Chemotherapy for Melanoma
Chemotherapy (also called chemo) uses drugs to destroy or damage fast-growing cells like cancer cells. It is used to shrink tumors, slow cancer’s growth, relieve symptoms, or help people live longer. Chemotherapy drugs are given in different ways (intravenously, orally by a pill, or by injection).
Chemotherapy is the most well-known systemic therapy. It is not often used to treat melanoma, but it is used sometimes after other treatments have been tried first.
These are the latest chemotherapy drugs that are approved to treat melanoma. New treatments become available all the time, so this may not be a complete list.
Please note: The side effects listed here do not represent a comprehensive list. It's important to discuss all potential side effects of a drug with your healthcare team. Be sure to tell your healthcare team about any side effects you do have.
IV or Injection = 
Pill = 
Treatment Type
Alkylating Agents
Drug Names
Potential Side Effects
Constipation
Fatigue/weakness
Hair thinning/loss
Low blood counts
Nausea/vomiting
Taste changes
Important Things to Know
- Carboplatin, cisplatin, and dacarbazine are given by IV (into the vein).
- Temozolomide is given as an oral chemotherapy.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
Treatment Type
Plant Alkaloid
Drug Name
Potential Side Effects
Abnormal lab tests
Diarrhea
Fatigue/weakness
Fever
Hair thinning/loss
Heart problems
Joint pain/stiffness
Low blood counts
Muscle pain
Nausea/vomiting
Neuropathy
Swelling
Weight/appetite changes
Important Things to Know
- This drug is given by injection or infusion.
- Low blood counts are a potential side effect that may put you at risk for anemia, infection, or bleeding.
- This therapy requires an increase in blood tests to measure liver function.