Expert: Norman H. Anderson, MD

Radiation Oncologist, CEO of Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute (RBOI)

Dr. Anderson has been in practice since 1985 and has conducted significant melanoma research. With five locations in Central Florida, RBOI provides patient-centered oncology close to home and is accredited by the American College of Radiology and the American Society for Radiation Oncology.

What is melanoma and what are the primary risk factors?

Most skin cancer deaths are due to melanoma with 325,000 cases diagnosed annually worldwide, including 100,000 cases in the U.S. Primarily skin cancer, melanoma can also begin on the passageways of an inner surface, such as the nasal cavity, and even in the back of the eye. There is a genetic predisposition, but the significant risk factor is exposure to ultraviolet light (sunlight), with the scalp and face most commonly affected. Men have a higher incidence of melanoma occurring on the chest and back, while in women it’s more prevalent on the legs and feet.

How is melanoma diagnosed? 

If a dermatologist suspects melanoma, a biopsy is necessary to confirm the diagnosis at the primary site of origin. The biopsy also helps predict the risk of the cancer spreading internally. Diagnostic radiographic studies, such as PET/CT scans, are often used to determine how extensive the disease may have become.

What is the treatment protocol for melanoma?

In the past, surgical removal at the primary site was standard. Immunotherapy is an accepted option for patients at high risk or with metastatic disease. However, Dr. Anderson’s research over three decades validates twice daily therapeutic radiation as the treatment of choice. Strict guidelines are utilized to control the amount of radiation administered, the area of the body treated, and the critical time interval between the two treatments each day. Under this protocol a dramatic immune response occurs in 85 percent of patients. As a result of this approach, the cure rate has soared, including a 100 percent complete response in the area of treatment. For RBOI patients presenting with disease spread (metastatic involvement), the three-year survival is 80 percent, and the vast majority of patients experience no further disease. RBOI is the only facility legally authorized to administer twice-daily radiation treatment for melanoma in the United States.

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