Adjuvant radiotherapy for melanoma metastatic to axillary and inguinal nodes: Regional tumor control and late effects

Abstract

Background: Adjuvant radiotherapy reduces nodal recurrence in metastatic melanoma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of adjuvant radiotherapy on in-field nodal control of melanoma metastatic to axillary and inguinal lymph nodes. Methods: The medical records of patients who received adjuvant radiotherapy from January 1, 2003, through December 31, 2011, at Mayo Clinic were reviewed. Results: In the 20 patients identified, the rates of 2-year overall survival, nodal control, and freedom from distant metastases were 53%, 54%, and 44%, respectively. Intensity-modulated radiotherapy was used in 15 patients (75%) and 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in 5 (25%). Disease progression was documented in 13 patients, with a total of 10 distant metastases and 6 in-field nodal recurrences. Treatment complications occurred in 14 patients: lymphedema, 9; lymphedema and fibrosis, 1; lymphedema and wound dehiscence, 1; wound dehiscence, 1; lymphedema and seroma, 1; and lymphedema, seroma, and fibrosis, 1. Conclusion: Patients with axillary and inguinal nodal metastases from melanoma have poor overall survival. Surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy provided a 54% nodal control rate. No plexopathy or grade 3 lymphedema complications were seen; however, 20% developed wound dehiscence.