Proton Radiotherapy for Malignant Melanoma of the Skin

Abstract

Background: Malignant melanoma, a tumor with reduced radiosensitivity, has been suggested to be overcome by a high-dose fractionation radiotherapy. The proton beam presents physical characteristics that enable such high-dose irradiation. Objective: Our aim is to answer whether or not the proton beam can provide useful treatment for cutaneous melanoma. Methods: Five primary melanomas (4 acral lentiginous and 1 superficial spreading type) and 3 metastatic lymph nodes of 3 different patients were irradiated using the proton beam with a total dose of around 100 Gy fractionated into single doses of approximately 10 Gy. Results: All the macular lesions and a tumor lesion of primary melanoma disappeared completely, and other tumor lesions regressed by 80–90%. The 3 metastatic lymph nodes also regressed by 50–90%. No severe radiation-related complication occurred. Conclusion: Proton radiotherapy may prove to be a useful therapeutic modality for the management of cutaneous malignant melanoma.

Relationship between facial skin problems with a focus on inflammatory cytokines and the presence of Malassezia in 1-month-old infants

“…Generally, natural immunity responds more rapidly than acquired immunity. In the skin, IL-8 is mainly produced by keratinocytes and is responsible for natural immunity; IL-4 and IL-17 are produced by cells responsible for acquired immunity, whereas IL-6 is produced by cells responsible for both natural and acquired immunity 35 . Of the four inflammatory cytokines evaluated in this study, IL-8 was produced most rapidly, suggesting that the presence of IL-8 signals is associated with infantile facial skin problems at the time of the study.…”

Long-term outcome of cutaneous melanoma patients treated with boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT)

“…Umebayashi et al . [ 33 ] reported the preliminary results of proton beam radiotherapy for cutaneous melanoma. Five primary melanomas and three metastatic lymph nodes were irradiated using a proton beam with a total dose of ~100 Gy, fractionated into single doses of ~10 Gy.…”

Results of carbon ion radiotherapy for skin carcinomas in 45 patients

“…Especially, the patients had recurrent tumours that were considered more difficult to control with surgery or conventional photon RT. However, protons and carbon ions have been reported to be a useful tool for improving local control and overall survival of MM with poor radiosensitivity 29–32 . Umebayashi et al.…”

“…Umebayashi et al. 30 treated eight patients with skin MM with protons (total dose ∼100 Gy in fractions of ∼10 Gy). The tumour lesions regressed by 50–100% and no severe radiation‐related complication occurred.…”

“…However, protons and carbon ions have been reported to be a useful tool for improving local control and overall survival of MM with poor radiosensitivity. [29][30][31][32] Umebayashi et al 30 treated eight patients with skin MM with protons (total dose~100 Gy in fractions of~10 Gy). The tumour lesions regressed by 50-100% and no severe radiation-related complication occurred.…”