Management of cerebral metastases from malignant melanoma: Results of a combined, simultaneous treatment with fotemustine and irradiation

We report results of a conservative treatment for brain metastases from mal ignant melanoma with a combination of irradiation and chemotherapy (fotemus tine and/or DTIC). To date, 12 patients have been treated. There was a comp lete remission of the brain metastases in four patients. In two patients a partial remission was observed. The mean survival of the responder was 8.2 months (95% confidence interval 3.8-12.6 months). The most common side effe cts were thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, and alopecia. Altogether, the treatm ent was well tolerated. As the outcome of patients with brain metastases fr om malignant melanoma is generally poor, this combined chemo- and radiation therapy may provide improved care for such patients.