Concurrent adjuvant radiotherapy and interferon-α2b for resected high risk stage III melanoma - A retrospective single centre study

David E. Gyorki, Jill Ainslie, Michael Lim Joon, Michael A. Henderson, Michael Millward, Grant A. McArthur

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Interferon-α2b (IFNα2b) is the only form of systemic adjuvant therapy for stage III melanoma with documented survival benefit Radiotherapy can also be utilized in the adjuvant setting in patients at high risk of nodal basin recurrence. As IFNα2b is associated with substantial toxicity, we sought to determine both the systemic and radiation-related toxicities in patients treated with combined adjuvant IFNα2b and regional adjuvant radiotherapy delivered in the setting of a single institution. Eighteen consecutive patients who commenced adjuvant IFNα2b between November 1997 and August 2002 were analysed retrospectively for toxicities associated with the combination of IFNα2b and adjuvant radiotherapy (40-50 Gy in 15-25 fractions) to nodal basins delivered during the maintenance phase of IFNα2b therapy (median dose during radiotherapy of 6.5 MU/m2 three times per week). Seven out of 18 patients who received concurrent radiotherapy and IFNα2b displayed grade 3 skin reactions. Severe radiation-induced toxicity was seen in three further patients, one who developed radiation pneumonitis, one who developed severe oral mucositis, and one who developed wound dehiscence that took 10 months to resolve. Non-radiation-related toxicity to IFNα2b therapy was typical for this dose and schedule. We conclude that concurrent use of adjuvant radiotherapy and IFNα2b may enhance radiation-induced toxicity. However, overall we found concurrent radiation and IFNα2b could be safely delivered with appropriate clinical monitoring.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)223-230
Number of pages8
JournalMelanoma Research
Volume14
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2004
Externally publishedYes

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