Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 5/23/2009

Question
My friend had a melanoma removed from her neck 5 years ago.  4 months
ago she was diagnosed with a brain tumor which has since been removed.  
She then was treated with one dose of radiation using 3 metal balls implanted
in her skull.  The radiation seemed successful however when she returned for
her 2 month follow up there were four new cancerous growths.  Now her
doctor has recommended radiation of her full skull.  What typically is the
success rate for this type of treatment?  What would you imagine would be a
good "alternative" treatment in conjunction with the radiation?  Is there a
specialist in the United States that perhaps you could recommend to us?
Thank you,
Carolyn Thayer

Answer
If it is her old malignant melanoma that has reappeared now in her brain I have unfortunately not much to offer. Malignant melanomas are usually not very sensitive to radiation therapy or chemotherapy - so the offered treatments must be regarded as a kind of "last resort" when there is nothing else to offer. Interesting and promising experiments in immunotherapy of malignant melanomas are going on but are still very experimental. There is NO "alternative treatment" with any proved record of success! The lack of success in situations like this is unfortunately the same all over the world. I'm sorry I have nothing better to tell you!