What should you know about neoadjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma?

Immunotherapy uses medicines that alter immune signalling so immune cells can respond more effectively to melanoma. Given before surgery, it allows the team to observe the tumour and nearby lymph nodes while treatment is underway, then use the findings to plan further care. The approach is considered for selected melanomas after assessment of stage, scan results, overall health, and the tumour's features. It is different from chemotherapy and does not suit every person.

Immune treatment can inflame healthy organs. Possible problems include skin rash, diarrhoea, cough or breathlessness, liver inflammation, thyroid changes, severe tiredness, or changes in blood sugar. Symptoms may appear during treatment or after an infusion has finished, so keep the oncology contact details available and mention new symptoms promptly.

Tell the team about autoimmune conditions, transplant history, steroid use, and all medicines before treatment. Record bowel habits, cough, rash, temperature, energy, and headaches between visits. Do not self-treat persistent diarrhoea or take steroids unless the treating team advises you. Keep infusion and surgical appointments, and ask how long immune effects may need monitoring after the last dose.

Call the oncology team promptly for new diarrhoea, abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, widespread rash, severe headache, unusual thirst, or marked weakness. Seek emergency care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, collapse, or rapidly worsening symptoms. Early assessment can help distinguish an immune-related reaction from infection or another problem.

Why is treatment before surgery appropriate for my melanoma, which organs will you monitor, and how will the response affect surgery or later therapy? Which symptoms require an immediate call, and who should I contact outside clinic hours? What medicines should I avoid without checking?