Dr. Schuchter Discusses the Treatment of Melanoma

Lynn M. Schuchter, MD, Chief, Hematology Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, discusses the treatment of advanced melanoma.

Schuchter notes that it is important to determine the BRAF status of every patient with advanced melanoma. If a patient has a large disease burden, a physician should start treatment with targeted therapy to achieve a fast response. Conversely, if a patient is not in need of immediate treatment, immunotherapy should be considered.

Schuchter says that it is truly remarkable that chemotherapy is no longer considered in the first or second line. Data presented at this year's ASCO meeting enhances the knowledge of the impact of new immunotherapies.