Radiation Therapy for Melanoma

Overview
Radiation therapy is a treatment method that uses high-energy rays or particles, like X-rays, to kill cancer cells. While it’s not commonly used for treating melanoma skin cancer, there are specific situations where it may be beneficial. These include treating certain early-stage melanomas when surgery isn’t an option, as an adjuvant treatment after surgery for types of melanoma with a high risk of recurrence (returning), such as desmoplastic melanoma, and in areas where lymph nodes were removed during surgery. It’s also used for melanoma that has returned post-surgery or spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain or bones. 

Radiation therapy also may be used to relieve symptoms caused by the spread of melanoma to other parts of the body, particularly to the brain or bones.

What does it involve?
Radiation therapy for melanoma is typically administered through external beam radiation therapy, where the radiation comes from a source outside the body. The process begins with a planning session, known as simulation, to determine the correct angles and doses for the radiation beams. The treatment schedule depends on the treatment goals and the melanoma’s location.

The treatment is similar to getting an X-ray but involves stronger radiation. It’s a painless process, with each session lasting only a few minutes, though setup time can be longer.

Two specialized forms of radiation therapy are also sometimes used:
 • Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS): This method, which doesn’t involve actual surgery, is used for tumors that have spread to the brain. SRS delivers high doses of radiation precisely to the tumor. It can be delivered using a Gamma Knife or a linear accelerator, with the recipient’s head held in place by a frame or mask.
 • Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT): SBRT is similar to SRS but used for tumors in other body parts where cancer may spread, such as the lungs or spine.

Side effects
Side effects of radiation therapy are generally confined to the treated area and may include sunburn-like skin issues and color changes, hair loss, fatigue, and nausea. 

Speak with your health care provider as to what site-specific side effects you may experience.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Radiation Therapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer — American Cancer Society

Radiation Therapy Side Effects — American Cancer Society