Adjuvant treatment in stage I and II malignant melanoma: a randomized trial between chemoimmunotherapy and immunotherapy

Dermatologica. 1991;183(1):25-30. doi: 10.1159/000247627.

Abstract

A randomized trial comparing chemoimmunotherapy (bacillus Calmette-Guérin + chemotherapy) and immunotherapy (bacillus Calmette-Guérin alone) was carried out in high-risk stage I and II malignant melanoma patients. Eight-two evaluable patients were included. The follow-up median duration was 11 years. Recurrent melanoma developed in 28 patients (34%). The overall survival rate was 76% at 5 years and 65% at 10 years. There were no statistical differences in survival probability or disease-free survival (DFS) probability between the two treatment groups. Survival and DFS were also analyzed in relation to various prognostic factors. Statistically significant differences were only seen in a subset of 33 patients with lower limb malignant melanoma, the prognosis being better for the chemoimmunotherapy group in this location. Because of the small number of patients in each group, a week positive effect of either of these two treatments cannot be ruled out. Chemoimmunotherapy only seems to improve the prognosis of stage I or II malignant melanoma of the legs.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Comparative Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • BCG Vaccine / therapeutic use*
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Dacarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Melanoma / mortality
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Melanoma / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Skin Neoplasms / mortality
  • Skin Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Vincristine / administration & dosage

Substances

  • BCG Vaccine
  • Vincristine
  • Dacarbazine
  • Hydroxyurea