Melanoma Treatment Options: A Comprehensive Guide to Alternative and Integrative Therapies
Melanoma, when caught early, has a high survival rate.
However, once it metastasizes, it becomes a much more complex challenge.
Integrating conventional medical treatments with evidence-based integrative oncology and carefully considered alternative therapies can play a crucial role in enhancing well-being and potentially improving outcomes.
This guide aims to provide a thorough understanding of melanoma and explore the diverse range of alternative treatments available. It’s vital to remember that you must consult with your oncologist or medical doctor before beginning any new treatments.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. These cells are primarily located in the skin but can also be found in other areas, such as the eyes, nails, and mucous membranes (like the lining of the mouth and nose).While it's less common than some other skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Alternative Treatment Options for Melanoma
While conventional treatments like surgery, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies form the foundation of melanoma care, many individuals seek complimentary approaches to enhance their well-being and potentially support their treatment journey.
Cutting Edge Melanoma Treatments Available at Specialized Alternative clinics
This involves precisely heating localized melanoma tumors to damage cancer cells, often used with radiation or chemotherapy to boost their effectiveness.
By raising the temperature of specific areas of the body to 104-109°F, this therapy can enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy and radiation while directly impacting cancer cells.
Research suggests that hyperthermia improves melanoma treatment by:
- Boosting chemotherapy efficacy – Heat increases cancer cells' sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs.
- Enhancing radiation therapy – Hyperthermia disrupts cancer cells’ ability to repair DNA damage caused by radiation, potentially improving treatment outcomes.
Studies on human malignant melanoma (A375) cells have shown that hyperthermia:
- Induces cancer cell death by activating multiple apoptotic pathways.
- Increases the effectiveness of commonly used Melanoma medications.
As research continues, hyperthermia may play an increasingly significant role in personalized melanoma treatment, offering hope for patients with limited conventional options.
Oncolytic virus therapy (T-VEC)
This uses a modified herpes simplex virus that selectively targets and destroys melanoma cells when injected directly into lesions. Although FDA-approved, it's often considered an alternative to standard systemic therapies.
Adoptive cell transfer (TIL therapy)
This is a highly personalized immunotherapy. TILs are extracted from the patient's own tumor, expanded in a laboratory, and then infused back into the patient. Due to its complexity, TIL therapy is generally available only at specialized cancer centers such as this.
Researchers are also examining the potential of phytochemicals and herbal remedies:
Phytochemicals And Herbal Remedies
Cannabis and Melanoma: Emerging Research
Recent studies suggest that cannabis compounds may help slow melanoma, one of the most aggressive skin cancers. A 2024 study found that a cannabis extract, PHEC-66, reduced melanoma cell growth and increased cell death. THC and CBD also weakened melanoma cells by triggering apoptosis (programmed cell death) and increasing oxidative stress. In animal studies, cannabinoids slowed tumor growth. Research suggests that cannabis may help limit metastasis and enhance conventional treatments while also providing relief from pain, nausea, and inflammation. A clinical trial is currently studying its effects on immune responses in melanoma patients.
Considering herbal support for your melanoma care? Schedule your personalized consultation to explore how plant-based strategies can complement your treatment plan. Get in touch with us 👉 here. 👈
A compound found in grapes and red wine, is being investigated for its potential to inhibit melanoma cell growth and induce apoptosis (programmed cell death). Preclinical studies have shown that resveratrol may interfere with various signaling pathways involved in melanoma progression. Researchers are also exploring whether resveratrol can enhance the effectiveness of conventional melanoma treatments.
Studies show that green tea extract reduces melanoma cell growth, triggers apoptosis (cell death), and stops cancer from invading new areas. It also blocks harmful enzymes linked to cancer progression and protects cells from damage.
The active compound in turmeric, has shown promise in fighting melanoma by slowing tumor growth, blocking cancer cell spread, and triggering apoptosis (cell death). Studies suggest it works by shutting down key survival pathways in melanoma cells, preventing them from multiplying and forming new blood vessels. In lab research, curcumin reduced melanoma cell growth, and in animal studies, it significantly shrank tumors without major side effects.
Modified citrus pectin (MCP)
The soluble fiber derived from citrus fruit peels. Some studies suggest that MCP may inhibit melanoma metastasis by interfering with galectin-3, a protein involved in cancer progression.
Repurposed Medications for Melanoma
The field of melanoma treatment is constantly evolving, with researchers and clinicians exploring innovative approaches to improve patient outcomes. One such area involves the use of "repurposed" medications – drugs already approved for other conditions that are being investigated and sometimes prescribed for their potential anti-cancer effects in melanoma. This strategy can offer new avenues for treatment, often with a faster path to clinical use since these drugs have established safety profiles.
It's crucial to emphasize that while some oncologists may prescribe these medications, this should always occur within a carefully monitored treatment plan. Repurposed medications are not a replacement for standard melanoma therapies and should be used under the guidance of a qualified oncologist.
Examples of repurposed medications that are being explored and, in some cases, prescribed for melanoma include:
- Metformin: Commonly used for type 2 diabetes, Metformin has shown promise in melanoma treatment by slowing tumor growth and improving patient outcomes. A 2023 study found that diabetic melanoma patients taking metformin had lower recurrence rates and a reduced risk of brain metastases. Research suggests metformin fights melanoma by blocking cancer cell growth, stopping cell division, and triggering apoptosis (cell death).. While it is not yet a standard treatment, researchers are exploring its potential as an add-on therapy for early-stage melanoma and in combination with immunotherapy for advanced cases. More clinical trials are needed, but metformin’s safety, affordability, and potential anti-cancer effects make it a promising candidate for future melanoma treatments.
- Mebendazole (MBZ), a common medicine for treating parasites, is being studied as a possible treatment for melanoma. Scientists have found that it disrupts cancer cells, causes them to self-destruct, and blocks tumors from growing new blood vessels. In lab tests, MBZ killed melanoma cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed and worked even better when combined with chemotherapy or radiation. It also helped slow the spread of cancer in animals. Since mebendazole has been safely used for years with few side effects, researchers believe it could be repurposed for cancer treatment. However more clinical trials are needed to see if it can become a standard cancer therapy.
- Beta-blockers: Typically prescribed for cardiovascular conditions, beta-blockers are being studied for their potential to interfere with signaling pathways that promote melanoma progression. In select cases, oncologists might consider their use, particularly if a patient has a comorbid heart condition.
- Disulfiram: This medication, used in the treatment of alcoholism, is showing promise in laboratory studies of melanoma. Due to those promising studies, some oncologists are beginning to prescribe this medication.
The use of repurposed medications for melanoma is an evolving area of research and clinical practice. These medications may have side effects and can interact with other drugs. It is essential to have an open discussion with your oncologist regarding any potential use of repurposed medications to ensure safety and appropriate monitoring.
Image source: British Journal of Cancer
Diet & Supplements
Nutritional Support: Fueling Your Body for Healing
A well-planned diet can play a significant role in supporting your overall health during and after melanoma treatment. It can help boost your immune system, manage side effects, and promote healing.
Focus on Whole, Unprocessed Foods:
Emphasize a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. Include lean proteins like fish, poultry, and legumes to support tissue repair and immune function. Choose whole grains over refined grains for sustained energy and fiber.
Key Nutrients for Melanoma Support
| Nutrient | Benefits | Source |
| Vitamin D | Supports immune function and bone health. Consider supplementation if levels are low, under the guidance of your healthcare provider. | Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fortified foods, and sun exposure (with caution). |
| Antioxidants | Combats cellular damage from free radicals. | Berries, leafy greens, colorful vegetables, and dark chocolate (in moderation). |
| Omega-3 Fatty Acids | Reduces inflammation and supports immune function. | Fatty fish, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts. |
| Protein | Essential for tissue repair, immune function, and maintaining muscle mass. | Lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, lentils, and tofu. |
A registered dietitian specializing in oncology can create a personalized meal plan based on your specific needs and treatment. They can help manage treatment-related side effects, such as nausea, loss of appetite, and weight changes. They can also help you understand any potential interactions between food and medications.
Standard Treatment Options for Melanoma
The approach to treating melanoma is tailored to the stage of the cancer and the individual's overall health. Here's an overview of standard medical treatments:
- Surgical excision: The primary treatment for early-stage melanoma involves surgically removing the tumor and a small margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
- Lymph node dissection: If melanoma has spread to lymph nodes, they may be surgically removed. This procedure helps to prevent further spread of the cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Drugs that boost the body's immune system to fight cancer, such as checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab).
- Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations in melanoma cells, such as BRAF and MEK inhibitors (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib).
- Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells. Radiation therapy may be used in certain cases, such as when melanoma has spread to the brain or bones, or when surgery is not an option.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy drugs are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While less commonly used for melanoma than other cancers, chemotherapy may be an option in certain advanced cases.
Symptoms of Melanoma
The most common sign of melanoma is a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth. Here are the ABCDEs of melanoma:
| Feature | Description |
| Asymmetry | One half of the mole does not match the other half. |
| Border | The edges of the mole are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred. |
| Color | The mole has uneven colors, including shades of black, brown, tan, white, red, or blue. |
| Diameter | The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser), though can sometimes be smaller. |
| Evolving | The mole is changing in size, shape, or color. |
Other signs could include:
- A sore that doesn't heal.
- Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into the surrounding skin.
- Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of the mole.
- Change in sensation, such as itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
- Change in the surface of a mole, such as oozing, bleeding, or the3 appearance of a bump or nodule.
What are the Different Stages of Melanoma?
Melanoma is staged based on the thickness of the tumor, whether it has spread to lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized to distant organs:
| Stage | Description |
| Stage 0 | Melanoma confined to the epidermis (top layer of skin). |
| Stage I | Melanoma deeper in the skin, but no spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. |
| Stage II | Thicker melanoma, may have high-risk features, but no spread to lymph nodes or distant sites. |
| Stage III | Melanoma spread to nearby lymph nodes or in-transit. |
| Stage IV | Melanoma metastasized to distant organs (lungs, liver, brain). |
Survival Rate of Melanoma
Survival rates for melanoma vary depending on the stage at diagnosis. Early detection significantly improves prognosis.
| Stage | 5-Year Survival Rate (Approximate) |
| Stage 0 | Nearly 100% |
| Stage I | About 99% |
| Stage II | About 80-90% |
| Stage III | About 40-70% |
| Stage IV | About 15-20% |
These are general statistics, and individual outcomes can vary.
Heal Navigator aims to connect individuals with clinics that meet certain standards of care and offer a range of treatment options
It’s crucial to conduct your own research and consult with your oncologist to determine the best treatment plan for your specific situation. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
If you're looking for more information about these clinics or would like help finding the right treatment options for your melanoma, we invite you to schedule a call with our team. We can help you explore the available resources and answer any questions you may have.
