More than 75,000 individuals in the United States are expected to develop melanoma each year.
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More than 75,000 individuals in the United States are expected to develop melanoma each year.
Melanoma is a cancer of melanocytes, pigment-producing cells in the skin, mucous membranes, and a specific part of the eye called the uvea. Although most melanomas arise in the skin, they can also occur in the mucosa of the head and neck, the female genital tract, the gastrointestinal tract, and the central nervous system. Sun exposure seems to increase the risk of melanoma of the skin. The 5-year survival rate of melanoma is >93% overall but drops to about 18% for patients diagnosed with distant metastases.
Depending on the stage at which a patient is diagnosed, treatment options can include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, plus hyperthermia. Like so many other cancers, the initial stage strongly correlates with the risk of recurrence, as well as the outcome of treatments. The earlier melanoma in Irvine is diagnosed, the more likely it can be cured.
Research has demonstrated that when combined with radiation therapy, hyperthermia increases the likelihood of a complete response in melanoma cancers by upwards of 50%. In broad terms, hyperthermia uses targeted heat to disrupt cell membranes and increases blood flow to the tumor, making the tumor more sensitive and vulnerable both to your body’s natural immune defenses and to other cancer therapies.
Hyperthermia can be added at any time to one’s melanoma cancer treatment in Irvine. However, it is most effective when initiated as soon as the patient begins receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Newer therapies, such as immunotherapy, might be advantageous for some patients when combined with hyperthermia.
Most patients can expect to tolerate hyperthermia treatment well. There are virtually no side effects, and hyperthermia has no known adverse effects on normal tissue. Adding hyperthermia can maximize the effectiveness of your therapeutic regimen without risking sensitive surrounding organs.
Hyperthermia increases the likelihood of a complete response in melanoma cancers by upwards of 50% when combined with radiation therapy.
Breast Vernon CC et al. and van der Zee et al., Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys. 1996; 35(4) 731-744 Head & Neck Valdagni et al., Int. J. Radiation Oncology Biol. Phys. 1994; 28: 163-169
Melanoma Overgaard J et al., Int. J. Hyperthermia 1996; 12(1): 3-20 Cervical van der Zee et al. Int. J. Hyperthermia 2002; 18(1): 1-12, Berdov, BA and Menteshashvili, GZ.
Thermoradiotherapy of patients with locally advanced carcinoma of the rectum. Int. J. Hyperthermia 1990; 6(5): 881-890
It can be difficult to research cancer treatments due to the sheer amount of information available. Our cancer center in Irvine has a selection of studies from trusted sources to help you learn more.