The role of stereotactic radiotherapy in addition to immunotherapy in the management of melanoma brain metastases: results of a systematic review

Aim of this study was to systematically review the literature to assess efficacy and safety of stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in combination with immunotherapy for the treatment of melanoma brain metastases (MBM). The literature was searched using PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Studies comparing SRT plus immunotherapy versus SRT or immunotherapy alone were deemed eligible for inclusion. Two studies showed improved overall survival after SRT plus immunotherapy in melanoma cancer patients with brain metastases. Three studies reported data on LC and DFS showing as SRT plus immunotherapy did not improve local control and DFS rates. G3-G4 toxicity was reported in only one study (20% in the SRT plus immunotherapy group versus 23% in the immunotherapy group). Despite SRT plus concurrent immunotherapy seems associated with possible survival advantage and low ≥ G3 late toxicity rates, the quality of evidence is very low. Therefore, in patients with brain metastases from melanoma, SRT plus immunotherapy should be evaluated on an individual basis after discussion by a multidisciplinary team. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11547-022-01503-7.