Application of CO(2) laser evaporation in locally advanced melanoma

AIM: This study aims to investigate the role of CO(2) laser evaporation in the treatment of melanoma patients with satellite or in-transit metastases. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patients who underwent CO(2) laser evaporation were retrospectively included between November 2002 and August 2018. The Sharplan 40C CO(2) laser was used with a high pulse wave mode. Data concerning patient and tumor characteristics, CO(2) laser evaporation and subsequent therapies were collected. RESULTS: A total of 26 patients were included. Median duration of local control was 5.5 months. The median number of lesions evaporated per treatment was three (1–16); patients received a median of three (1–19) treatments. CONCLUSION: In a selected group of melanoma patients with satellite or in-transit metastases, CO(2) laser evaporation should be considered as treatment for local control.