What to expect from immunotherapy for melanoma

Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognise and attack melanoma cells. It may be offered after surgery or when melanoma needs treatment beyond the original skin site, depending on the clinical situation. The medicine is given through scheduled hospital or clinic visits, and the oncology team checks your health before each dose.

Because the immune system can also inflame healthy organs, effects may involve the skin, bowel, lungs, liver, thyroid, or other hormone systems. Tiredness, rash, itching, diarrhoea, cough, or changes in appetite can have many causes, so report them rather than trying to judge their significance alone.

Bring an up-to-date list of medicines, supplements, allergies, and previous cancer treatments. Tell the team about autoimmune illness, organ problems, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, and any new infection symptoms. Keep a simple record of changes between visits, including bowel habits, breathing, skin changes, headaches, and energy.

Do not start a new medicine or supplement without checking with the oncology team. Keep contact details for the treatment service available, because early advice can change how an immune-related effect is managed. Continue the monitoring tests and appointments your team schedules.

Contact the oncology team promptly for persistent diarrhoea, blood in stool, worsening abdominal pain, new shortness of breath, chest pain, severe rash, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, intense headache, confusion, marked weakness, or much less urine. Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, collapse, or sudden neurological symptoms, and tell emergency staff that you are receiving immunotherapy.

Ask which immunotherapy medicine is planned, how visits and tests will be arranged, which symptoms require a same-day call, and how treatment may be paused or adjusted. Clarify who to contact outside clinic hours and whether any existing medicines need review.