Do you get routine MRI brain for surveillance on patients with history of stage III melanoma?
Answer from: Medical Oncologist at Academic Institution
Unfortunately, this is an area that doesn't have a lot of data to support recommendations. It is rare to develop CNS/brain metastasis as the only site of metastatic disease (~5% of metastatic patients). Therefore, I try to get an annual MRI brain for stage IIIB-IIID (resected) patients, especially i...
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Answer from: Medical Oncologist at Academic Institution
I agree with the above statement. There is not a lot of data to guide decision making. However, given the higher risk of CNS metastasis, including occult CNS metastasis for stage III patients, I also recommend annual brain MRI for asymptomatic patients. Imaging should be obtained any time there are ...