Is numbness a common side effect of Melanoma treatment?

Numbness (or tingling) can happen with certain melanoma treatments, but it is not among the most common side effects overall; when it occurs, it may be related to specific drugs (like chemotherapy agents, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy) or, less often, to the cancer itself. ^[1] Some chemotherapies used in melanoma can cause numbness or tingling, including facial tingling with dacarbazine. ^[2] Targeted therapy such as vemurafenib can also lead to abnormal sensations like numbness or tingling and requires prompt attention if severe symptoms occur. ^[3] Immune checkpoint inhibitors (for example, nivolumab or pembrolizumab) can rarely trigger immune-related nerve problems (neuropathy), which need careful evaluation and management because they can escalate quickly. ^{[4] [5]}

Why numbness happens

• Chemotherapy-related nerve irritation or damage can produce “glove and stocking” numbness in hands and feet; this tends to be dose-related and cumulative over time. ^{[6] [7]}
• Some targeted therapies may affect electrical signaling in nerves, causing paresthesias (tingling, numbness) and occasionally more serious heart rhythm issues that need urgent review. ^[3]
• Immunotherapy can, in uncommon cases, activate the immune system against the nervous system, leading to peripheral neuropathy or syndromes like Guillain‑Barré, which are infrequent but potentially serious. [PM14] ^[5]

When to be concerned

• New or worsening numbness, weakness, balance problems, or pain that interferes with daily activities should be discussed quickly with your oncology team, as immune‑related events can appear early and may escalate. ^[4]
• Numbness accompanied by fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting while on targeted therapy like vemurafenib warrants urgent medical review. ^[3]
• Rapid onset of weakness, breathing difficulty, or swallowing problems after starting immunotherapy can signal a neuromuscular syndrome that needs immediate evaluation and treatment. [PM15] [PM13]

How numbness is managed

• Symptom tracking and prompt reporting help adjust cancer drug doses or timing to prevent worsening neuropathy. ^[7]
• Supportive care strategies include safety measures at home, gentle activity, and medications for neuropathic pain when needed. ^[8]
• If immune‑related neuropathy is suspected, clinicians typically pause immunotherapy and start treatments like corticosteroids, with escalation to IV immunoglobulin or plasma exchange in severe cases. [PM14]
• Targeted therapy side effects may require dose changes and specific monitoring (for example, heart rhythm checks for QT prolongation). ^[3]

Practical self‑care tips

• Protect hands and feet: wear supportive footwear, avoid extreme temperatures, and check skin daily to prevent unnoticed injuries. ^[8]
• Balance and fall prevention: keep rooms well‑lit, remove tripping hazards, and consider handrails if numbness affects stability. ^[8]
• Activity and pacing: gentle exercises can maintain strength and circulation, while frequent rest helps manage fatigue associated with treatment. ^[8]
• Medication review: ask your team about options for nerve pain relief if tingling or burning sensations are bothersome. ^[8]

What your doctor may do

• Assess pattern and severity of symptoms, check reflexes and strength, and order tests if immune‑related toxicity is suspected. [PM14]
• Tailor cancer therapy by reducing dose, delaying cycles, or switching drugs if neuropathy becomes limiting, as many treatment‑induced neuropathies are dose‑related and cumulative. ^[7]
• Coordinate care with neurology when symptoms suggest peripheral neuropathy or other neuromuscular complications to ensure timely intervention. [PM17]

Bottom line

Numbness is possible with several melanoma therapies but is generally not among the most frequent side effects; it is more typical with certain chemotherapies, can occur with targeted therapy, and is uncommon yet important with immunotherapy due to potential immune‑related nerve toxicity. ^{[2] [3] [4]} Early recognition, communication with your care team, and practical supportive measures usually keep symptoms manageable and help guide safe adjustments to treatment. ^{[8] [7]}