Adjuvant therapy is the preventive therapy that is done as long as there is no metastasis of the tumour visible. It is possible that there is already metastasis of singular tumour cells that are not visible with image creating examinations. They can remain in a dormant stage for years and then form tumour metastasis.

Preventive chemotherapies have not been successful with melanoma and for this reason at present, generally have to be advised against. A stimulation of the immune system is combined with a reduction of the risk of tumour recrudescence. Naturally, in the body produced hormones in form of Interferon alpha have been tested and proven. A preventive therapy is recommended for primary tumours with a thickness of 1,5 – 2mm and for tumour cell metastasis in the lymph nodes.

Generally Interferon is injected 3 times a week under the skin. At the beginning symptoms similar to fever and influenza may appear. The Interferon’s are also released by the body itself in case of a viral infection and create the symptoms that we know as influenza. The body gets used to the Interferon injection after 3-4 weeks. After this time performance may remain at reduced level, but usually performance of a normal job/ occupation is possible.