Combining surgery and systemic therapy in metastatic melanoma

Blankenstein, S.A.M. (2026)

Doctoral Thesis

The main focus of this thesis is investigating the combination of surgery and systemic therapy to enhance melanoma treatment. Studies described in the thesis show systemic therapy paving the way for surgery in unresectable disease or to reduce recurrences after surgery, as well as surgery aiding systemic therapy after initial disease control.

• Metastatic melanoma
• Surgery
• Targeted therapy
• Immunotherapy
• Immune checkpoint inhibitors

• All authors: Blankenstein, S.A.M.
• Supervisor: Haanen, J.B.A.G.
• Co-supervisor: Akkooi, A.C.J. van
• Committee: Wouters, M.W.J.M; Kapiteijn, H.W.; Hoeven, J.J.M. van der; Verhoef, C.; Hospers G.A.P.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Faculty of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2026-04-30
• ISBN (print): 9789465370125