What to expect from targeted therapy for melanoma

Targeted medicines act on specific molecular changes that help some melanoma cells grow. Your oncology team may recommend testing tumour tissue before choosing this approach. Treatment can involve tablets taken on a schedule, sometimes as a combination, with scans and clinical reviews used to assess response. The plan depends on melanoma stage, biomarker results, previous treatment, other health conditions, and how your body tolerates the medicine.

Take each dose exactly as directed and do not change or stop it without speaking with the oncology team. Keep a record of fever, rash, diarrhoea, fatigue, joint or muscle pain, vision changes, cough, breathlessness, and new headaches. Bring a complete list of medicines, supplements, and allergies to every review. Protect sensitive skin from strong sunlight, maintain hydration as advised, and ask before receiving a new medicine or vaccine.

Contact your oncology team promptly for a new or worsening rash, persistent diarrhoea, severe mouth sores, unusual bleeding, yellowing of the skin, dark urine, marked weakness, or reduced urine. Seek urgent care for chest pain, severe breathlessness, confusion, seizures, sudden weakness, or a rapidly spreading blistering rash. Do not wait for the next appointment when symptoms are intense or progressing.

Ask which tumour biomarker supports the plan, how doses are scheduled, which tests will be repeated, what symptoms require same-day contact, and how targeted therapy fits with surgery, radiotherapy, or immunotherapy.