the standard of care for stage II melanoma patients also involves recognizing the importance of early detection and prevention. Regular skin self-examinations can help individuals identify any suspicious moles or changes in existing moles that may indicate melanoma. Seeking prompt medical attention for any concerning skin lesions is crucial in ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment.

Furthermore, practicing sun safety measures such as wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and avoiding tanning beds can significantly reduce the risk of developing melanoma.

Understanding the standard of care for stage II melanoma patients is vital in providing optimal treatment outcomes. Surgical excision remains the primary treatment modality, while adjuvant therapy with immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be recommended based on individual patient factors. Regular follow-up care is essential to monitor for disease recurrence or metastasis. Additionally, early detection through regular self-examinations and practicing sun safety measures are crucial in preventing melanoma development. By adhering to these standards of care, healthcare providers can effectively manage stage II melanoma patients' health while promoting their overall well-being.