Metastatic anorectal melanomas – An exploratory retrospective analysis on the benefits of systemic therapy versus best supportive care in a resource-limited setting from India

AIM: Data regarding the optimal management of metastatic anorectal melanoma (mARM) is scarce. The primary aim was to evaluate the potential benefits of systemic therapy in mARM. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of all mARM who presented between July 2013 and June 2015 at the Department of GI Medical Oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital. RESULTS: Of a total of 37 patients, twelve patients were planned for best supportive care (BSC) only while the remaining 25 patients received systemic therapy. The median overall survival (OS) for the whole cohort was 27 weeks. The OS was significantly better in patients who received first-line therapy as compared to those who were offered BSC (median OS: 14 vs. 33 weeks; P = 0.04). Patients with PS of 1 did significantly better than PS of 2 more (OS 70 vs. 17 weeks; P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: mARM should be offered chemotherapy, especially in good performance patients. Paclitaxel/Platinum or Capecitabine/Temozolomide regimens can be considered as the preferred regime in the resource-limited setting where immunotherapy may not be a feasible option.