Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy (radiotherapy) uses high-energy rays to stop cancer cells from growing. This procedure affects only the cells in the treated area. Radiotherapy is not used to treat the original site of the melanoma, but is most commonly used to relieve some of the symptoms of melanoma, but is most commonly used to relieve some of the symptoms of melanoma that has spread to the brain, bones or other parts of the body.
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Biological Therapy (immunotherapy)
This type of treatment uses the body’s natural immune system to fight cancer. T-lymphocytes or T-cells, cancer-fighting immune system cells which occur naturally in the human body, are “trained” in the lab to recognize their tumor targets and injected into the patient.

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to treat melanoma when cancer cells have spread to distant organs. Anticancer drugs are injected into a vein (intravenously) or given by mouth or a combination of both. Because chemotherapy affects normal cells along with cancer cells, side effects are common. Chemotherapy is usually administered on an outpatient basis. Treatment is usually administered in cycles of 3-5 days.

Biochemotherapy
Biochemotherapy incorporates biological therapy with chemotherapy.

Managing Nausea & Loss of Appetite

• Ask your doctor to order anti-nausea medication
• Get at least 8 hours of sleep each night
• Light exercise can stimulate the appetite
• Rinsing your mouth can eliminate bad taste in your mouth

Managing Fatigue

• Take short naps or breaks throughout the day
• Light exercise such as walking can lessen the feeling of fatigue
• Take up activities that are less strenuous, such as watching television

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