Melanoma Treatment
黑色素瘤治疗
Duration
3-12 months depending on stage
Recovery
2-3 weeks after surgery, immunotherapy ongoing for 1-2 years
Savings
~81% vs US
Average savings compared to US prices
Melanoma treatment in China utilizes wide local excision with sentinel lymph node biopsy for early stages, and immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitors like toripalimab and sintilimab) combined with targeted therapy (BRAF/MEK inhibitors) for advanced disease. Chinese dermatologic oncology centers have developed expertise in acral and mucosal melanoma subtypes that are more prevalent in Asian populations. Domestically produced checkpoint inhibitors offer effective treatment at substantially lower costs.
Biopsy & Molecular Profiling
Excisional biopsy with BRAF, NRAS, and c-KIT mutation testing to guide treatment selection
Duration: 1-2 weeksWide Excision & SLNB
Surgical removal with adequate margins and sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging
Duration: 1-3 hoursSystemic Therapy
Adjuvant immunotherapy (anti-PD-1) for stage III or targeted therapy for BRAF-mutant disease
Duration: 6-12 monthsSurveillance Program
Regular imaging, blood tests, and skin examinations to detect recurrence early
Duration: Ongoing 5+ years- Access to affordable domestically-produced PD-1 inhibitors
- Expertise in Asian-prevalent melanoma subtypes (acral/mucosal)
- Comprehensive molecular profiling for targeted therapy
- Lower overall treatment costs with equivalent outcomes
- Immune-related adverse events from checkpoint inhibitors
- Risk of local recurrence or distant metastasis
- Targeted therapy resistance developing over time
- Psychological impact of long-term surveillance
Prices shown are approximate ranges for reference only. Actual costs vary by hospital, complexity, and individual patient needs. Always consult with healthcare professionals for medical decisions.