Regional Radiotherapy as Adjuvant Treatment for Head and Neck Malignant Melanoma: Preliminary Results

Abstract

• From 1983 through 1988, 83 patients with high-risk cutaneous malignant melanoma (primary lesion thicker than 1.5 mm or palpable lymphadenopathy) of the head and neck region were enrolled in a study designed to assess the efficacy of a few large doses of radiation (24 to 30 Gy in 4 to 5 fractions). The actuarial 2-year locoregional control rates for the three groups were 95%, 90%, and 83%, respectively. Corresponding survival rates were 80%, 71%, and 69%. The majority of failures were due to distant metastases. Locoregional control rates were better than those reported earlier with surgery alone for comparable patients. The treatment morbidity was minimal. (Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 1990;116:169-172)