The role of radiation therapy following resection of single brain metastasis from melanoma.

From 1972 to 1987, 35 patients underwent resection of a single brain metastasis from melanoma; 19 received postoperative radiation therapy (RT) (group A), and 16 did not (group B). Group A had a longer interval to CNS relapse compared with group B, but survival was similar. However, 4/17 (24%) from group A and 11/13 (85%) from group B died of neurologic causes. We conclude that patients with single brain metastasis from melanoma have improved control of CNS disease when postoperative RT is administered, and survival depends upon control of systemic disease.