What type of therapy is often adjunctive in the management of malignant melanoma?

The management of malignant melanoma often incorporates a combination of therapies to optimize treatment outcomes. Among these, radiation and chemotherapy are typically considered adjunctive therapies. They are used in conjunction with other primary treatments, such as surgery or targeted therapy, to help control the disease, manage symptoms, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Radiation therapy may be employed particularly in cases where there are high-risk factors, such as large or deep tumors, or when melanoma has metastasized and surgery is not a viable option. Chemotherapy can also play a role, although it is less commonly used now due to the advent of targeted therapies and immunotherapies, which have shown greater efficacy for melanoma.

In contrast, while Mohs' micrographic surgery is a highly effective treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers, it is not typically used as an adjunctive therapy for malignant melanoma. Electrolyte normalization and exercise therapy may be supportive in nature, but they do not directly address the malignancy itself and are not considered therapeutic modalities in the management of melanoma.

This understanding of the adjunctive role of therapies in malignant melanoma helps clarify the approach taken in its management, reinforcing the importance of a multimodal treatment strategy in cancer care.