Immunotherapy for Melanoma

With immunotherapy for melanoma, cytokines are used to help the body's defenses fight cancer or reduce side effects caused by treatments such as chemotherapy. This also may be prescribed after surgery to help prevent melanoma from recurring. Potential side effects include flu-like symptoms, weakness, and loss of appetite. Although the side effects can be severe, they generally go away after immunotherapy for melanoma is complete.

Melanoma Treatments

Immunotherapy for Melanoma: An Overview

Immunotherapy for melanoma (also called biological therapy) is a form of treatment that uses the body's immune system, either directly or indirectly, to fight cancer or to reduce side effects caused by some cancer treatments.

Immunotherapy for melanoma uses substances called cytokines. The body normally produces cytokines in small amounts in response to infections and other diseases. However, by using modern laboratory techniques, scientists can produce cytokines in large amounts.

Indications of Immunotherapy for Melanoma

In some cases, immunotherapy for melanoma given after surgery can help prevent the disease from recurring. For patients with metastatic melanoma or a high risk of recurrence, interferon alpha and interleukin-2 (also called IL-2 or aldesleukin) may be recommended after surgery.

(Click Surgery for Melanoma for more information about this type of melanoma treatment.)

Side Effects of Immunotherapy for Melanoma

The side effects of immunotherapy for melanoma vary with the type of treatment. Common side effects include:

Flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, and muscle aches
Weakness
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Skin rash.

Side effects of immunotherapy for melanoma can be severe, but they tend to go away after treatment stops.