A Canadian study conducted between 1978 and 1985 demonstrated that for every 100 patients who died from a recurrence of melanoma, only 79 would have died if they had been treated with levamisole .
Levamisole tablets are taken consecutively for two days each week; the number of tablets is determined by the patient's weight. Levamisole may produce a bitter, metallic or chemical taste for two days after treatment; it may also cause fever, fatigue, mouth sores and aching in the muscles and joints. Occasionally, levamisole will lower the number of neutrophils in the blood. Any of these side effects should be reported immediately to your health care team.
There is suggestive evidence that some tumor vaccines can prolong disease-free survival, and more definite results should be forthcoming from several trials within the next few years. A recent European study has indicated low doses of interferon given under the skin (subcutaneously) three times a week can reduce the recurrence rate and improve the survival rate.
Investigational Several new treatment methods have shown some promise in treating melanoma.
• Highly specific antibodies engineered in the test tube (monoclonal antibodies) to act against surface
components of melanoma cells are being evaluated. Antibodies by themselves have not been too effective, but
when used as carriers for killer molecules—radioactive isotopes, strong chemotherapeutic drugs, enzymes or
toxins—good effects have been achieved in animals. Trials in humans have already shown that antibodies have
"homed" to the tumor and can show its location accurately on radioisotope scanning ( see Biological Therapy ).
