[Nitrosomethylurea in the treatment of patients with disseminated cutaneous melanoma].

Thirty cases of disseminated skin melanoma were treated with nitrosomethylurea which was given in 2-3 week courses (10 mg/kg twice a week each) at 1-2 month intervals. Complete response with a recurrence-free period of 6 months to over 3 years was registered in 3 patients (10%). A decrease in tumor size by more than 50% within 5-12 months was secured in 6 patients (20%). The responders survived longer than those in whom the treatment had failed. Side-effects were moderate and reversible. Nitrosomethylurea should be widely used in treatment of skin melanoma.