Chemotherapy for Melanoma

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body in order to kill cancer cells. The side effects from the chemotherapy come from the fact that it destroys normal cells, as well.

Chemotherapy may be given either alone or along with surgery, immunotherapy medicines or radiation therapy. Chemotherapy is usually given by vein, but some forms can be given by mouth as well. Your medical oncologist will tell you how many cycles or courses of chemotherapy are best for you.

The most common agents used for treating melanoma are dacarbazine, temozolomide, cisplatin, and carmustine. Other agents may also be used. They may be delivered systemically or to an isolated area by perfusion techniques that introduce the drug into the main blood vessels supplying the area (usually a limb) that contains the tumor.

The side effects and amount of time required in the doctor’s office depend on the type of chemotherapy you receive, as well as how many cycles you receive and how often. The most common chemotherapy-associated side effects are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Hair loss
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea