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.

Search by Drug Name

IV or Injection =      Pill =

Treatment Type

Alkylating Agents

Drug Names
Paraplatin® (carboplatin) (IV)
Platinol® (cisplatin) (IV)
DTIC-Dome® (dacarbazine) (IV)
Temodar® (temozolomide) (Pill)
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
Taxol® (paclitaxel) (IV)
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.