Clinico-experimental Studies on Radiosensitivity of Malignant Melanoma

Abstract

The variable results obtained in the treatment of malignant melanoma by radiotherapy alone or combined with surgery, have suggested more detailed studies on the radiosensitivity of this tumour. Data on this problem are contradictory and rather scarce because:

• 1. Differences in histological structure and radiobiological reactions of malignant melanomas considerably restrict the comparison of data from different patients.

• 2. These differences also render difficult comparison of changes in the irradiated tumour and non-irradiated metastases, and vice versa, in one and the same patient.

• 3. A systematic histological examination of the primary tumour in a patient cannot be undertaken because of the contraindication of biopsy prior to, during and following irradiation.

• 4. Clinical evaluation only of the effect of ionizing irradiation on malignant melanoma is quite insufficient.

• 5. Data on the radiosensitivity of malignant melanoma in animals cannot be related to malignant melanoma in man because of the biological differences of these tumours.