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

The local treatment of cutaneous melanoma with surgical excision is well-established; however, the role of adjuvant radiation is not well-defined. Characteristics of the primary melanoma can indicate a higher local recurrence risk and thus warrant consideration of adjuvant treatment to the primary site. Management of the lymph node regions has been studied in some recent clinical trials, especially with the advent of sentinel lymph node procedures. We will review the indications for radiation to the primary site as well as lymph node regions based on the available data.