Whole-brain radiotherapy in patients with brain metastases from melanoma.

Overview

AIMS: To describe results of melanoma brain metastases (BM) treated with whole-brain radiation (WBRT). METHODS: Retrospective review of patients with melanoma BM treated with WBRT divided into two groups based on the timing of WBRT (at BM diagnosis or recurrence). RESULTS: We identified 61 patients with melanoma BM who received WBRT. For the group treated at diagnosis (n = 39): median overall survival was 3 months; best radiographic response included one partial response, ten stable disease, 18 progressive disease, and ten no follow-up imaging. For the group treated at recurrence (n = 22): median overall survival was 3 months; best radiographic response was three partial response, four stable disease, eight progressive disease, and seven no follow-up imaging. CONCLUSION: WBRT activity was limited; however, its role in symptom palliation is unclear.