Unusual survival patterns of patients with metastatic melanoma

Abstract

In the 216 cases of recurrent or metastatic malignant melanoma in die file of the Tumor Registry at The University of Michigan Medical Center, 35 examples of unusual survival of patients were found. Examination of these cases does not suggest any common features that could be used for prognostication or to improve treatment. These data do show that a substantial number will live for prolonged periods of time and that efforts to eradicate metastases of malignant melanoma may be rewarding.