Nodal basin recurrence following lymph node dissection for melanoma: implications for adjuvant radiotherapy

Sentinel node biopsy for melanoma: an update after two decades of experience

When detected and treated early, melanoma has an excellent prognosis. Unfortunately, as the tumor invades deeper into tissue the risk of metastatic spread to regional lymph nodes and beyond increases and the prognosis worsens significantly. Therefore, accurately detecting any regional lymphatic metastasis would significantly aid in determining a patient's prognosis and help guide his or her treatment plan. In 1991, Don Morton and colleagues presented new paradigm in diagnosing regional lymphatic involvement of tumors termed sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). By mapping the regional lymph system around a tumor and tracing the lymphatic flow, a determination of the most likely lymph node or nodes the cancer will spread to first is made. Then, a limited biopsy of the most likely nodes is performed rather than a more-invasive removal of the entire local lymphatic chain. In 20 years that have followed, a great deal of information has been gained as to its accuracy, prognostic value, appropriate candidates, and its impact on regional disease control and survival. The SLNB has been shown to accurately stage regional lymph node basins in stage I and II melanoma patients with minimal morbidity. More sensitive histologic techniques are now being applied that may allow even greater accuracy in the staging of melanoma patients. Although specific percent risk thresholds are still in question, recommendation for SLNB when melanomas are 1 mm or thicker has gained wide acceptance. SLNB may also be appropriate for patients with melanomas that are between 0.76 and 1 mm thick and have ulceration, high mitotic rates, or reach a Clark level IV. Therefore, melanomas with IB or greater staging should be considered for SLNB.

Adjuvant radiation therapy in metastatic lymph nodes from melanoma

Purpose

To analyze the outcome after adjuvant radiation therapy with standard fractionation regimen in metastatic lymph nodes (LN) from cutaneous melanoma.

Patients and methods

86 successive patients (57 men) were treated for locally advanced melanoma in our institution. 60 patients (69%) underwent LN dissection followed by radiation therapy (RT), while 26 patients (31%) had no radiotherapy.

Results

The median number of resected LN was 12 (1 to 36) with 2 metastases (1 to 28). Median survival after the first relapse was 31.8 months. Extracapsular extension was a significant prognostic factor for regional control (p = 0.019). Median total dose was 50 Gy (30 to 70 Gy). A standard fractionation regimen was used (2 Gy/fraction). Median number of fractions was 25 (10 to 44 fractions). Patients were treated with five fractions/week. Patients with extracapsular extension treated with surgery followed by RT (total dose ≥50 Gy) had a better regional control than patients treated by surgery followed by RT with a total dose <50 Gy (80% vs. 35% at 5-year follow-up; p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Adjuvant radiotherapy was able to increase regional control in targeted sub-population (LN with extracapsular extension).

Role of postoperative irradiation for patients with bilateral cervical nodal metastases from cutaneous melanoma: a critical assessment

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of regional nodal radiation therapy (RT) for patients with bilateral cervical nodal metastases from melanoma.

METHODS

Between 1998 and 2008, 16 patients with bilateral cervical metastases without distant metastases were treated with postoperative RT (30 Gy in 5 fractions delivered twice weekly).

RESULTS

Median follow-up was 5 months (range, 1-34 months). Median survival was 9 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 0-23 months). Overall survival was 68%, 50%, and 27% at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Regional nodal control was 74% and 64% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Rates of development of distant metastasis were 60%, 70%, and 90% at 6, 12, and 18 months, respectively. The actuarial rate of RT-related complications was 49% at 12 months.

CONCLUSION

The limited life expectancy of patients observed with this disease combined with the high rate of RT-related complications argue against the routine use of adjuvant RT for regional nodal disease in this setting.

Role of radiotherapy in melanoma management

BACKGROUND

In melanoma, radiotherapy has generally been considered as a palliative treatment option indicated only for advanced cases or disseminated disease. In the 70s of the previous century, the technological advances in radiotherapy, linked to rapid development of computer sciences, resulted in restored interest for radiotherapy in melanoma management. Although a fundamental lack of well designed prospective and/or randomized clinical trials critically influenced the integration of radiotherapy into treatment strategies in melanoma, radiotherapy was recently recognized as an indispensable part in the multidisciplinary management of patients with melanoma. Altogether, approximately 23% of melanoma patients should receive at least one course of radiotherapy during the course of the disease. In this review, radiobiological properties of melanoma that govern the decisions for the fractionation patterns used in the treatment of this disease are described. Moreover, the indications for irradiation and the results of pertinent clinical studies from the literature, creating a rationale for the use of radiotherapy in the management of this disease, are reviewed and a brief description of radiotherapy techniques is given.

CONCLUSIONS

Basic treatment modality in melanoma is surgery. However, whenever surgery is not radical or there are adverse prognostic factors identified on histopathological examination of resected tissue specimen, it needs to be supplemented. Also, in patients with unresectable disease or in those not being suitable for major surgery or who refuse proposed surgical intervention, other effective mode(s) of therapy need to be implemented. From this perspective, supported by clinical experiences and literature results, radiotherapy is a valuable option: it is effective and safe, in curative and palliative setting.

Role of radiation therapy in cutaneous melanoma

Cutaneous melanoma is a disease that often has an aggressive and unpredictable course. It was historically thought to be a radioresistant neoplasm; however, substantial radiobiologic and clinical evidence has emerged to refute this notion. Improved local control has been demonstrated with the use of adjuvant radiation therapy delivered to the primary site or regional lymphatics in patients with high-risk clinical or pathologic features. Despite improved local control, high-risk cutaneous melanoma often spreads systemically, leading to poor survival. In the setting of systemic progression, radiation therapy can frequently palliate symptomatic sites of metastatic disease.

Multidisciplinary treatment of primary melanoma

This article covers the multidisciplinary treatment of primary melanoma. Excision margins and the need for sentinel lymphadenectomy are mainly dictated by the Breslow thickness although exceptions to this dictum do exist. Interferon is the only FDA approved adjuvant therapy for high risk melanoma although its overall survival benefit is minimal. Trials examining different doses or duration of interferon therapy have not demonstrated any promising survival data so far. There have been several randomized vaccine trials for melanoma but none have shown an overall survival benefit. Research into T-cell regulation continues and will hopefully bring promise for the future of melanoma treatment.

Radiation therapy field extent for adjuvant treatment of axillary metastases from malignant melanoma

PURPOSE

To compare treatment-related outcomes and toxicity for patients with axillary lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma treated with postoperative radiation therapy (RT) to either the axilla only or both the axilla and supraclavicular fossa (extended field [EF]).

METHODS AND MATERIALS

The medical records of 200 consecutive patients treated with postoperative RT for axillary lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma were retrospectively reviewed. All patients received postoperative hypofractionated RT for high-risk features; 95 patients (48%) received RT to the axilla only and 105 patients (52%) to the EF.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 59 months, 111 patients (56%) had sustained relapse, and 99 patients (50%) had died. The 5-year overall survival, disease-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 51%, 43%, and 46%, respectively. The 5-year axillary control rate was 88%. There was no difference in axillary control rates on the basis of the treated field (89% for axilla only vs. 86% for EF; p = 0.4). Forty-seven patients (24%) developed treatment-related complications. On both univariate and multivariate analyses, only treatment with EF irradiation was significantly associated with increased treatment-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant hypofractionated RT to the axilla only for metastatic malignant melanoma with high-risk features is an effective method to control axillary disease. Limiting the radiation field to the axilla only produced equivalent axillary control rates to EF and resulted in lower treatment-related complication rates.

Prognostic factors in lymph node metastases of prostatic cancer patients: the size of the metastases but not extranodal extension independently predicts survival

AIMS

To analyse tumour characteristics and the prognostic significance of prostatic cancers with extranodal extension of lymph node metastases (ENE) in 102 node-positive, hormone treatment-naive patients undergoing radical prostatectomy and extended lymphadenectomy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The median number of nodes examined per patient was 21 (range 9-68), and the median follow-up time was 92 months (range 12-191). ENE was observed in 71 patients (70%). They had significantly more, larger and less differentiated nodal metastases, paralleled by significantly larger primary tumours at more advanced stages and with higher Gleason scores than patients without ENE. ENE defined a subgroup with significantly decreased biochemical recurrence-free (P = 0.038) and overall survival (P = 0.037). In multivariate analyses the diameter of the largest metastasis and Gleason score of the primary tumour were independent predictors of survival.

CONCLUSIONS

ENE in prostatic cancer is an indicator lesion for advanced/aggressive tumours with poor outcome. However, the strong correlation with larger metastases suggests that ENE may result from their size, which was the only independent risk factor in the metastasizing component. Consequently, histopathological reports should specify the true indicator of poor survival in the lymphadenectomy specimens, which is the size of the largest metastasis in each patient.

Cutaneous head and neck melanoma: the old and the new

The incidence rate of malignant melanoma has shown a rapid worldwide rise in recent years. The staging and management of head and neck melanoma presents some unique challenges. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, while sentinel node biopsy is the most accurate staging modality for regional disease. The complex regional anatomy and lymphovascular drainage of this region may account for the increased biologic aggressiveness and treatment challenges of this disease. Improved understanding of the radiobiology of melanoma has resulted in new adjuvant radiotherapy approaches, yielding improved control rates. The treatment outcomes of metastatic head and neck melanoma remain disappointing but important progress has been made in the understanding of melanoma biology.

Multidisciplinary management of special melanoma situations: oligometastatic disease and bulky nodal sites

Potentially resectable, advanced stage melanoma in the form of extensive palpable adenopathy or limited systemic metastases presents a significant challenge but also offers the prospect of long-term disease control. Although surgical resection is the mainstay of therapy, involvement of a multidisciplinary team is required for optimal management of these special situations. These patients need to be evaluated preoperatively by the team, discussed at a multidisciplinary conference, and treated by experienced physicians with access to the full spectrum of modern surgical and oncologic therapy. Surgical resection is generally extensive and may require en bloc resection of important anatomic structures. Adjuvant radiation or systemic therapy is required in many patients to help achieve durable regional and systemic control of disease. In addition, novel therapies, such as neoadjuvant chemotherapy, targeted therapies, or investigational intralesional therapies, may ultimately play a role in the management of these difficult clinical situations and require further evaluation, as preliminary studies show some encouraging results.

Toxicity of combined treatment of adjuvant irradiation and interferon alpha2b in high-risk melanoma patients

Surgically resected stage III melanoma patients commonly receive adjuvant therapy with interferon (IFN) alpha2b. For those patients with high-risk features of draining node recurrence, radiation therapy can also be considered as a treatment option. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the efficacy and radiation-related toxicity of this combined therapy. Eighteen patients receiving adjuvant IFNalpha2b therapy during radiation therapy, or within 1 month of its completion, were reviewed retrospectively and analysed for outcome. Radiation was delivered at 600 cGy dose per fraction, in 16 out of 18 patients, twice a week, and at 200 cGy dose per fraction in two patients five times a week. Total radiation dose and number of fractions were as follows: 30 Gy/5 fr (n=8), 36 Gy/6 fr (n=8) and 50 Gy/25 fr (n=2). The percentage of disease-free patients, with no local recurrence, at 3 years was 88%. In 10 patients, IFNalpha2b was administered concurrently with radiotherapy; in three, within 30 days before or after radiation; and in five, more than 30 days after radiation. All the patients experienced acute skin reactions, grade I on the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) scale. Late radiation-related toxicity was seen in one patient with grade III (RTOG) skin reaction and two with grade IV (RTOG) radiation-induced myelitis. Concurrent use of adjuvant radiotherapy and IFNalpha2b might enhance radiation-induced toxicity, and special care should be taken when the spinal cord is included in the radiation field.

A prospective phase II study of adjuvant postoperative radiation therapy following nodal surgery in malignant melanoma–Trans Tasman Radiation Oncology Group (TROG) Study 96.06

BACKGROUND

The role of adjuvant postoperative therapy after resection of localised malignant melanoma involving regional lymph nodes remains controversial. There are no randomised trials that confirm that postoperative radiation conveys a benefit in terms of regional control or survival.

METHODS

Two hundred and thirty-four patients with melanoma involving lymph nodes were registered on a prospective study to evaluate the effect of postoperative radiation therapy. The regimen consisted of 48Gy in 20 fractions to the nodal basin using recommended treatment guidelines for each of the major node sites. The primary endpoints were regional in-field relapse and late toxicity. Secondary endpoints were adjacent relapse, distant relapse, overall survival, progression-free survival and time to in-field progression.

RESULTS

Adjuvant radiation therapy was well tolerated by all of the patients. As the first site of relapse, regional in-field relapses occurred in 16/234 patients (6.8%). The overall survival was 36% at 5 years. The progression-free survival and regional control rates were 27% and 91%, respectively, at 5 years. Patients with more than 2 nodes involved had a significantly worse outcome in terms of distant relapse, overall and progression-free survival.

CONCLUSION

We believe that adjuvant radiation therapy following nodal surgery could offer a possible benefit in terms of regional control. These results require confirmation in a randomised trial.

Adjuvant radiotherapy for cutaneous melanoma: Comparing hypofractionation to conventional fractionation

PURPOSE

To examine locoregional control after adjuvant radiotherapy (RT) for cutaneous melanoma and compare outcomes between conventional fractionation and hypofractionation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between January 1980 and June 2004, 56 patients with high-risk disease were treated with adjuvant RT. Indications for RT included: recurrent disease, cervical lymph node involvement, lymph nodes >3 cm, more than three lymph nodes involved, extracapsular extension, gross residual disease, close or positive margins, or satellitosis. Hypofractionation was used in 41 patients (73%) and conventional fractionation was used in 15 patients (27%).

RESULTS

The median age was 61 years (21->90). The median follow-up among living patients was 4.4 years (range, 0.6-14.4 years). The primary site was located in the head and neck in 49 patients (87%) and below the clavicles in 7 patients (13%). There were 7 in-field locoregional failures (12%), 3 out-of-field regional failures (5%), and 24 (43%) distant failures. The 5-year in-field locoregional control (ifLRC) and freedom from distant metastases (FFDM) rates were 87% and 43%, respectively. The 5-year cause-specific (CSS) and overall survival (OS) was 57% and 46%, respectively. The only factor associated with ifLRC was satellitosis (p = 0.0002). Nodal involvement was the only factor associated with FFDM (p = 0.0007), CSS (p = 0.0065), and OS (p = 0.016). Two patients (4%) who experienced severe late complications, osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone and radiation plexopathy, and both received hypofractionation (5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although surgery and adjuvant RT provides excellent locoregional control, distant metastases remain the major cause of mortality. Hypofractionation and conventional fractionation are equally efficacious.

The prognostic impact of the extent of lymph node dissection in patients with stage III melanoma

AIMS

To analyse disease-free and overall survival in 67 melanoma patients who underwent dissection for clinically apparent regional lymph node metastases, taking into account the total number of excised lymph nodes.

METHODS

After a median follow-up time of 16 months, 47 recurrences were observed and 43 patients died. The median disease-free and overall survival intervals were 14 and 24 months respectively.

RESULTS

Multivariate analyses revealed that the number of excised lymph nodes had a significant impact on overall survival (P=0.036) but not on disease-free survival (P=0.97). Extranodal growth was the only statistically significant prognostic factor both for disease-free (P=0.005) and overall (P=0.038) survival. Age, nodal basin, primary tumor ulceration, tumor thickness and number of positive lymph nodes were not significant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that the total number of lymph nodes excised in the dissection has impact on overall survival of stage III melanoma patients and should be considered in clinical assays.

Dispelling the myths surrounding radiotherapy for treatment of cutaneous melanoma

The role of radiotherapy is well established in the management of most locally advanced and metastatic cancers; however, there has been reluctance to extend this role to melanoma. The reasons can be traced historically to in-vitro and in-vivo data suggesting that melanomas are resistant to radiation. Current findings indicate that these cancers have a wide range of sensitivity to radiation that overlaps extensively with those for common epithelial cancers: indeed, some melanomas show high sensitivity to radiation. Greater incorporation of radiotherapy into multidisciplinary management of melanoma is important because of the typical natural history of the disease (a propensity for both locoregional recurrence and distant metastases) and its poor response to systemic treatment. This review will discuss these issues and preview the strategies being developed for radiotherapy to further improve the care of patients with melanoma.

Melanoma patients with positive sentinel nodes who did not undergo completion lymphadenectomy: a multi-institutional study

BACKGROUND

Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) is considered the standard of care in melanoma patients found to have sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastasis. However, the therapeutic utility of CLND is not known. The natural history of patients with positive SLNs who do not undergo CLND is undefined. This multi-institutional study was undertaken to characterize patterns of failure and survival rates in these patients and to compare results with those of positive-SLN patients who underwent CLND.

METHODS

Surgeons from 16 centers contributed data on 134 positive-SLN patients who did not undergo CLND. SLN biopsy was performed by using each institution's established protocols. Patients were followed up for recurrence and survival.

RESULTS

In this study population, the median age was 59 years, and 62% were male. The median tumor thickness was 2.6 mm, 77% of tumors had invasion to Clark level IV/V, and 33% of lesions were ulcerated. The primary melanoma was located on the extremities, trunk, and head/neck in 45%, 43%, and 12%, respectively. The median follow-up was 20 months. The median time to recurrence was 11 months. Nodal recurrence was a component of the first site of recurrence in 20 patients (15%). Nodal recurrence-free survival was statistically insignificantly worse than that seen in a contemporary cohort of patients who underwent CLND. Disease-specific survival for positive-SLN patients who did not undergo CLND was 80% at 36 months, which was not significantly different from that of patients who underwent CLND.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the importance of ongoing prospective randomized trials in determining the therapeutic value of CLND after positive SLN biopsy in melanoma patients.

Radiation Therapy in the Management of Cutaneous Melanoma

The role of RT in the management of melanoma is complex and spans the entire course of the disease. To provide optimal management of patients who have melanoma, radiation oncologists are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team. Appropriate integration of radiation into the management plan can improve locoregional control and alleviate symptoms from meta-static disease. The specific role of RT in locoregional disease is being refined. It is likely that current developments in radiation treatment technology will be applicable to melanoma. These should improve the therapeutic ratio by enhancing the tumoricidal effects of RT without increasing toxicity.

Combined-modality therapy for patients with regional nodal metastases from melanoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome and patterns of failure for patients with nodal metastases from melanoma treated with combined-modality therapy.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Between 1983 and 2003, 466 patients with nodal metastases from melanoma were managed with lymphadenectomy and radiation, with or without systemic therapy. Surgery was a therapeutic procedure for clinically apparent nodal disease in 434 patients (regionally advanced nodal disease). Adjuvant radiation was generally delivered with a hypofractionated regimen. Adjuvant systemic therapy was delivered to 154 patients.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up of 4.2 years, 252 patients relapsed and 203 patients died of progressive disease. The actuarial 5-year disease-specific, disease-free, and distant metastasis-free survival rates were 49%, 42%, and 44%, respectively. By multivariate analysis, increasing number of involved lymph nodes and primary ulceration were associated with an inferior 5-year actuarial disease-specific and distant metastasis-free survival. Also, the number of involved lymph nodes was associated with the development of brain metastases, whereas thickness was associated with lung metastases, and primary ulceration was associated with liver metastases. The actuarial 5-year regional (in-basin) control rate for all patients was 89%, and on multivariate analysis there were no patient or disease characteristics associated with inferior regional control. The risk of lymphedema was highest for those patients with groin lymph node metastases.

CONCLUSIONS

Although regional nodal disease can be satisfactorily controlled with lymphadenectomy and radiation, the risk of distant metastases and melanoma death remains high. A management approach to these patients that accounts for the competing risks of distant metastases, regional failure, and long-term toxicity is needed.

Head and neck melanoma

BACKGROUND

Melanoma of the head and neck and its treatment are complex issues. The behavior of head and neck melanoma is aggressive, and it has an overall poorer prognosis than that of other skin sites.

METHODS

The authors review current data on the treatment of head and neck melanoma, including both cutaneous and mucosal melanoma.

RESULTS

Current understanding of the behavior of head and neck melanoma is reviewed and treatment stratagems are presented. Controversies in treatment include lymphoscintigraphy with sentinel node biopsy, nodal dissection, margin size, role of radiation therapy, and reconstruction. The management goal is to treat melanoma aggressively while minimizing the effects of treatment on patient quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Due to its aggressiveness, head and neck melanoma should be treated aggressively when morbidity is not significantly increased. Patient specific treatment is imperative.

Melanoma of the head and neck

Staging of cutaneous melanoma has changed in recent years with an increased emphasis upon thickness and ulceration on prognosis of early stage disease. Cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck is treated with complete surgical resection in early stage disease. Resection margins are determined by the size, depth, and presence of satellite lesions. Evaluation for regional and distant metastatic disease is necessary in all cases of advanced stage disease. Sentinel lymph node biopsy and possible parotidectomy and neck dissection should be considered in head and neck cutaneous melanomas greater than 1 mm in thickness or with ulceration. Adjuvant therapy may be indicated in advanced primary, nodal, and metastatic disease. Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck remains a difficult disease to treat, with high locoregional recurrence rates and poor prognosis despite aggressive therapy.

Extra nodal growth as a prognostic factor in malignant melanoma

AIM

Extra nodal growth (ENG) in lymph-node metastases may be an additional indicator for poor prognosis and increased loco-regional recurrence in patients with a cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Most studies analyzing prognostic factors lack a proper definition or description of the histological criteria for extra nodal growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate this factor.

METHODS

Retrospectively 94 patients with CMM and clinically lymph-node metastases were analysed. Metastatic lymph-nodes were evaluated for ENG and if present grouped in microscopic (<2 mm) or macroscopic (>2 mm) ENG. ENG was defined as metastatic tumour which clearly extends histologically through the nodal capsule into the perinodal fatty tissue or tumour involvement in the hilar region with interruption of the smooth outline of the (presumed) capsule.

RESULTS

Ninety-four patients, median age 52 (6-92) years with CMM, median Breslow thickness 2.8 (0.2-11.0) mm. In 50 patients ENG was present (macroscopic: 32, microscopic: 18). The median follow-up was 59 (range 5-325) months. The number of loco-regional recurrence was 10; 4 in the group with and 6 in the group without ENG (n.s.). Five years survival of patients with ENG was 42% and without ENG 50% (n.s.). There was no significant difference in survival or loco-regional recurrence between microscopic or macroscopic ENG.

CONCLUSION

ENG of lymph-node metastases of CMM is of no prognostic value and has no clinical impact.

A Critical Assessment of Adjuvant Radiotherapy for Inguinal Lymph Node Metastases from Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Although patients with inguinal or pelvic lymph node (LN) metastases from melanoma may develop regional recurrence after dissection, the role of adjuvant radiotherapy remains controversial.

METHODS

The medical records of 40 patients with inguinal and/or pelvic lymph node metastases from melanoma were reviewed retrospectively. Indications for adjuvant radiotherapy included the following nodal characteristics: extracapsular extension, LNs > or =3 cm in diameter, > or =4 involved LNs, and LN recurrence after prior nodal surgery. Thirty-seven of 40 patients underwent formal LN dissection. Three patients had only local excision of gross disease for recurrence after prior dissection. All patients received radiation to a median dose of 30 Gy at six Gy/fraction delivered twice weekly.

RESULTS

With a median follow-up time of 22.5 months, the 3-year actuarial distant metastasis-free and overall survival rates were 35% and 38%, respectively. The 3-year regional control rate was 74%. Univariate analyses of patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics failed to reveal any association with distant metastasis-free survival, overall survival, or regional control. Regional failures occurred in nine patients; seven of these were isolated dermal failures within the field of irradiation. Only two patients (5%) had LN basin recurrences; one of these patients also developed dermal recurrence. Fifteen of 40 patients developed lymphedema; in seven of these, lymphedema was present before initiation of radiation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Radiation may prevent recurrence of nodal disease in patients at high risk for regional failure, but in-field dermal recurrences may sometimes occur (8 of 40, 20%). Treatment-related lymphedema and death from metastatic melanoma were common.

Radiation therapy following lymph node dissection in melanoma patients: treatment, outcome and complications

Adjuvant radiation treatment following lymph node dissection in the melanoma patient has been suggested and investigated in an attempt to gain regional control and improve survival. In this review we discussed the treatment, the loco-regional control, disease-free and survival rates and complications. Historically melanoma has been thought of as a relatively radioresistant tumour. Nowadays, radiation delivered according to the hypofractionated schedule is the most used, although there are no data to confirm that this schedule improves the therapeutic impact. Almost all the reviewed studies were retrospective, which could have led to an underestimation of the true incidence of the treatment toxicity and morbidity. Adjuvant radiotherapy after lymph node dissection for metastases of melanoma seems to improve loco-regional control without improving overall survival. The available data indicate the need for improved regional control rates in patients with extranodal extension, multiple involved nodes (more than three) and patients with large involved nodes (larger than 3 cm). The complications seem manageable and consist mainly of fibrosis and edema.

Concurrent adjuvant radiotherapy and interferon-α2b for resected high risk stage III melanoma – a retrospective single centre study

Interferon-alpha2b (IFNalpha2b) is the only form of systemic adjuvant therapy for stage III melanoma with documented survival benefit. Radiotherapy can also be utilized in the adjuvant setting in patients at high risk of nodal basin recurrence. As IFNalpha2b is associated with substantial toxicity, we sought to determine both the systemic and radiation-related toxicities in patients treated with combined adjuvant IFNalpha2b and regional adjuvant radiotherapy delivered in the setting of a single institution. Eighteen consecutive patients who commenced adjuvant IFNalpha2b between November 1997 and August 2002 were analysed retrospectively for toxicities associated with the combination of IFNalpha2b and adjuvant radiotherapy (40-50 Gy in 15-25 fractions) to nodal basins delivered during the maintenance phase of IFNalpha2b therapy (median dose during radiotherapy of 6.5 MU/m three times per week). Seven out of 18 patients who received concurrent radiotherapy and IFNalpha2b displayed grade 3 skin reactions. Severe radiation-induced toxicity was seen in three further patients, one who developed radiation pneumonitis, one who developed severe oral mucositis, and one who developed wound dehiscence that took 10 months to resolve. Non-radiation-related toxicity to IFNalpha2b therapy was typical for this dose and schedule. We conclude that concurrent use of adjuvant radiotherapy and IFNalpha2b may enhance radiation-induced toxicity. However, overall we found concurrent radiation and IFNalpha2b could be safely delivered with appropriate clinical monitoring.

Melanoma of the head and neck: current concepts in staging, diagnosis, and management

Major advances in the understanding of the causes and risk factors for melanoma and for the prevention and management of this tumor have taken place since the beginning of the past century, when the diagnosis of melanoma was synonymous with death. As many as 80% of early melanomas can be cured, and a high rate of locoregional control for even far-advanced melanoma is plausible. The major challenge for the years to come lies in curtailing the steady rise in the incidence of melanoma by increasing patient education and adopting measures to prevent the increasing mortality rates associated with this disease. Cure rates can be improved by early diagnosis by physicians and instant referral to experienced oncologists. Finally, new advances in diagnostic and treatment strategies carry the hope for further improvements in locoregional control and survival rates.

Controversies in the management of metastatic melanoma to regional lymphatic basins

The primary management of lymph nodes involved with metastatic melanoma is regional lymphadenectomy. Many controversies of regional lymph node dissection exist including extent and nature of the lymphadenectomy, treatment of lymphatic metastases in unusual locations and the role of adjuvant radiotherapy. Although radical neck dissection has been the gold standard for cervical disease, modified dissections do not seem to compromise regional control in appropriately selected patients. In the axilla, a Level I, II, and III dissection is most commonly performed. Combined superficial and deep groin dissection is justified for clinically palpable disease although management of patients with histologically positive yet clinically non-palpable disease is more controversial. Burden of disease, imaging, patient co-morbidity, and Cloquet nodal status must be considered. Many technical variations exist in an attempt to improve morbidity rates secondary to lymphadenectomy. Unfortunately, complication rates are difficult to compare secondary to variable study designs, definitions, and patient populations. Adjuvant radiation therapy appears warranted in patients with high risk of regional recurrence including bulky disease, extracapsular extension or cervical location.

Radical lymph node dissection for melanoma

BACKGROUND

Therapeutic lymph node dissection for melanoma aims to achieve regional disease control. Radical lymphadenectomy (RLND) can be a difficult procedure associated with significant postoperative morbidity. The aims of the present study were to review regional disease control and morbidity in a series of lymphadenectomies performed within a specialist unit.

METHODS

The present study involved the analysis of 73 lymphadenectomies in 64 patients, from 1995 to 2001.

RESULTS

The overall wound complication rate after inguinal lymphadenectomy (71%) was higher than after axillary lymphadenectomy (47%; P = 0.05). After inguinal lymphadenectomy, the wound infection rate was higher (25.0%vs 5.9%; P = 0.03), delayed wound healing was more frequent (25.0%vs 5.9%; P = 0.03), and the mean time that drain tubes remained in situ was longer (12.5 vs 8.2 days; P = 0.05). There were no significant differences in seroma (46%vs 32%) rates. Lymphoedema was more common after inguinal lymphadenectomy (P < 0.02). Multivariate analysis identified inguinal RLND (P = 0.002) and increasing tumour size (P = 0.045) as predictors of wound morbidity. More patients received postoperative radiotherapy after neck RLND compared to inguinal or axilla RLND (P = 0.03). Six (8%) patients developed local recurrence after lymphadenectomy. At a median follow up of 22 months, 34 (53%) patients have died, from disseminated disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Radical lymphadenectomy for melanoma is associated with significant morbidity. Inguinal node dissection has a higher rate of complications than axillary dissection. Low local recurrence rates can be achieved, limiting the potential morbidity of uncontrolled regional metastatic disease.

Radiation therapy for malignant melanoma

Although surgery remains the primary treatment for patients with localized melanoma, available data indicate that there is a need for improved local-regional control in situations where complete surgical resection may be difficult or when high-risk features are noted pathologically. Retrospective and phase II prospective studies have revealed that elective/adjuvant radiotherapy can significantly improve the local-regional control rate in these clinical settings. The impact of elective/adjuvant radiotherapy on the incidence of distant metastasis and overall survival has yet to be determined, however. Additionally, there remains a role for radiotherapy as a primary treatment alternative for elderly patients with large facial lentigo maligna melanoma. The optimal radiation fractionation schedule remains controversial. The hypofractionated regimen is well tolerated, has resulted in improved local-regional control as compared with historical surgical results, and is convenient for a group of patients in whom survival expectations are low. Significant improvements in outcome will require commensurate improvements in systemic disease control. The importance of local control to reduce local morbidity, however, should not be underestimated, and future research goals should include randomized clinical trials to further define the role of adjuvant irradiation alone or in combination with systemic therapy.

Adjuvant irradiation for cervical lymph node metastases from melanoma

BACKGROUND

The risk of regional disease recurrence after surgery alone for lymph node metastases from melanoma is well documented. The role of adjuvant irradiation remains controversial.

METHODS

The medical records of 160 patients with cervical lymph node metastases from melanoma were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, 148 (93%) presented with clinically palpable lymph node metastases. All patients underwent surgery and radiation to a median dose of 30 grays (Gy) at 6 Gy per fraction delivered twice weekly. Surgical resection was either a selective neck dissection in 90 patients or local excision of the lymph node metastasis in 35 patients. Only 35 patients underwent a radical, modified radical, or functional neck dissection.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 78 months, the actuarial local, regional, and locoregional control rates at 10 years were 94%, 94%, and 91%, respectively. Univariate analysis of patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics failed to reveal any association with the subsequent rate of local or regional control. The actuarial disease-specific (DSS), disease-free, and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) rates at 10 years were 48%, 42%, and 43%, respectively. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that patients with four or more involved lymph nodes had a significantly worse DSS and DMFS. Nine patients developed a treatment-related complication requiring medical management, resulting in a 5-year actuarial complication-free survival rate of 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

Adjuvant radiotherapy resulted in a 10-year regional control rate of 94%. Complications for all patients were rare and manageable when they did occur. The authors recommend adjuvant irradiation for patients with extracapsular extension, lymph nodes measuring 3 cm in size or larger, the involvement of multiple lymph nodes, recurrent disease, or any patient having undergone a selective therapeutic neck dissection.

Patterns of early recurrence after sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma

BACKGROUND

Patterns of early recurrence after sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for melanoma was determined from the Sunbelt Melanoma Trial, which includes patients with Breslow thickness > or =1.0 mm and nonpalpable regional lymph nodes.

METHODS

SLN were evaluated by routine histology and S-100 protein stain. Overall, there were 1,183 patients with a median follow-up of 16 months.

RESULTS

SLN were positive in 233 of 1,183 patients (20%). The recurrence rate was greater among patients with histologically positive SLN than those with negative SLN (15.5% versus 6.0%, respectively, P <0.05). Patients with positive SLN were more likely to have distant metastases (as opposed to locoregional recurrence) than those with negative SLN (67% versus 46%, respectively, P <0.05). By multivariate analysis, SLN status, Breslow thickness, Clark level, and ulceration were significant independent factors associated with early recurrence. Of patients with negative SLN, 14 of 950 (1.5%) experienced metastatic disease in lymph node basins which were staged as negative for tumor by SLN biopsy initially.

CONCLUSIONS

Early regional lymph node recurrence was very uncommon after positive SLN biopsy and completion lymphadenectomy. Patients with positive SLN are more likely than those with negative SLN to develop both local/in-transit recurrence and distant metastases within a short follow-up period.

Radiation therapy of malignant melanoma

This article discusses that previously considered radioresistant, malignant melanomas clearly have been shown to respond either to conventional or high-dose-per-fraction radiation therapy. Approximately one fourth of palliatively irradiated malignant melanomas respond completely and another one third respond substantially. Some physicians have controlled small-volume macroscopic tumors by radiation therapy, but such treatment has not gained wide acceptance. Elective irradiation of anatomic sites considered likely to harbor microscopic-size tumor unquestionably decreases the risk of local-regional recurrence. The inability of available systemic therapies, however, to prevent the appearance of distant metastases limits the current impact of such treatment.

Adjuvant irradiation for axillary metastases from malignant melanoma

PURPOSE

To evaluate the outcome and treatment-related toxicity for patients with axillary lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma treated with surgery and radiation, with or without systemic therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of 89 consecutive patients with axillary lymph node metastases from malignant melanoma were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent axillary dissection and postoperative radiation to a median dose of 30 Gy at 6 Gy/fraction delivered twice weekly. In 3 patients referred with microscopic residual disease, a single boost (4-6 Gy) was given to a reduced field. All but 2 patients were referred because their axillary dissections revealed features believed to predict a 30-50% risk of subsequent axillary recurrence: lymph nodes >/=3 cm in size (54 patients), >/=4 lymph nodes positive (44), the presence of extracapsular extension (69), recurrent disease after initial surgical resection (23), or multiple risk factors (77). Fifty-one patients received systemic therapy before or after radiation therapy.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 63 months, 47 patients had relapsed and 43 patients had died. The actuarial overall and disease-free survival rates at 5 years were 50% and 46%, respectively. The actuarial axillary control and distant metastasis-free survival rates at 5 years were 87% and 49%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the probability of axillary control was inferior when the axillary disease measured >6 cm in size (72% vs. 93%, p = 0.02), the location of the primary tumor was unknown (74% vs. 93%, p = 0.02), the axillary failure occurred within 18 months from diagnosis of the primary melanoma (84% vs. 100%, p = 0.04), or the Breslow thickness was >4 mm (80% vs. 96%, p = 0.04). Additionally, there was an inferior distant metastasis-free and disease-free survival when there were >2 nodes positive for metastatic disease, the primary lesion had a Breslow thickness >4 mm, or the axillary failure occurred within 18 months from diagnosis of the primary melanoma. On multivariate analysis, the significantly inferior distant metastasis-free and disease-free survival seen when >2 nodes were positive or the recurrence occurred within 18 months remained significant. The small number of axillary failures precluded multivariate analysis for axillary control; however, stratified analysis suggested that size >6 cm was the factor most closely associated with subsequent axillary failure. Twenty-six patients developed treatment-related arm edema. Classification according to the severity of edema yielded 5-year actuarial arm edema rates of 21%, 19%, and 1%, for Grade 1 (transient or asymptomatic), Grade 2 (requiring medical intervention), or Grade 3 (requiring surgical intervention) edema, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Adjuvant radiation therapy using a hypofractionated regimen resulted in an 87% 5-year axillary control rate, superior to the 50-70% local control achieved with surgery alone for lymph node metastases from melanoma when high-risk features are present. Improvements are needed for patients with bulky nodal masses >6 cm in size. Mild-to-moderate arm edema was common, but manageable. The degree to which radiotherapy adds to the risk of arm edema after axillary dissection alone cannot be addressed in the present analysis.

Combined adjuvant radiation and interferon-alpha 2B therapy in high-risk melanoma patients: the potential for increased radiation toxicity

PURPOSE

Surgically resected melanoma patients with high-risk features commonly receive adjuvant therapy with interferon-alpha 2b combined with radiation therapy; the purpose of our study was to evaluate the potential enhancement of radiation toxicity by interferon.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Patients at LDS Hospital and the University of Utah Medical Center in Salt Lake City treated with interferon during radiotherapy or within 1 month of its completion were retrospectively identified, and their charts were reviewed. If possible, the patients were asked to return to the LDS Hospital radiation therapy department for follow-up.

RESULTS

Five of 10 patients receiving interferon-alpha 2b therapy during radiation therapy or within 1 month of its completion experienced severe subacute/late complications of therapy. Severe subacute/late complications included two patients with peripheral neuropathy, one patient with radiation necrosis in the brain, and two patients with radiation necrosis in the s.c. tissue. One patient with peripheral neuropathy and one patient with radiation necrosis also developed lymphedema.

CONCLUSIONS

In vitro studies have identified a radiosensitizing effect by interferon-alpha on certain cell lines, which suggests the possibility that patients treated with interferon and radiation therapy may experience more severe radiation toxicities. We have observed severe subacute/late complications in five of 10 patients treated with interferon-alpha 2b during radiation therapy or within 1 month of its completion. Although an observational study of 10 patients lacks the statistic power to reach conclusions regarding the safety and complication rates of combined interferon and radiation therapy, it is sufficient to raise concerns and suggest the need for prospective studies.

Lymph-node metastases in patients with melanoma: what is the optimum management?

Lymph-node metastasis is an indicator of poor prognosis for patients with melanoma. The management of regional nodes is controversial, with continuing debate about whether surgery or radiotherapy of positive lymph nodes improves long-term survival or whether nodal involvement is merely a marker of aggressive disease. However, there is general agreement that systemic chemotherapy is rarely an effective form of management. This review therefore considers surgical and radiotherapeutic aspects of lymph-node management in patients with melanoma. We discuss regional control and survival after lymph-node surgery in retrospective series, randomised trials of elective lymph-node dissection, the role of 'sentinel' lymph-node biopsy, radiobiology and radiotherapy fractionation issues in melanoma treatment, retrospective studies of adjuvant nodal radiotherapy, and finally, randomised trials of adjuvant radiotherapy after lymph-node dissection.