Lack of benefit of adjunctive chemotherapy in stage I malignant melanoma: a Southwest Oncology Group Study

Cancer Treat Rep. 1987 Jun;71(6):643-4.

Abstract

In 1975, the Southwest Oncology Group initiated an adjuvant study in localized malignant melanoma testing the value of aggressive chemotherapy using carmustine, hydroxyurea, and dacarbazine versus a control arm. Median disease-free survival was 7.1 years for the control arm and 6 years for the treatment arm. Survival was identical for both arms with 65% of the patients alive at 6 years. We conclude that carmustine, hydroxyurea, and dacarbazine chemotherapy is of no value as adjuvant treatment for localized melanoma.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols / therapeutic use*
  • Carmustine / administration & dosage
  • Dacarbazine / administration & dosage
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hydroxyurea / administration & dosage
  • Male
  • Melanoma / drug therapy*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Staging
  • Prognosis

Substances

  • Dacarbazine
  • Carmustine
  • Hydroxyurea