Inclusion Criteria:

• Histologically confirmed melanoma of the skin, mucosa, or unknown primary, diagnosed with surgically unresectable distant metastases (stage IV according to AJCC).
• At least one measurable target lesion according to RECIST, assessed by CT or MRI (tumor assessment by X-ray or ultrasonography only is not allowed).
• Access to a biopsy of ~1 cm3 from at least one metastatic lesion for in vitro chemosensitivity testing. Cell suspensions from malignant effusions are also eligible.
• No prior chemotherapy in stage IV (adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III allowed; one prior regimen of immunotherapy or targeted therapy in stage IV allowed).
• No evidence of brain/CNS metastases. Former history of brain/CNS metastases, which have been treated successfully, and are no longer visible in CT/MRI is allowed.
• Last complete tumor assessment (CT or MRI of thorax, abdomen and brain) not older than 14 days prior to registration, and not older than 5 weeks prior to onset of study treatment.
• ECOG/WHO performance index of 0 or 1.
• Patients must have stopped any kind of previous antineoplastic therapy for at least 2 weeks prior to registration, and at least 4 weeks prior to treatment onset.
• Patients must not have concurrent or recent malignancies except for surgically cured carcinoma in-situ of the cervix and basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Patients with previous malignancies, which have been treated with a subsequent disease-free interval of at least 5 years, are eligible.
• Patient age ≥ 18 years.

• Adequate hematological, renal and liver function as defined by the following laboratory values performed within 14 days prior to randomisation:

  • absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.5 x 109/l
  • platelet count ≥ 100 x 109/l
  • hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dl
  • urea and serum creatinine ≤ 2 times upper normal limit (UNL)
  • total and direct serum bilirubin ≤ 2 times UNL
  • GOT or GPT ≤ 2.5 times UNL; ≤ 5 times UNL is allowed in case of liver metastasis
  • alkaline phosphatase < 2.5 times UNL
• Female patients should not be pregnant or nursing. Women of childbearing potential should be using a highly effective method of birth control (e.g. implants, injectables, combined oral contraceptives, some IUDs, sexual abstinence or vasectomised partner). For subjects using a hormonal contraceptive method, information regarding the product under evaluation and its potential effect on the contraceptive should be addressed.
• Male patients should use an effective method of contraception.
• Before registration, written informed consent must be given according to GCP guidelines and national/local regulations. Patients must be willing and giving informed consent to participation in the trial.

Exclusion Criteria:

• All metastatic lesions are surgically resectable.
• Prior chemotherapy in stage IV (adjuvant chemotherapy in stage III allowed; one prior regimen of immunotherapy or targeted therapy in stage IV allowed).
• Primary melanoma of the uvea / choroidea.
• Evidence of brain/CNS metastases. Former history of brain/CNS metastases, which have been treated successfully, and are no longer visible in CT/MRI is allowed.
• ECOG/WHO performance index of 2 or higher
• Concurrent or recent malignancies except for surgically cured carcinoma in-situ of the cervix and basal or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin. Patients with previous malignancies, which have been treated with a subsequent disease-free interval of at least 5 years, are eligible.
• Any severe or uncontrolled hematological, renal or liver dysfunction as defined by the laboratory values given in Inclusion Criteria.
• Any clinically uncontrolled infectious disease including HIV positivity or AIDS-related illness.
• Any female patients who are pregnant or nursing.
• Any psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow-up schedule; those conditions should be discussed with the patient before registration for the trial.