Melanoma Treatment in London – Personalised Care from a Leading Oncologist

If you've been diagnosed with melanoma or suspect a skin cancer, rapid, expert care is essential. I’m Dr James Wilson, a leading Clinical Oncologist in London specialising in advanced melanoma treatment. I offer immediate access to cutting-edge therapies—including immunotherapy, targeted treatments, and precision radiotherapy—to give you the best possible chance of cure or long-term control. Whether your melanoma is newly diagnosed or has spread, I provide compassionate, expert care tailored to your individual needs.

Melanoma Treatment: Cutting-Edge Care for Skin Cancer

Melanoma (aka malignant melanoma) is the most serious form of skin cancer. Your likelihood of being cured depends on early detection and access to advanced treatment options. As a leading melanoma specialist, I'm committed to seeing you quickly and offering the most innovative and effective melanoma treatments available to give you the best chance of cure.

Cancer Information: What is Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Melanoma skin cancer (aka cutaneous melanoma) is caused by an abnormal, uncontrolled growth of melanocytes—the skin cells that give our skin and hair its pigment. This form of skin cancer can be aggressive, but with early detection and proper treatment for melanoma, outcomes are continually improving.

Malignant melanoma can look different to an existing mole. There may be assymmetry, loss or pigement or irregular pigmentation. Another warning sign might be growth, bleeding or itch in an evolving mole. Melanoma is more common in people with pale skin, but can occur in anybody. If you have an atypical mole or a new pigmented lesion, have it checked by your doctor. It’s always wise to check yourself so that you are aware of what your normal skin looks like so that you know when to have a changing mole checked.

For skin cancer prevention, I recommend the daily use of a high SPF skin care and avoidance of getting sunburnt. Sunbeds (tanning beds) should be avoided!

Treatment Options for Melanoma: A Personalised Approach

Your treatment for melanoma depends upon how deeply the melanoma invades into the skin and whether it has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. The treatment options for melanoma have improved considerably in recent years, and I offer the latest medications and cutting-edge radiotherapy to maximise your chances of successful recovery.

Surgery to remove the primary melanoma tumour  is the main treatment  for many patients, and for some patients, I may recommend treatment before (aka neoadjuvant treatment) or after your surgery (adjuvant treatment) to reduce the chance of the melanoma skin cancer coming back. These treatments ensure your chances of cure are as high as possible. Even if your melanoma cancer cells have already spread to other parts of the body (aka invasive melanoma), with a combination of modern drug treatment and state-of-the-art radiotherapy, I will do all I can to keep you feeling well for as long as possible—extending both the duration and quality of your life.

Cutting-Edge Melanoma Treatment Options

Immunotherapy Treatment for Melanoma

Immunotherapy (a form of cellular therapy) has revolutionised melanoma treatment in recent years. These targeted cancer drugs enhance your immune system's ability to recognise and attack cancer cells. I offer the latest immunotherapy options including:

• Nivolumab
• Ipilimumab
• Pembrolizumab
• Combination immunotherapy protocols

These immunotherapy treatments have transformed outcomes for many patients with advanced melanoma, offering hope even in cases previously considered untreatable.

BRAF Targeted Therapies

For melanomas with a BRAF mutation (found in approximately 40-50% of cases), I provide targeted therapies that precisely attack cancer cells:

• Dabrafenib
• Trametinib
• Combination targeted treatment approaches

These medications directly target specific genetic changes in your melanoma cells, often leading to rapid responses and significant symptom improvement.

Advanced Radiotherapy Technologies

I specialise in integrating the latest radiotherapy (aka radiation therapy) technologies with medical treatments for the melanoma patient. For melanoma skin cancer that has spread, I offer:

• MR-linac Radiation Therapy - a groundbreaking technology that combines MRI imaging with precise radiation delivery
• Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT) - ultra-precise targeting of melanoma deposits while protecting healthy tissue
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) - highly effective for melanoma brain metastases with exceptional control rates
• Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT) - advanced technique for symptom control with minimal side effects

These cutting-edge techniques represent the most effective radiation therapy treatment options for melanoma that has spread, often allowing us to eradicate metastatic sites while you continue on systemic treatments.

Melanoma Treatment UK: The Patient Journey

I'll see you as soon as possible—typically within 1-2 days of you getting in touch. Throughout your treatment journey, you'll have direct access to me for any questions or concerns.

Your First Appointment

When you come to see me for melanoma treatment in the UK:

1. I'll review your biopsy details to understand your specific melanoma type
2. We'll arrange comprehensive staging investigations to accurately assess your condition
3. I'll expedite any additional tests and get results within days, not weeks
4. We'll discuss a customised treatment plan leveraging the latest advances in melanoma care
5. You'll have all the time needed to ask questions and fully understand your options

I ensure every patient receives a truly individualised approach. My goal is to make complex treatment decisions clear while giving you confidence in your care plan.

The Importance of Staging Your Melanoma Skin Cancer

The treatment I recommend depends upon the stage of your melanoma. Melanoma skin cancer stages range from 1 to 4:

• Stage 1 melanoma has remained within the skin but has grown from the outermost layer to the next layer
• Stage 2 melanoma has grown more deeply into the skin but has not spread elsewhere
• Stage 3 melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby areas of skin
• Stage 4 melanoma (metastatic melanoma) has spread to lymph nodes in other parts of the body or to organs such as the lungs, liver, bone or brain

No matter what stage of melanoma you have, treatments—and treatment outcomes—are improving all the time. I'll ensure we discuss the up-to-date best practice at all times.

What is the Most Effective Treatment for Melanoma Skin Cancer?

The best treatment for melanoma is a personalised approach tailored specifically to you. As a leading melanoma specialist, I create individualised treatment plans based on:

1. The unique biology and stage of your melanoma
2. Advanced molecular testing results (including BRAF mutation status)
3. Your overall health profile and medical history
4. Access to cutting-edge treatment modalities

For early-stage melanoma skin cancer, surgical removal with appropriate margins followed by careful monitoring is often sufficient.

For high-risk melanoma or cancer that has spread to lymph nodes, I'll recommend the latest approved treatments before or after surgery (known as adjuvant treatment). This may include immunotherapy or targeted therapies to substantially reduce recurrence risk.

For melanoma that has metastasised, I offer an integrated approach combining:

• Sequential drug treatments (immunotherapy and/or targeted therapy)
• State-of-the-art radiotherapy using MR-linac and stereotactic techniques
• Careful monitoring with advanced imaging
• Supportive care to maintain quality of life

My goal is to control your melanoma, eliminate metastatic sites whenever possible, and maintain your health and wellbeing for the longest duration achievable. Even for advanced cases, today's innovative treatments offer new hope and improved outcomes.

Patient Experiences with Melanoma Treatment

"I was recently placed under the care of Dr James Wilson as I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and required stereotactic radiotherapy to be delivered to my spine. Initially, I was somewhat in the dark as to what was involved but my concerns were quickly allayed by the concise explanations provided by Dr Wilson in an unhurried and patient manner. Moreover, as treatment progressed, he remained in regular touch so that I was always aware of what was happening. Unsurprisingly, the outcome was highly successful. From beginning to end, this was a first-class experience provided by an outstanding practitioner." — Mr AF

"Dr Wilson has been outstanding throughout my treatment and beyond. He shows genuine empathy dealing with difficult conversations. He is completely honest and caring. I feel like I get treated on a personal level rather than just another patient. He shows understanding with any worries that I may have." — Doctify review

Ocular Melanoma (Eye Melanoma) Treatment

Melanoma can also develop in the eye, known as ocular melanoma or uveal melanoma. Although this type of eye cancer is less common than skin melanoma, it requires expert care. I collaborate with leading ophthalmic oncology specialists in the UK to ensure fast diagnosis and access to the most appropriate ocular melanoma treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic therapies where needed.

Access to Clinical Trials for Melanoma Treatment

If you’re eligible, you may benefit from participation in melanoma clinical trials offering access to the latest investigational treatments—often before they’re available on the NHS. Cancer Research UK funds and coordinates high quality melanoma research studies. I stay actively informed about clinical trials for advanced melanoma and can guide you through the options. All trials are offered in line with the highest ethical standards, and I ensure you fully understand the potential risks and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment

What is the most effective treatment for melanoma?

The most effective treatment for melanoma depends on your specific diagnosis. For early-stage disease, surgery alone may be curative. For more advanced cases, a combination of immunotherapy, targeted therapy (for BRAF-positive melanomas), and cutting-edge radiotherapy techniques often provides the best outcomes.

Treatment effectiveness has improved dramatically in recent years. Many patients with advanced melanoma now experience long-term control and significantly improved survival rates.

How long is melanoma treatment?

Treatment duration varies based on your specific condition:

• Surgical recovery: Typically 2-6 weeks
• Immunotherapy: Usually 1-2 years in the adjuvant setting, potentially longer for metastatic disease
• Targeted therapy: Often continued as long as benefit is observed
• Stereotactic radiotherapy: Generally 1-5 treatments over 1-2 weeks

Throughout your treatment, I provide clear timelines and ensure you understand what to expect at each stage.

What treatments work well for melanoma?

Modern melanoma treatments offering excellent results include:

• Immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab)
• BRAF/MEK inhibitors (dabrafenib/trametinib) for BRAF-positive melanomas
• Stereotactic radiotherapy for metastases
• MR-linac therapy for precise treatment of difficult-to-target lesions
• Combinations of these approaches

I specialise in developing integrated treatment plans using these cutting-edge options.

How effective is melanoma treatment?

Treatment effectiveness has improved dramatically:

• Early-stage melanoma: Excellent cure rates (often >90%)
• Stage 3 melanoma: Significantly improved outcomes with neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy
• Stage 4 melanoma: Many patients now achieve long-term control and extended survival

The latest treatments continue to show impressive results, offering hope even for advanced cases.

Will I need to take time off work during melanoma treatment?

Many patients continue working during treatment. Your specific needs will depend on:

• Your treatment plan
• Your job requirements
• How you respond to treatment

I'll work with you to minimise disruption to your life while ensuring you receive optimal care. When possible, we can schedule treatments to accommodate your work commitments.

Why Choose Dr James Wilson for Your Melanoma Treatment

As a leading Clinical Oncologist specialising in melanoma treatment, I offer:

• Expertise in the most advanced melanoma treatments available in the UK
• Access to cutting-edge technologies including MR-linac and stereotactic radiotherapy
• Ability to integrate immunotherapy with precision radiation techniques
• A truly personalised approach to your care
• Rapid access to consultations, tests and treatments
• Continuity of care throughout your entire treatment journey
• Treatment recommendations based on the latest research and international guidelines

When you have an appointment in my clinic, you will always see me personally, not a doctor-in-training or other healthcare professional. My clinics run to time, and I share my letter and reports with you on the same day as your appointment.

We take all the time needed to ensure your questions are answered, and I'm always happy to speak with your family either with you or on your behalf.

Take the Next Step in Your Melanoma Treatment Journey

Contact us today to discuss your melanoma diagnosis and explore advanced treatment options tailored to you.

If you've been diagnosed with malignant melanoma or suspect you may have melanoma skin cancer, contact my team today to arrange a consultation. The sooner we begin appropriate treatment, the better your chances of successful outcomes.

I'm committed to helping you start the treatment you need as soon as possible. Let me put my expertise and access to cutting-edge treatments to work for you in fighting melanoma skin cancer.