Adjuvant therapy for patients with high-risk malignant melanoma

The role of adjuvant therapy in the treatment of patients with high-risk malignant melanoma remains an area of intense investigation. The initial enthusiasm for high-dose interferon has been tempered by the results of more recent studies that allow for conflicting interpretations. Vaccine therapy trials have failed to clearly demonstrate a survival benefit, although several trials are currently ongoing. Recent studies of the role of chemotherapy suggest there may be combinations that have a survival benefit which deserve further study. This article will address patient selection and staging workup, and review options for treatment.