American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) Certification Practice Exam

What is the response rate for dacarbazine in treating metastatic melanoma?

1. 50% to 60%

2. 15% to 20%

3. 7% to 12%

4. 30% to 40%

The correct answer is: 7% to 12%

Dacarbazine, an alkylating agent, is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. The response rate for dacarbazine is generally reported to be between 7% to 12%. This means that a small percentage of patients may experience a significant reduction in tumor size or improvements in their condition after treatment with this medication. This lower range of response highlights the challenges in treating metastatic melanoma, which is a particularly aggressive cancer known for its resistance to many forms of therapy. While other options suggest higher efficacy, those figures do not align with the empirical data supporting dacarbazine’s actual performance in producing substantial responses in patients with metastatic melanoma. As newer therapies and immunotherapies have emerged and shown significantly better outcomes, dacarbazine's comparatively modest effectiveness further emphasizes the need for ongoing advancements in treatment strategies for this patient population.