Melanoma
ICD-10 C43 · ICD-11 2C30

Treatment of Melanoma with Asymptomatic Brain Metastases

When melanoma has spread to the brain but the patient remains asymptomatic, a specific evidence-based pathway applies — one that differs from symptomatic CNS disease and integrates both systemic and local treatment considerations from the outset.

Clinical Scenario

This protocol covers patients with melanoma who have asymptomatic brain metastases (MBMs). The absence of neurological symptoms in this group makes early, proactive intervention feasible, and the choice of upfront strategy carries significant prognostic weight.

Treatment Approach — Overview

Upfront systemic immunotherapy combination is the preferred strategy for this population. For patients who are not suitable for immunotherapy and whose tumour carries a specific molecular alteration, targeted therapy may be an alternative. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is also evaluated as part of the management plan, with timing considerations shaping the optimal approach — access the full protocol for the complete sequenced algorithm.

Instant Access to Structured Evidence-Based Regimens

References

  1. Patients with asymptomatic MBMs should preferably be treated upfront with nivolumab + ipilimumab [II, A].
  2. If unsuitable for immunotherapy, patients with asymptomatic MBMs and BRAF V600-mutated melanoma can be offered BRAFi + MEKi [III, B; ESCAT I-A].
  3. Patients with MBMs should be evaluated for stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) [III, B].
  4. Early concurrent SRS may be preferred over late SRS as salvage treatment [IV, C].