DISEASE SCANNER
Global Incurable Diseases Tracker
Metastatic Melanoma
Advanced skin cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or distant organs (stage III/IV). While treatments have dramatically improved survival, metastatic melanoma remains incurable for most patients. Often involves BRAF V600 mutations (~50%).
150.0K
15
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Risk Factors
Diagnostic Methods
- 1Biopsy
- 2Imaging (CT, MRI, PET)
- 3Tumor markers
- 4Genetic testing
- 5Endoscopy
- 6Blood tests
- 7Screening programs
Prognosis
Dramatically improved outcomes with modern immunotherapy. Ipilimumab/nivolumab combination offers 50-60% 3-year survival in treatment-naive patients. BRAF/MEK inhibitors for BRAF-mutant disease offer 12-15 months median progression-free survival. Brain metastases treated with stereotactic radiosurgery have 30-40% 1-year control. Complete responses occur in 15-20% of immunotherapy patients and may be durable long-term. LDH level and number of metastatic sites predict outcome.
Prevention
- Smoking cessation
- Sun protection
- Healthy diet
- Regular exercise
- Vaccination (HPV, HBV)
- Screening programs
- Limit alcohol
- Maintain healthy weight
Research Status
Checkpoint inhibitors (ipilimumab/CTLA-4, pembrolizumab/nivolumab/PD-1) and targeted BRAF/MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib/trametinib, encorafenib/binimetinib) have transformed outcomes. TIL therapy (lifileucel) approved.
Affected Countries
Sources
- https://www.cancer.gov
- https://www.who.int/cancer
- https://www.cancer.org
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult healthcare professionals for medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment.