The role of radiation therapy in the management of cutaneous melanoma.

Radiation therapy plays an integral role in the management of melanoma. Radiation therapy is infrequently needed for the treatment of the primary site, but there are occasions when it is appropriate. The role of adjuvant radiation therapy to resected nodal basins is becoming clearer from recent randomized data for patients at high risk. The role of radiotherapy combined with radiosensitizers, biologic or with hyperthermia, continues to evolve. Radiation therapy plays a vital role in the treatment of brain metastases and is useful for other systemic metastases. Emerging technology such as stereotactic radiation therapy may be useful in achieving durable palliation for selected patients.