Melanoma is a type of skin cancer comprised of mutated cells that make up the pigmentation in the skin. These cancerous melanocytes can most commonly be found in skin moles, but may be found in non-pigmented skin as well. The National Cancer Institute reports that melanomas which extend more than 4 mm deep into the skin or have spread require surgery and high-dose chemotherapy. Having chemotherapy after surgery can increase patients' survival rates.
Dacarbazine
The "Core Curriculum of Oncology Nursing" book describes dacarbazine as a type of chemotherapy drug called an alkylating agent. This medication attacks DNA strands and prevents the cancer cell from dividing, which eventually kills the cell. This medication is often used in combination with cisplatin, carmustine and other chemotherapy drugs. Dacarbazine is given through intravenous infusion.
Temodar
Temodar is another ankylating agent that attacks DNA chains and prevents cancer tumors from enlarging. The American Cancer Society describes Temodar as a chemotherapy drug that's similar to dacarbazine, but that can be given in pill form.
Cisplatin
Cisplatin is another alkylating agent, and is made from platinum-based salts. This medication is sometimes given with other chemotherapy drugs such as vinblastine, paclitaxel and dacarbazine. Cisplatin is given through intravenous infusion.
Paclitaxel
Paclitaxel belongs to a family of chemotherapy agents called plant alkaloids. Chemocare.com explains that this medication is made from the bark of the Pacific yew tree. It attacks the cancer cell during division and prevents cell replication. Cisplatin and paclitaxel can combine to make up a treatment regimen for melanoma. Paclitaxel is also given through intravenous infusion.
Nitrosoureas
Nitrosoureas are a type of alkylating agents that interfere with DNA replication and prevent DNA repairs in the cancer cell. Nitrosoureas are unique because they can cross into the brain, which most chemotherapy drugs cannot do. This is helpful for treating melanoma that has spread to the brain. These medications include carmustine, lomustine and semustine, and are typically given through infusion.
Biotherapy
A combination of biologic response modifiers and chemotherapy may be used for advanced melanomas. Biologic response modifiers are synthetic forms of proteins. These modifiers help boost the immune system so that it can fight the cancer on its own. Two commonly used biologic response modifiers include interferon and interleukin 2. These medications are typically given by injection or infusion.
References
- American Cancer Society: Chemotherapy for Melanoma
- "Core Cirriculum for Oncology Nursing"; Itano, J. Ph.D., Taoka, K. M.S.N.; 2005
- National Cancer Insitute: Treatment Overview for Melanoma
- Chemocare.com: Paclitaxel
