Adam I. Riker - Melanoma: A Modern Multidisciplinary Approach

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This book has been a labor of love, really beginning with my surgical oncology fellowship at the National Cancer Institute, Surgery Branch, under the leadership of Dr. Steven Rosenberg. During this time, we learned just about every aspect of treating melanoma, from the treatment of the primary and locoregional recurrence to the treatment of widespread metastatic disease with various forms of immunotherapy. I have been interested in this formidable cancer ever since this time, incorporating the management of melanoma into my clinical practice for almost two decades now. I remain an immunotherapist at heart, still asking basic questions about our immune system and how we can maximize our own bodies potential to fight cancer.

My impetus for writing this book has been the rapidity of progress and change in how we currently manage melanoma, further highlighted by the impressive recent advances in our treatment paradigm for treating metastatic melanoma with immunotherapy. Many of you have likely participated as an investigator of basic science and translational research, clinical trials, and the immunotherapy of melanoma. Others may find this book useful as a nice overview of melanoma and its current overall management. I believe it will be useful for almost anyone with an interest in melanoma.

I have done my best to include what I feel are the essentials of melanoma, ranging from the early detection and prevention of melanoma through the surgical and medical management of this disease. We have included several chapters focused upon complex wound reconstruction options. Other chapters are focused upon more common, non-melanoma skin cancers and rare tumors, such as Merkel cell carcinoma.

I have gathered together a phenomenal group of internationally renowned authors, all of whom are highly respected, committed, and experienced individuals in their areas of expertise. It has been an honor and a privilege to be able to collaborate with such a fine group of individuals, many of whom I have known for years, while others I have come to appreciate as respected colleagues throughout this process.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the folks at Springer, especially Tracy Marton, for providing the support and direction to keep this project on track and on time.