UAB Division of Surgical Oncology Assistant Professor Kristy Broman, M.D., M.P.H., FACS, and UAB Division of Hematology and Oncology Associate Professor John Dubay, M.D., joined UAB MedCast to examine treatments and therapies for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.

Melanoma is a cancer of the melanocytes, cells that generate pigment in the skin. Though less common than other types of skin cancer, providers have observed an increase in melanoma as the population ages. Common symptoms include changes in or the development of moles.

Dr. Broman says that melanoma is a deadly cancer, but in the wake of recent advances in medications and treatments for patients, the overall survival rate has improved dramatically in the last decade.

A melanoma diagnosis is based primarily on an examination by a dermatologist and a biopsy conducted on the affected area, alongside a detailed review of the patient’s medical history and a comprehensive physical. Depending on the patient’s symptoms, the patient may be treated by either a surgical oncologist or a medical oncologist.

In addition to surgery, Dr. Dubay identifies several effective treatments for the disease, including systemic immunotherapy, oral medications, and cellular (TIL) therapy, a new treatment at UAB that will soon be available to patients with advanced melanoma.

With these treatments, patients can live for years after being diagnosed with melanoma, even with an advanced disease.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

Written by: Nausicaa Chu