Confused and concern

Hi. My mum is also dealing with stage IV ( mets in brain and lungs) . 

Melanoma treatment of stage IV patients came a long way. There is a good chance with immunotherapy drugs to fight this desease and even for some patients to get NED in numbers that were unseen before with the old chemo. 

I am talking about Opdivo/Yervoy or Odivo/Keytruda combination. Or treatment with either Opdivo or Keytruda. Combinations seem to be more sucessful reaching 40% or more response in patients 2-5 years later. 

If your father's melanoma has BRAF mutation then he has even more options for his treatment

In regard to a medical trial. I know wonderful people here who went through a trial more than 5 years ago, so it was a very smart decision for them to get involved

What trial they want your father in law to take part of? 

Good luck!

Melanoma treatment came a long way in the last 5 years. There are a lot of amazing , knowledgeble people here who will share their experience and help you and your FIL to fight this desease !

It would be more helpful if you could be more specific.  Where (what organs) has his melanoma spread to?  What clinical trial is being suggested?  Trials can be good options, but it depends on what is being "tried".  Does it involve one of the current immunotherapy drugs?  Phase I trials versus Phase 3 trials are very different and as a first attempt at treatment, it may matter which one you choose.  There are good options outside of trials but sometimes those good options are included in trials.  The more details you post, the easier it is to comment.   Just as a side note, trials often have more strict followup and scans that you might get outside a trial.

More information would be helpful:  How old is father-in-law, where is the melanoma, are you seeing a melanoma specialist, what stage is he, what clinical trial, was this his initial diagnosis, do you have a copy of the biopsy and what does it say (such as mitosis, depth, type of melanoma).

Most on here are very helpful but without more information it is hard to help.  Life expectancy since about 2010 has greatly improved as many have been on clinical trials.  This site is wonderful and very supportive.

There are so many factors that come into play here that is is really hard to say with only a little info.  The good news is all the recent advances.  I was diagnosed almost a year ago and have had great success with Yervoy/Opdivo, surgery, radiation, and Opdivo.  What I can ssy for certain is to expect anything.  At times things will be moving very quickly, then at others it will be hurry up and wait.  Wait for scans to see if treatment is working.  Wait to see if there are side effects.  Your father in law needs a good oncologist and a support system to help him deal with the mental burden.  Planningthe treatment path can be a bit overwhelming but a good oncologist will be key in helping with that.  Mine was great and very helpful with deciding what treatment path.  I wish you both good things to come.