Immunotherapy in mucosal melanoma: a case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Mucosal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma presenting variably as sores or unexplained bleeding located mainly in the head and neck region, anorectal region or female genital tract. Mucosal melanoma is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and is characterized by an aggressive behavior. Surgery represents the mainstay of treatment for early stage melanomas, but for advanced disease there have been until recently very limited treatment options. Ipilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody directed against the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4, was the first treatment modality to demonstrate survival benefit in advanced malignant melanoma.

METHOD

Description of a new case and review of the literature.

RESULTS

We present here a patient with mucosal melanoma with aggressive biological behavior and documented late response to ipilimumab.

CONCLUSIONS

Ipilimumab represents an effective treatment option in selected patients with mucosal melanoma.