Palliative therapy of stage IV malignant melanoma

摘要

abstract_textpThe incidence of malignant melanoma continues to rise steadily and is one of the 10 most frequent solid tumors in Germany. Prognosis correlates basicly with the vertical thickness of the primary tumor and the dimension of the lymphogenic and haematologic metastasis. Cure rates in early stages are high. However if distant metastasis are present treatment is palliative and is aimed at achieving tumor remission, keeping stable disease or reaching regression of the metastatic tumor by operative, radiological und chemo(immuno) therapeutical means. All therapeutical interventions have not shown any clear influence on overall survival. New innovative therapeutical approaches are therefore under investigation based on the rising knowledge of tumor biology, tumor immunology and the pathophysiological mechanisms of the tumor stroma. This article will give an overview of the commonly used therapeutic options./p/abstract_text