ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the toxicity and efficacy of carbon ion radiotherapy for cutaneous malignant melanoma. Methods Form December 2006 to May 2009, 13 patients with superficial malignant melanoma were treated with carbon ion radiotherapy in the Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The total dose was 60 -66 GyE in 6 -12 fractions within 6 -12 days. The disease was Stage Ⅱ_a in 2, Ⅱ_b in 3, Ⅱ_c in 5, and Ⅲ_c in 3 patients. The toxicities were assessed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria, and the efficacy was evaluated with WHO criteria. Results The median follow-up time was 13.5 months (range, 1 -25 months) and the follow-up rate was 100%. Of the 13 patients, 10(77%) achieved complete remission (CR), and 3(23%) partial remission (PR). The overall response rate (RR) was 100%, and the median survival time was 21.3 months (95% CI, 18. 1 -24.5 months). The grade 0, 1,2 and 3 skin reaction occurred in 3, 6, 2 and 2 patients, respectively. The hematologic toxicities were mild. Conclusions Carbon ion radiotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for cutaneous malignant melanoma.