Adverse Effects of Modern Treatment of Malignant Melanoma and their Treatment/ Management

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanoma belongs to the most deadly human tumours and despite all preventive programs its incidence continues to rise. Until 2011, chemotherapy was the only therapeutic option for inoperable or metastatic disease in the Czech Republic. However, new treatment modalities (e. g. targeted therapy) have been introduced recently. AIM: Since most of the modern drugs are still available only in clinical trials, the aim of this article is to provide a brief and comprehensive review of current treatment options for metastatic disease. The attention is focused on their potential side effects, so that doctors who do not usually deal with these drugs would get acquainted with them. This could contribute to a prompt management of associated symptoms or an early referral of the patient to an appropriate clinical centre without undue delay.