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Jukic DM, Rao UNM, Kelly L, Skaf JS, Drogowski LM, Kirkwood JM, Panelli MC. Microrna profiling analysis of differences between the melanoma of young adults and older adults. J Transl Med 2010; 8:27. [PMID: 20302635 PMCID: PMC2855523 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-8-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2009] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study represents the first attempt to perform a profiling analysis of the intergenerational differences in the microRNAs (miRNAs) of primary cutaneous melanocytic neoplasms in young adult and older age groups. The data emphasize the importance of these master regulators in the transcriptional machinery of melanocytic neoplasms and suggest that differential levels of expressions of these miRs may contribute to differences in phenotypic and pathologic presentation of melanocytic neoplasms at different ages. METHODS An exploratory miRNA analysis of 666 miRs by low density microRNA arrays was conducted on formalin fixed and paraffin embedded tissues (FFPE) from 10 older adults and 10 young adults including conventional melanoma and melanocytic neoplasms of uncertain biological significance. Age-matched benign melanocytic nevi were used as controls. RESULTS Primary melanoma in patients greater than 60 years old was characterized by the increased expression of miRs regulating TLR-MyD88-NF-kappaB pathway (hsa-miR-199a), RAS/RAB22A pathway (hsa-miR-204); growth differentiation and migration (hsa-miR337), epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) (let-7b, hsa-miR-10b/10b*), invasion and metastasis (hsa-miR-10b/10b*), hsa-miR-30a/e*, hsa-miR-29c*; cellular matrix components (hsa-miR-29c*); invasion-cytokinesis (hsa-miR-99b*) compared to melanoma of younger patients. MiR-211 was dramatically downregulated compared to nevi controls, decreased with increasing age and was among the miRs linked to metastatic processes. Melanoma in young adult patients had increased expression of hsa-miR-449a and decreased expression of hsa-miR-146b, hsa-miR-214*. MiR-30a* in clinical stages I-II adult and pediatric melanoma could predict classification of melanoma tissue in the two extremes of age groups. Although the number of cases is small, positive lymph node status in the two age groups was characterized by the statistically significant expression of hsa-miR-30a* and hsa-miR-204 (F-test, p-value < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our findings, although preliminary, support the notion that the differential biology of melanoma at the extremes of age is driven, in part, by deregulation of microRNA expression and by fine tuning of miRs that are already known to regulate cell cycle, inflammation, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)/stroma and more specifically genes known to be altered in melanoma. Our analysis reveals that miR expression differences create unique patterns of frequently affected biological processes that clearly distinguish old age from young age melanomas. This is a novel characterization of the miRnomes of melanocytic neoplasms at two extremes of age and identifies potential diagnostic and clinico-pathologic biomarkers that may serve as novel miR-based targeted modalities in melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drazen M Jukic
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Division of Hematology-Oncology Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
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Rao UNM, Lee SJ, Luo W, Mihm MC, Kirkwood JM. Presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and a dominant nodule within primary melanoma are prognostic factors for relapse-free survival of patients with thick (t4) primary melanoma: pathologic analysis of the e1690 and e1694 intergroup trials. Am J Clin Pathol 2010. [PMID: 20231618 DOI: 10.1309/ajcptxmefovywda6.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphocytic infiltration of primary cutaneous melanoma has been demonstrated to be of prognostic significance. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) were evaluated on histologic sections of pT4 primary cutaneous melanoma from 293 patients, accrued in protocols 1690 and 1694 of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. Data for the 60-month follow-up were available. Statistical analysis of the pathologic data evaluated the correlation of regional lymph node metastasis and response to interferon therapy, overall survival, and relapse-free survival. In multivariate analysis, there was significant correlation of the presence of TILs and improved survival. The presence of TILs did not affect the survival of patients treated with interferon alfa-2b. Presence of a localized dominant tumor nodule within the primary tumor had an adverse effect on relapse-free survival (P = .044) that was also marginally present for overall survival (P = .112). The presence of TILs has prognostic but not predictive value, and the presence of a dominant nodule in the primary lesion represents a new adverse prognostic factor that should be incorporated in the evaluation of primary melanoma. This study confirmed the importance of tumor ulceration and the number of positive lymph nodes on outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uma N M Rao
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Presbyterian-Shadyside Hospitals, PA, USA
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Messina JL, Sondak VK. Refining the criteria for sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with thinner melanoma. Cancer 2010; 116:1403-5. [DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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154
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Tsai S, Balch C, Lange J. Epidemiology and treatment of melanoma in elderly patients. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2010; 7:148-52. [DOI: 10.1038/nrclinonc.2010.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Abstract
Despite advancements in the treatment of melanoma, surgical management remains the cornerstone for treatment and long-term survival. The authors present their surgical approach to the patient with melanoma including evaluation, treatment, and reconstruction. In addition, management of melanoma occurring in difficult anatomic areas and in special patient populations is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey H Kozlow
- Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Michigan, 2130 Taubman Center, 1500 East Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA
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156
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Gajdos C, Griffith KA, Wong SL, Johnson TM, Chang AE, Cimmino VM, Lowe L, Bradford CR, Rees RS, Sabel MS. Is there a benefit to sentinel lymph node biopsy in patients with T4 melanoma? Cancer 2010; 115:5752-60. [PMID: 19827151 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Controversy exists as to whether patients with thick (Breslow depth>4 mm), clinically lymph node-negative melanoma require sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy. The authors examined the impact of SLN biopsy on prognosis and outcome in this patient population. METHODS A review of the authors' institutional review board-approved melanoma database identified 293 patients with T4 melanoma who underwent surgical excision between 1998 and 2007. Patient demographics, histologic features, and outcome were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS Of 227 T4 patients who had an SLN biopsy, 107 (47%) were positive. The strongest predictors of a positive SLN included angiolymphatic invasion, satellitosis, or ulceration of the primary tumor. Patients with a T4 melanoma and a negative SLN had a significantly better 5-year distant disease-free survival (DDFS) (85.3% vs 47.8%; P<.0001) and overall survival (OS) (80% vs 47%; P<.0001) compared with those with metastases to the SLN. For SLN-positive patients, only angiolymphatic invasion was a significant predictor of DDFS, with a hazard ratio of 2.29 (P=.007). Ulceration was not significant when examining SLN-positive patients but the most significant factor among SLN-negative patients, with a hazard ratio of 5.78 (P=.02). Increasing Breslow thickness and mitotic rate were also significantly associated with poorer outcome. Patients without ulceration or SLN metastases had an extremely good prognosis, with a 5-year OS>90% and a 5-year DDFS of 95%. CONCLUSIONS Clinically lymph node-negative T4 melanoma cases should be strongly considered for SLN biopsy, regardless of Breslow depth. SLN lymph node status is the most significant prognostic sign among these patients. T4 patients with a negative SLN have an excellent prognosis in the absence of ulceration and should not be considered candidates for adjuvant high-dose interferon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csaba Gajdos
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-0932, USA
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Santillan AA, Messina JL, Marzban SS, Crespo G, Sondak VK, Zager JS. Pathology Review of Thin Melanoma and Melanoma in Situ in a Multidisciplinary Melanoma Clinic: Impact on Treatment Decisions. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:481-6. [DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.24.7734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Patients with thin melanoma (≤ 1.0 mm) and melanoma in situ (MIS) represent the majority of newly diagnosed melanoma. We estimated the impact of expert review of outside pathology material on the staging and thus treatment decisions affecting patients referred to a multidisciplinary clinic with early-stage melanoma. Patients and Methods We studied patients with a diagnosis of thin melanoma or MIS referred to H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center from 2006 to 2009. After comparing the referring laboratory and in-house dermatopathologic interpretations, we calculated any differences in diagnosis and tumor staging and the potential impact of differences in diagnosis and staging on prognosis and surgical treatment using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network clinical guidelines. Results The overall pathologic discordance rate in diagnosis was 4% (15 of 420 patients; 95% CI, 2% to 6%). The overall change in tumor staging rate was 24% (97 of 405 patients; 95% CI, 20% to 28%). Pathology review led to changes in surgical excision margins in 12% of patients (52 of 420 patients; 95% CI, 9% to 16%) and in the decision about whether to perform a sentinel lymph node biopsy in 16% of patients (67 of 420 patients; 95% CI, 13% to 20%). Key pathologic factors, particularly mitotic rate, were frequently missing from outside pathology reports. Conclusion Our data suggest that review of thin melanoma or MIS by an expert dermatopathologist results in frequent, clinically meaningful alterations in diagnosis, staging, prognosis, and surgical treatment. Referral of these patients to a multidisciplinary melanoma clinic is appropriate, and management of such patients should include review of the biopsy whenever feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo A. Santillan
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Jane L. Messina
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Suroosh S. Marzban
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Gema Crespo
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Vernon K. Sondak
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
| | - Jonathan S. Zager
- From the Department of Surgery, Section of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio; Section of Surgical Oncology, Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital, San Antonio, TX; Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute; and Departments of Oncologic Sciences, Dermatology, and Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, FL
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Sentinel node status prediction by four statistical models: results from a large bi-institutional series (n = 1132). Ann Surg 2010; 250:964-9. [PMID: 19953714 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0b013e3181b07ffd] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To improve selection for sentinel node (SN) biopsy (SNB) in patients with cutaneous melanoma using statistical models predicting SN status. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA About 80% of patients currently undergoing SNB are node negative. In the absence of conclusive evidence of a SNBassociated survival benefit, these patients may be over-treated. Here, we tested the efficiency of 4 different models in predicting SN status. METHODS The clinicopathologic data (age, gender, tumor thickness, Clark level, regression, ulceration, histologic subtype, and mitotic index) of 1132 melanoma patients who had undergone SNB at institutions in Italy and Australia were analyzed. Logistic regression, classification tree, random forest, and support vector machine models were fitted to the data. The predictive models were built with the aim of maximizing the negative predictive value (NPV) and reducing the rate of SNB procedures though minimizing the error rate. RESULTS After cross-validation logistic regression, classification tree, random forest, and support vector machine predictive models obtained clinically relevant NPV (93.6%, 94.0%, 97.1%, and 93.0%, respectively), SNB reduction (27.5%, 29.8%, 18.2%, and 30.1%, respectively), and error rates (1.8%, 1.8%, 0.5%, and 2.1%, respectively). DISCUSSION Using commonly available clinicopathologic variables, predictive models can preoperatively identify a proportion of patients ( approximately 25%) who might be spared SNB, with an acceptable (1%-2%) error. If validated in large prospective series, these models might be implemented in the clinical setting for improved patient selection, which ultimately would lead to better quality of life for patients and optimization of resource allocation for the health care system.
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159
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Stadelmann WK. The Role of Lymphatic Mapping and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in the Staging and Treatment of Melanoma. Clin Plast Surg 2010; 37:79-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2009.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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160
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Mitteldorf C, Bertsch HP, Zapf A, Neumann C, Kretschmer L. Cutting a sentinel lymph node into slices is the optimal first step for examination of sentinel lymph nodes in melanoma patients. Mod Pathol 2009; 22:1622-7. [PMID: 19801968 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2009.137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The optimal processing for the pathology of sentinel lymph nodes of patients with melanoma is still a matter of debate. We compared two protocols of sentinel lymph node processing, which were consecutively applied. For the first protocol, the sentinel lymph nodes were cut into 1-2 mm thick slices. From each slice, 12 microtome sections were stained (multiple slices protocol). For the second protocol, which is a modification of the recent European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer protocol, the sentinel lymph nodes were bivalved. Five consecutive series of microtome sections, with gaps of 50 microm between them, were prepared from each cut surface (bivalving protocol). H&E and immunohistochemical staining were integral elements of both protocols. A total of 584 sentinel lymph nodes (1.8+/-0.9 per patient) were examined. The percentages of micrometastases (29 versus 27%) and of capsular naevi (13 versus 15%) detected were very similar for both protocols. As shown by multivariate logistic regression, Breslow thickness (P=0.003) and younger age (P=0.01) correlated with nodal metastasis. The type of histological preparation, ulceration and sex were not significant. The multiple slices protocol produced, on average, 4 paraffin blocks and 46 microtome sections per node. The bivalving protocol constantly produced 2 paraffin blocks and 42 microtome sections. For technical processing, the multiple slices protocol required, on average, 38 min per sentinel lymph node, whereas the bivalving protocol required 55 min. Both protocols yielded excellent detection rates with a similar amount of work being required on the part of the pathologist. Compared with the bivalving protocol, the multiple slices protocol was less labor intensive for the technical staff.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mitteldorf
- Department of Dermatology, Venerology and Allergology, Georg August University of Goettingen, Goettingen, Germany.
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161
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Petitt M, Allison A, Shimoni T, Uchida T, Raimer S, Kelly B. Lymphatic invasion detected by D2-40/S-100 dual immunohistochemistry does not predict sentinel lymph node status in melanoma. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 61:819-28. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2009] [Accepted: 04/13/2009] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Bilimoria KY, Raval MV, Bentrem DJ, Wayne JD, Balch CM, Ko CY. National assessment of melanoma care using formally developed quality indicators. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:5445-51. [PMID: 19826131 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.20.9965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE There is considerable variation in the quality of cancer care delivered in the United States. Assessing care by using quality indicators could help decrease this variability. The objectives of this study were to formally develop valid quality indicators for melanoma and to assess hospital-level adherence with these measures in the United States. METHODS Quality indicators were identified from available literature, consensus guidelines, and melanoma experts. Thirteen experts ranked potential measures for validity on the basis of the RAND/University of California, Los Angeles Appropriateness Methodology. Adherence with individual valid indicators and a composite measure of all indicators were assessed at 1,249 Commission on Cancer hospitals by using the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB; 2004 through 2005). RESULTS Of 55 proposed quality indicators, 26 measures (47%) were rated as valid. These indicators assessed structure (n = 1), process (n = 24), and outcome (n = 1). Of the 26 measures, 10 are readily assessable by using cancer registry data. Adherence with valid indicators ranged from 11.8% to 96.5% at the patient level and 3.7% to 83.0% at the hospital level. (Adherence required that >OR= 90% of patients at a hospital receive concordant care.) Most hospitals were adherent with 50% or fewer of the individual indicators (median composite score, five; interquartile range, four to seven). Adherence was higher for diagnosis and staging measures and was lower for treatment indicators. CONCLUSION There is considerable variation in the quality of melanoma care in the United States. By using these formally developed quality indicators, hospitals can assess their adherence with current melanoma care guidelines through feedback mechanisms from the NCDB and can better direct quality improvement efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Y Bilimoria
- Department of Surgery, American College Surgeons, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611-3211, USA.
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163
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Abstract
The family practitioner, pediatrician, and dermatologist all have potential roles in the primary prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of localized thin melanomas. Surgical and medical oncologists are often involved when controversy arises over the nature of the skin lesion or whether sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsies and adjuvant therapy are to be contemplated. This overview of melanoma will deal with the primary and nodal pathology, surgery, and medical therapy of melanoma in pediatric, adolescent, and young adult patients--and will raise areas of controversy that are only recently being addressed in databases of cases from this age group.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Kirkwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program, University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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164
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Phan GQ, Messina JL, Sondak VK, Zager JS. Sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma: indications and rationale. Cancer Control 2009; 16:234-9. [PMID: 19556963 DOI: 10.1177/107327480901600305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disease status of regional lymph nodes is the most important prognostic indicator for patients with melanoma. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was developed as a technique to surgically assess the regional lymph nodes and spare node-negative patients unnecessary and potentially morbid complete lymphadenectomies. METHODS We reviewed the literature on SLNB for cutaneous melanoma to provide insight into the rationale for the current widespread use of SLNB. RESULTS Multiple studies show that the status of the SLN is an important prognostic indicator. Those with positive SLNs have significantly decreased disease-free and melanoma-specific survival compared with those who have negative SLNs. In the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial I (MSLT-I), in which patients with intermediate-thickness melanoma were randomized to SLNB (and immediate completion lymphadenectomy if the SLN was positive) vs observation (and a lymphadenectomy only after presenting with clinically evident recurrence), the 5-year survival rate was 72.3% for patients with positive sentinel nodes and 90.2% for those with negative sentinel nodes (P < .001). Although overall survival was not increased in patients who underwent SLNB compared with those who were randomized to observation, patients who underwent SLNB had a significantly increased 5-year disease-free survival rate compared with those who underwent observation alone (78.3% in the biopsy group and 73.1% in the observation group; P = .009). For those with nodal metastases, patients who underwent SLNB and immediate lymphadenectomy had an increased overall 5-year survival rate compared with those who had lymphadenectomy only after presenting with clinically evident disease (72.3% vs 52.4%; P = .004). Moreover, other studies show that for patients with thin melanomas <or= 1.0 mm, the overall survival rate is significantly worse for those with positive SLNs compared to those with negative SLNs. For thin melanomas, Breslow depth >or= 0.76 mm and increased mitotic rate have been shown to be associated with an increased incidence of SLN metastases. CONCLUSIONS SLNB provides important prognostic and staging data with minimal morbidity and can be used to identify regional node-negative patients who would not benefit from a complete nodal dissection. In our opinion, SLNB should be performed on most patients (with acceptable surgical and anesthesia risk) who have melanomas with a Breslow depth >or= 0.76 mm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giao Q Phan
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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165
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Howman-Giles R, Shaw HM, Scolyer RA, Murali R, Wilmott J, McCarthy SW, Uren RF, Thompson JF. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in pediatric and adolescent cutaneous melanoma patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 17:138-43. [PMID: 19672660 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-009-0657-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2009] [Revised: 07/14/2009] [Accepted: 07/14/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The rarity of melanoma in young patients, particularly pediatric ones, has to date precluded any valid comparisons being made between young patients and adults undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for intermediate thickness localized melanoma. The present study takes advantage of the large Sydney Melanoma Unit (SMU) database to clarify this issue. MATERIALS AND METHODS Clinical and pathologic data on pediatric and adolescent AJCC Stage I and II cutaneous melanoma patients aged <20 years undergoing SLNB at the SMU between January 1993 and February 2008 were reviewed. SLNB positivity rates and outcomes in these patients were compared with adult SMU patients. RESULTS In 55 young patients, overall median tumor thickness was 1.7 mm (range, 0.6-5.2 mm) and overall SLNB positivity rate was 14 of 55 (25%), tumors tending to be thicker (median, 2.6 mm), and SLNB positivity rate higher (2 of 6; 33%) in patients aged <10 years. Of the 14 patients, 13 underwent immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND); 2 patients had non-SLN metastases (15.4%). Only 0.7% of a total of 295 lymph nodes removed at CLND were involved with melanoma. In 14 SLNB-positive patients with follow-up data, 3 (21%) have died from melanoma after a median follow-up of 60 months, compared with 42% of 356 SLNB positive adults. CONCLUSIONS Although the SLNB positivity rate was higher in pediatric and adolescent melanoma patients than in adults (25% vs. 17%, respectively), non-SLN positivity and melanoma-specific death rates were low.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Howman-Giles
- Sydney Melanoma Unit and Melanoma Institute Australia, Royal Prince Alfred and Mater Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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166
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Koskivuo IO, Kinnunen IA, Suominen EA, Talve LA, Vihinen PP, Grénman RA. Head and neck cutaneous melanoma: a retrospective observational study on 146 patients. Acta Oncol 2009; 48:460-7. [PMID: 18843562 DOI: 10.1080/02841860802404356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a novel staging technique in cutaneous melanoma, but it is more challenging in the head and neck (H&N) than in the trunk and extremities. The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of SNB in patients with clinical stage I-II H&N cutaneous melanoma, with emphasis on disease outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty five patients with H&N melanoma of >1.0 mm in Breslow depth underwent SNB and were compared to 121 historic H&N melanoma patients, who had either undergone routine prophylactic neck dissection or had been observed without any invasive nodal staging. RESULTS Sixteen percent of the SNB patients were sentinel-positive and there have been no false-negative cases. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, there were no significant differences between the study groups in melanoma-specific overall survival. Among the entire cohort, melanoma-specific overall survival rate was 67.1% at 5 years and 61.9% at 10 years. Predictive factors for worsen survival were nodal micrometastases, male sex, scalp location, thick primary lesion and ulceration. DISCUSSION SNB is a reliable and mini-invasive approach for the nodal staging of H&N cutaneous melanoma. Traditional neck dissection is recommended only for therapeutic purposes in clinically node-positive or sentinel-positive patients.
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167
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Abstract
Background Malignant mela-noma is a rare neoplasm in the pediatric population, but its incidence has risen in recent years. Methods The literature was reviewed to define the current clinical and pathologic features of pediatric melanoma, highlighting the similarities and differences between adult and pediatric melanoma. Results Distinctive features of this disease, including frequency and type of genetic abnormalities, predisposing conditions, clinical presentation, stage at diagnosis, prognostic features, and frequency of sentinel lymph node positivity are emphasized. Treatment strategies, extrapolated from adult mela-noma trials, are also discussed. Conclusions Despite the differences between pediatric and adult melanoma, survival rates are similar and are improving in both populations. Further studies will help delineate the pathogenesis of both adult and pediatric melanoma, with the goal of contributing to early detection and improved survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omie Mills
- University of South Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
| | - Jane L. Messina
- University of South Florida College of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida
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Mandalà M, Imberti GL, Piazzalunga D, Belfiglio M, Labianca R, Barberis M, Marchesi L, Poletti P, Bonomi L, Novellino L, Di Biagio K, Milesi A, Guerra U, Tondini C. Clinical and histopathological risk factors to predict sentinel lymph node positivity, disease-free and overall survival in clinical stages I-II AJCC skin melanoma: outcome analysis from a single-institution prospectively collected database. Eur J Cancer 2009; 45:2537-45. [PMID: 19553103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2009.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2009] [Revised: 05/24/2009] [Accepted: 05/27/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate if the tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are able to predict the sentinel lymph node (SLN) positivity, the disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in clinical stages I-II AJCC primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM). METHODS The study included consecutive patients with PCM, all diagnosed, treated and followed up prospectively. Logistic regression was used to investigate the association between DFS, OS, SLN positivity and Breslow thickness, Clark level, TIL, ulceration, lesion site, gender, regression and age. RESULTS From November 1998 to October 2008, 1251 consecutive patients with PCM were evaluated. Median age was 51 (range 15-96) with 32.2% (N=393) of them older than 60; 44.8% of them were males. Of the whole series, a total of 404 patients with primary vertical growth phase (VGP) melanoma and no clinical evidence of metastatic disease underwent SLN biopsy. Of these, 74 (18.8%) had a positive SLN. In a multivariate analysis, primary melanoma on the extremities versus that on the axial locations (truncal and head/neck) (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.25-0.98, p 0.04) and TILs (TILs versus no TILs) (OR 0.47, 95%CI 0.25-0.90, p 0.02) were predictive for lower probability of SLN involvement, while thickness (>4mm versus 0-1mm) (OR 24, 19, 95% CI 4.91-119.13, p<.001) was predictive for higher risk of SLN positivity. A multivariate stepwise analysis confirmed these results. The histological status of the SLN was the most significant predictor of DFS and OS. Patients with a negative SLN had a 5-year DFS of 75.9%, compared with 35.2% in patients with a positive SLN (p<.0001) and a 5-year OS of 88.7% versus 42.9%, respectively (p<.0001). CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that the absence of TILs predicts SLN metastasis, in multivariate analysis the SLN positivity predicts DFS and OS.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Mandalà
- Unit of Medical Oncology, Ospedali Riuniti Bergamo, Largo Barozzi 1, Bergamo 24126, Italy.
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169
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Ludgate MW, Fullen DR, Lee J, Rees R, Sabel MS, Wong SL, Johnson TM. Animal-type melanoma: a clinical and histopathological study of 22 cases from a single institution. Br J Dermatol 2009; 162:129-36. [PMID: 19709103 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09271.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Animal-type melanoma is a rare distinct melanoma subtype, characterized by proliferation of heavily pigmented epithelioid and spindled melanocytes that resembles the heavily pigmented melanomas seen in grey horses. While animal-type melanoma is generally considered to be more indolent than conventional melanoma, only a limited number of cases have been reported and, as such, the clinical characteristics of animal-type melanoma are incompletely understood. Objectives To characterize the clinical and histopathological features of animal-type melanoma, and determine any features that may predict outcome. Patients/Methods Data was extracted from a prospectively collected melanoma database (1994-2008), and a retrospective pathology database (1991-2008) for all patients with a diagnosis of both equivocal (8) and unequivocal (14) malignant animal-type melanoma. We reviewed the clinical and histopathological features, including the sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) status. Results A total of 22 patients were identified, with a median age of 35 years. The median Breslow depth was 2.22 mm. A SLNB was performed in 17 patients, eight (47%) were positive. Younger age was associated with: (i) animal-type melanoma with features equivocal for malignancy (median age of 7 vs. 48 years, P = 0.01), and (ii) a negative SLNB (median age 12 vs. 53 years, P = 0.03). Four patients with unequivocal animal-type melanoma developed recurrent metastatic disease, with one patient death. No patient with an equivocal animal-type melanoma or negative SLNB developed recurrent disease; however, this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.13 and P = 0.09, respectively). Conclusions Animal-type melanoma has a propensity for regional lymphatic metastasis and is rarely capable of disseminated metastatic disease and death. Animal-type melanoma appears to exhibit a spectrum of biological behaviour, with young patient age associated with more indolent disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- M W Ludgate
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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170
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Yao K, Balch G, Winchester DJ. Multidisciplinary treatment of primary melanoma. Surg Clin North Am 2009; 89:267-81, xi. [PMID: 19186240 DOI: 10.1016/j.suc.2008.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine Yao
- Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Evanston Hospital-Walgreen Bldg Suite 2507, 2650 Ridge Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, USA.
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171
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Ludgate MW, Fullen DR, Lee J, Lowe L, Bradford C, Geiger J, Schwartz J, Johnson TM. The atypical Spitz tumor of uncertain biologic potential: a series of 67 patients from a single institution. Cancer 2009; 115:631-41. [PMID: 19123453 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atypical Spitz tumors (AST) are rare spitzoid melanocytic proliferations with an uncertain malignant potential. ASTs have overlapping features of both Spitz nevi and spitzoid melanoma, and consequently generate controversy with diagnosis and management. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been proposed as a possible means to gain additional insight into the true biologic potential of these tumors; however, previous reports on the use of SLNB in ASTs have been limited by small numbers of patients and short durations of follow-up. METHODS The authors extracted data from their institution's prospective melanoma database, collected between 1994 and 2007, for all patients with ASTs of uncertain biologic potential. They reviewed the clinical features of these patients, including the sentinel lymph node status, and the histological features of the tumors. RESULTS A total of 67 patients with ASTs were identified, with a median age of 23.7 years. The mean depth was 2.4 mm. Of these, 57 had a SLNB performed, with 27 (47%) having a positive sentinel lymph node. SLNB-positive cases had a significantly lower mean age than SLNB-negative cases (17.9 vs 28.7 years; P = .013); however, no other significant differences were observed. All 27 patients with a positive SLNB were alive and disease free with median follow-up of 43.8 months. One patient who did not receive a SLNB developed recurrent disease with regional and distant metastases. CONCLUSIONS ASTs do not appear to behave like conventional melanoma. There is a high incidence of microscopic lymph node deposits in SLNBs, but despite this finding, patients have a favorable prognosis. Our findings raise several questions regarding the malignant potential of ASTs, and the role of SLNB in their management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathew W Ludgate
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, USA.
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172
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Conway WC, Faries MB, Nicholl MB, Terando AM, Glass EC, Sim M, Morton DL. Age-related lymphatic dysfunction in melanoma patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 16:1548-52. [PMID: 19277787 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-009-0420-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2008] [Revised: 01/19/2009] [Accepted: 02/11/2009] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Age-related outcomes have become increasingly common in evaluating patients with melanoma. For instance, as age increases, sentinel node (SN) nonidentification increases and SN positivity decreases. Furthermore, advanced age is a risk factor for in-transit disease. We hypothesized that increasing age is accompanied by alterations in lymphatic function, possibly explaining these findings. METHODS Our center's melanoma database was queried to identify patients who underwent successful sentinel node biopsy after lymphoscintigraphy. Records of those treated between 2000 and 2005 were reviewed for age, sex, drainage basin, intraoperative radioactivity, and SN pathology. RESULTS The 858 patients had a mean age of 55 years; 59% were men. Mean radioactivity in the hottest SN was 5232 counts per second; 179 patients (21%) had SN metastases. SN count rates were significantly and inversely related to age (P < .001 by Pearson correlation, analysis of variance, and chi(2) test). Mean counts per second were 6105, 5883, and 2720 for axillary, inguinal, and cervical basins, respectively (P < .01), and count rates in these basins were consistently lower with increasing age (neck and axilla, P < .001; groin, P = .060; Pearson correlation). Multivariate analysis confirmed an independent inverse association between age and count rates (P < .001), overall and within each primary tumor site. CONCLUSIONS Lymphatic function, as assessed by radiocolloid transit to and uptake within the SN, declines with age. Altered lymphatic function in older patients may modify metastatic patterns; knowledge of this may help clarify findings of reduced nodal positivity and increased in-transit disease in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Charles Conway
- Department of Surgical Oncology, John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John's Health Center, Santa Monica, CA, USA
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173
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Bilimoria KY, Balch CM, Wayne JD, Chang DC, Palis BE, Dy SM, Lange JR. Health care system and socioeconomic factors associated with variance in use of sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma in the United States. J Clin Oncol 2009; 27:1857-63. [PMID: 19273706 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2008.18.7567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for patients with clinical stage IB/II melanomas, but not clinical stage IA melanoma. This study examines factors associated with SLNB use for clinically node-negative melanoma. METHODS Patients diagnosed with clinically node-negative invasive melanoma in 2004 and 2005 were identified from the National Cancer Data Base. Regression models were developed to assess the association of clinicopathologic (sex, age, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, T stage), socioeconomic (insurance status, educational level, income), and hospital (hospital type, geographic area) factors with SLNB use. RESULTS A total of 16,598 patients were identified: 8,073 patients with clinical stage IA and 8,525 patients with clinical stage IB/II melanoma. For clinical stage IB/II melanoma, SLNB use was reported in 48.7% of patients. Patients with clinical stage IB/II melanoma were less likely to undergo SLNB if they were older than 75 years; had T1b tumors, no tumor ulceration, or head/neck or truncal lesions; were covered by Medicaid or Medicare; or lived in the Northeast, South, or West census regions. SLNB use was reported in 13.3% of patients with clinical stage IA melanoma and was more likely in patients who were younger than 56 years or lived in the Mountain or Pacific census regions. Patients treated at National Comprehensive Cancer Network-or National Cancer Institute-designated hospitals were most likely to undergo SLNB in adherence with national consensus guidelines. CONCLUSION SLNB use was associated with clinicopathologic factors but also with health system factors, including type of insurance, geographic area, and hospital type. These findings have implications for provider education and health policy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Y Bilimoria
- Cancer Programs, American College of Surgeons, Department of Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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174
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Warycha MA, Zakrzewski J, Ni Q, Shapiro RL, Berman RS, Pavlick AC, Polsky D, Mazumdar M, Osman I. Meta-analysis of sentinel lymph node positivity in thin melanoma (<or=1 mm). Cancer 2009; 115:869-79. [PMID: 19117354 PMCID: PMC3888103 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the lack of an established survival benefit of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, this technique has been increasingly applied in the staging of thin ( METHODS MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for rates of SLN positivity in patients with thin melanoma. The methodologic quality of included studies was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies criteria. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochran Q statistic, and publication bias was examined through funnel plot and the Begg and Mazumdar method. Overall SLN positivity in thin melanoma patients was estimated using the DerSimonial-Laird random effect method. RESULTS Thirty-four studies comprising 3651 patients met inclusion criteria. The pooled SLN positivity rate was 5.6%. Significant heterogeneity among studies was detected (P = .005). There was no statistical evidence of publication bias (P = .21). Eighteen studies reported select clinical and histopathologic data limited to SLN-positive patients (n = 113). Among the tumors from these patients, 6.1% were ulcerated, 31.5% demonstrated regression, and 47.5% were Clark level IV/V. Only 4 melanoma-related deaths were reported. CONCLUSIONS Relatively few patients with thin melanoma have a positive SLN. To the authors' knowledge, there are no clinical or histopathologic criteria that can reliably identify thin melanoma patients who might benefit from this intervention. Given the increasing diagnosis of thin melanoma, in addition to the cost and potential morbidity of this procedure, alternative strategies to identify patients at risk for lymph node disease are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A. Warycha
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Jan Zakrzewski
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Quanhong Ni
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Richard L. Shapiro
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Russell S. Berman
- Department of Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Anna C. Pavlick
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - David Polsky
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Pathology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Madhu Mazumdar
- Division of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Iman Osman
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY
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Warycha MA, Christos PJ, Mazumdar M, Darvishian F, Shapiro RL, Berman RS, Pavlick AC, Kopf AW, Polsky D, Osman I. Changes in the presentation of nodular and superficial spreading melanomas over 35 years. Cancer 2009; 113:3341-8. [PMID: 18988292 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nodular melanoma (NM) may be biologically aggressive compared with the more common superficial spreading melanoma (SSM), with recent data suggesting underlying genetic differences between these 2 subtypes. To better define the clinical behavior of NMs, the authors compared their clinical and histopathologic features to those of SSMs at their institution, a tertiary referral center, over 3 decades. METHODS A total of 1,684 patients diagnosed with 1,734 melanomas were prospectively enrolled. Of these, 1,143 patients (69% SSM, 11% NM, 20% other) were diagnosed between 1972 and 1982; 541 patients (54% SSM, 23% NM, 23% other) were diagnosed between 2002 and the present. Differences between the features of NM and SSM within each time period as well as changes over time were analyzed. RESULTS The authors found that SSMs are now diagnosed as thinner lesions (P < .0001) with a low incidence of histologic ulceration (P < .0001), whereas there was no significant change in the median tumor thickness or ulceration status of NMs over time (P = .10, P = .30, respectively). The median age at diagnosis of NM, however, did significantly increase over time (51 years to 63 years, P < .01). The median duration of NMs was reported to be only 5 months compared with 9 months in SSM patients. CONCLUSIONS The authors' data suggest that improvements have been made in the early detection of SSM but not NM. Modifications of current screening practices, including increased surveillance of high-risk patients with an emphasis on the "E" for "evolution" criterion of the ABCDE acronym used for early detection of melanoma, are thus warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A Warycha
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Testori A, De Salvo GL, Montesco MC, Trifirò G, Mocellin S, Landi G, Macripò G, Carcoforo P, Ricotti G, Giudice G, Picciotto F, Donner D, Di Filippo F, Soteldo J, Casara D, Schiavon M, Vecchiato A, Pasquali S, Baldini F, Mazzarol G, Rossi CR. Clinical considerations on sentinel node biopsy in melanoma from an Italian multicentric study on 1,313 patients (SOLISM-IMI). Ann Surg Oncol 2009; 16:2018-27. [PMID: 19132446 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-008-0273-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2008] [Revised: 10/13/2008] [Accepted: 12/03/2008] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although widely used for the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma, the sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy (SNB) procedure raises several issues. This study was designed to investigate: the predictive factors of SLN status, the false-negative (FN) rate, and patients' prognosis after SNB. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is an observational, prospective study conducted on a large series of consecutive patients (n = 1,313) enrolled by 23 Italian centers from 2000 through 2002. A commonly shared protocol was adopted for the SNB surgical procedure and the SLN pathological examination. RESULTS The SLN positive and false-negative (FN) rates were 16.9% and 14.4%, respectively (median follow-up, 4.5 years). At multivariable logistic regression analysis, the frequency of positive SLN increased with increasing Breslow thickness (p < 0.0001) and decreased in patients with melanoma regression (p = 0.024). At the multivariable Cox regression analysis, SLN status was the most important prognostic factor (hazards ratio (HR) = 3.08) for overall survival; the other statistically significant factors were sex, age, Breslow thickness, and Clark's level. Considering SLN and NSLN status, including FN cases, we identified four groups of patients with different prognoses. The 5-year overall survival of patients with positive SLNs was 71.3% in those with negative nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLNs) and 50.4% if NSLNs were positive. CONCLUSIONS Regression in the primary melanoma seems to be a protective factor from metastasis in the SLN. When correctly calculated, the SNB FN rate is 15-20%. Furthermore, the SNB is important to more precisely assess the prognosis of patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Testori
- Melanoma and Sarcoma Division, European Institute of Oncology, Milano, Italy
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Demierre MF, Sabel MS, Margolin KA, Daud AI, Sondak VK. State of the science 60th anniversary review: 60 Years of advances in cutaneous melanoma epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment, as reported in the journal Cancer. Cancer 2008; 113:1728-43. [PMID: 18798543 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.23643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Marie-France Demierre
- Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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178
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Alzaraa A, Sharma N. Primary cutaneous melanoma of the breast: A case report. CASES JOURNAL 2008; 1:212. [PMID: 18834539 PMCID: PMC2566565 DOI: 10.1186/1757-1626-1-212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Accepted: 10/04/2008] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary cutaneous melanoma of the breast is a very rare tumour, accounting for < 5% of all malignant melanomas. CASE PRESENTATION A young lady was seen in the breast clinic for a skin lesion in the right breast. Clinical examination and investigations confirmed a diagnosis of a primary cutaneous melanoma of the breast. The lesion was excised and the patient made good recovery. She has shown no signs of local recurrence and is under regular follow-up in the dermatology clinic. CONCLUSION This case is educational as it shows that the treatment of breast cutaneous melanoma is similar to that for any skin parts with surgery remaining the main therapeutic option. It also shows that mastectomy is unnecessary as it does not improve the results obtained by wide local excision of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Alzaraa
- Department of General surgery, Calderdale Royal Hospital, Halifax, UK.
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179
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Glumac N, Hocevar M, Zadnik V, Snoj M. Sentinel lymph node micrometastasis may predict non-sentinel involvement in cutaneous melanoma patients. J Surg Oncol 2008; 98:46-8. [PMID: 18452214 DOI: 10.1002/jso.21066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Cutaneous melanoma patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) are being treated with completion lymph node dissection (CLND). The aim of our study was to determine the predictive value of sentinel lymph node (SLN) micrometastases (metastases less than 2 mm in diameter) in assessing further lymph node involvement in CLND. METHODS Between 2001 and 2005, we performed 476 SLNB in patients with stages I and II melanoma; 74 had metastases in SLN. We evaluated retrospectively the metastases in SLN according to their size and number. The presence of additional metastases in non-sentinel lymph nodes after CLND was evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-nine patients had micrometastases, 22 of them were solitary, 3 were double, and 14 patients had multiple micrometastases in SLN. Out of 22 solitary micrometastases, no patient had additional metastases in non-sentinel lymph nodes. From 3 patients with double micrometastases, 1 patient had further metastases in non-sentinel lymph nodes after CLND. Out of 14 patients with multiple micrometastases, 2 had additional metastases in CLND. CONCLUSIONS No patient with a single SLN micrometastasis had further metastases after CLND in our series. CLND may not be beneficial after detecting a single micrometastasis in SLN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nebojsa Glumac
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Piñero A, Canteras M, Ortiz E, Martínez-Barba E, Parrilla P. Validation of a nomogram to predict the presence of sentinel lymph node metastases in melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2008; 15:2874-7. [PMID: 18648880 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-008-0077-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 06/26/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymph node involvement is a very important prognostic factor for cutaneous melanoma. In this paper we try to validate a nomogram that was created at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, to predict the probability of metastases in the sentinel nodes of patients with cutaneous melanoma. METHODS Values of the following variables were collected in 218 patients with cutaneous melanoma and sentinel lymph node: age, thickness, level of Clark, location of the lesion, and ulceration or not, and the nomogram was applied to assess the probability of sentinel node involvement in each patient. The discrimination of the nomogram was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve, and to assess the accuracy of the nomogram actual probabilities were plotted against the nomogram-calculated predicted probability. RESULTS The overall predictive accuracy of the nomogram was 0.869 (95% confidence interval 0.813-0.925). Mean predicted probability of sentinel node metastasis was highly correlated to the observed risk (r = 0.953; P < 0.012). CONCLUSION The nomogram is a useful diagnostic tool that provides an adequate accurate prediction of the probability of sentinel lymph node metastases in patients with cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Piñero
- Department of General Surgery, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" University Hospital, 30120 El Palmar, Murcia, Spain.
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181
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Frankel TL, Griffith KA, Lowe L, Wong SL, Bichakjian CK, Chang AE, Cimmino VM, Bradford CR, Rees RS, Johnson TM, Sabel MS. Do micromorphometric features of metastatic deposits within sentinel nodes predict nonsentinel lymph node involvement in melanoma? Ann Surg Oncol 2008; 15:2403-11. [PMID: 18626721 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-008-0024-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2008] [Revised: 05/09/2008] [Accepted: 05/10/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple attempts have been made to identify melanoma patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) who are unlikely to harbor residual disease in the nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN). We examined whether the size and location of the metastases within the SLN may help further stratify the risk of additional positive NSLN. METHODS A review of our Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved melanoma database was undertaken to identify all SLN positive patients with SLN micromorphometric features. Univariate logistic regression techniques were used to assess potential significant associations. Decision tree analysis was used to identify which features best predicted patients at low risk for harboring additional disease. RESULTS The likelihood of finding additional disease on completion lymph node dissection was significantly associated with primary location on the head and neck or lower extremity (P = 0.01), Breslow thickness >4 mm (P = 0.001), the presence of angiolymphatic invasion (P < 0.0001), satellitosis (P = 0.004), extranodal extension (P = 0.0002), three or more positive SLN (P = 0.02) and tumor burden within the SLN >1% surface area (P = 0.004). Sex, age, mitotic rate, ulceration, Clark level, histologic subtype, regression, and number of SLN removed had no association with finding a positive NSLN. Location of the metastases (capsular, subcapsular or parenchymal) showed no correlation with a positive NSLN. Decision tree analysis incorporating size of the metastatic burden within the SLN along with Breslow thickness can identify melanoma patients with a positive SLN who have a very low risk of harboring additional disease with the NSLN. CONCLUSION Size of the metastatic burden within the SLN, measured as a percentage of the surface area, helps stratify the risk of harboring residual disease in the nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN), and may allow for selective completion lymphadenectomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy L Frankel
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Rigual NR, Popat SR, Jayaprakash V, Jaggernauth W, Wong M. Cutaneous head and neck melanoma: the old and the new. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2008; 8:403-12. [PMID: 18366288 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.8.3.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nestor R Rigual
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Department of Head & Neck Surgery & Plastic Surgery, Buffalo, NY-14263, USA.
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183
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Thomas JM. Prognostic false-positivity of the sentinel node in melanoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 5:18-23. [PMID: 18097453 DOI: 10.1038/ncponc1014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2007] [Accepted: 09/13/2007] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
It is a basic tenet of the sentinel lymph-node biopsy procedure that all positive sentinel lymph nodes will inevitably progress to palpable nodal recurrence if not removed. Comparison of survival is, therefore, considered permissible among patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes who undergo early lymphadenectomy with that among patients who have delayed lymphadenectomy for palpable regional node metastasis, providing that survival is calculated from the date of wide local excision of the primary tumor. Here, that fundamental assumption is contested and evidence is presented to show that a positive sentinel lymph node might have no adverse prognostic relevance in up to one-third of patients. Furthermore, in the same patients, progression to palpable nodal disease might not have occurred even if the positive sentinel node had not been removed. The term prognostic false-positivity is used to describe this phenomenon. Such patients are incorrectly up-staged, are given inaccurate prognostic information and can undergo unnecessary completion lymphadenectomy and unnecessary adjuvant therapy.
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184
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Melanoma and Other Cutaneous Malignancies. Surgery 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-68113-9_98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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185
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Sassen S, Shaw HM, Colman MH, Scolyer RA, Thompson JF. The complex relationships between sentinel node positivity, patient age, and primary tumor desmoplasia: analysis of 2303 melanoma patients treated at a single center. Ann Surg Oncol 2007; 15:630-7. [PMID: 18080717 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-007-9684-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2007] [Revised: 09/21/2007] [Accepted: 09/25/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that younger age is associated with a greater likelihood of positive sentinel node (SN) status in patients with localized melanoma. This is a paradoxical situation because it is well known that younger patients have a far more favorable overall survival rate than older patients. In addition, desmoplastic melanomas are associated with a lower frequency of SN positivity, although this is less well documented. METHODS The outcome for 2303 cutaneous melanoma patients undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) at the Sydney Melanoma Unit between 1993 and 2006 was examined to clarify the role of patient age and desmoplastic histogenetic type on SN positivity. RESULTS By univariate analysis, patients aged <40 years had a higher SN positivity rate (22.6%) than patients aged > or =40 years (15.4%; P < .004). Features associated with SN positivity were tumor thickness, mitotic rate, ulcerative state, and nondesmoplastic histogenetic type (all P < .001). Patient sex and primary melanoma site were not statistically significantly associated. Multivariate analyses revealed that only tumor thickness, patient age, nondesmoplastic type (all P < .001), and ulceration (P < .026) were independently associated with SN positivity. Key prognostic determinants such as total number of disease-positive nodes (both SNs and non-SNs) and site of first relapse did not vary according to age. CONCLUSIONS Tumor thickness, patient age, desmoplastic histogenetic type, and primary melanoma ulceration were all independently associated with SN status. The factors underlying the paradox of a poorer survival rate in older patients despite a lower incidence of positive SNs remain unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sander Sassen
- Sydney Melanoma Unit, Sydney Cancer Centre, Gloucester House, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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186
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Murali R, Sharma RN, Thompson JF, Stretch JR, Lee CS, McCarthy SW, Scolyer RA. Sentinel lymph node biopsy in histologically ambiguous melanocytic tumors with spitzoid features (so-called atypical spitzoid tumors). Ann Surg Oncol 2007; 15:302-9. [PMID: 18000712 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-007-9577-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2006] [Accepted: 04/30/2007] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The distinction of Spitz nevi from melanomas with spitzoid morphology can be difficult. For lesions with overlapping histopathologic features, it may be impossible to predict their malignant potential with certainty. The current study evaluated the role of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy in patients with such atypical spitzoid tumors. METHODS The clinical and histopathologic features of 21 patients with atypical spitzoid tumors who underwent SLN biopsy were reviewed and correlated with the presence or absence of metastatic tumor in their corresponding SLNs. RESULTS The atypical histopathologic features that were most frequently present included incomplete maturation (11 patients, 52%), two or more dermal mitoses per square millimeter (13 patients, 62%), and deep dermal mitoses (11 patients, 52%). Six patients (29%) showed SLN metastasis. There were histopathologic differences between tumors with positive SLN when compared with tumors with negative SLN: mean tumor thickness (3.38 mm vs. 2.04 mm), incomplete maturation (83% vs. 40%), median dermal mitotic rate (3.5/mm(2) vs. 2/mm(2)), deep dermal mitoses (83% vs. 47%), and expansile dermal nodules (50% vs. 13%). However, of these, only the difference in mean tumor thickness reached statistical significance (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS SLN biopsy offers a means of assessing the metastatic potential of atypical spitzoid tumors and aids in the management of these patients by selecting patients who may benefit from a regional node field dissection and those in whom the use of adjuvant therapies could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajmohan Murali
- Sydney Melanoma Unit, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
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187
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Patrick RJ, Corey S, Glass LF. The use of sequential serial sectioning of thin melanomas in determining maximum Breslow depth. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; 57:S127-8. [PMID: 17938027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2006.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2006] [Revised: 02/02/2006] [Accepted: 02/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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188
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Neto DS, Pantaleão L, de Sá BCS, Landman G. Alpha-v-beta3 integrin expression in melanocytic nevi and cutaneous melanoma. J Cutan Pathol 2007; 34:851-6. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2007.00730.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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189
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Factors Associated With Improved Survival Among Young Adult Melanoma Patients Despite a Greater Incidence of Sentinel Lymph Node Metastasis. J Surg Res 2007; 143:164-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2007.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2007] [Revised: 03/30/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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190
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Topar G, Zelger B. Assessment of value of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in melanoma in children and adolescents and applicability of subcutaneous infusion anesthesia. J Pediatr Surg 2007; 42:1716-20. [PMID: 17923201 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2007.05.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The management of pediatric melanoma is controversial but equates that of adults. Lymphatic mapping with sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is proposed as standard of care for patients with primary melanoma. The operation can be done with general or local anesthesia in adults. The goal of this study was to determine the applicability of subcutaneous infusion anesthesia (SIA) for SLN biopsy in children and adolescents, as well as to assess complications of this procedure and to document outcome of patients with melanoma in this particular age group after SLN biopsy. METHODS Charts of patients with melanomas on the trunk and extremities who underwent lymphatic mapping and SLN biopsy in SIA between November 2000 and January 2006 revealed 13 patients with age 21 years or less. Tumescent solutions with lidocaine (0.2%) were used for SLN biopsy. Patient demographics, tumor thickness, Clark level, location of primary melanoma, ulceration, number of SLNs, number of positive nodes, and follow-up of patients were included. RESULTS In 13 patients (age range, 12-21), SLN biopsy was performed. Mean tumor thickness was 1.8 mm (range, 1.0-7.0), none of these melanomas showed ulceration. The operation was tolerated in SIA by all patients; none had any associated complications. Of 13 patients, 5 (38.5%) had positive sentinel nodes. Three patients underwent completion lymph node dissection, and no further positive nodes were found. After a mean follow-up of 29.2 months (range, 13-68), all patients were found disease-free. CONCLUSIONS Sentinel lymph node biopsy in SIA can safely be performed in children and adolescents with primary melanomas. Further studies are necessary to determine the prognostic information and therapeutic implications of SLN biopsy in this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerda Topar
- Clinical Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Medical University Innsbruck, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria.
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191
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192
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Abstract
The aim of the present study is to report our experience with lymphatic mapping (LM) and sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in a selected group of patients with thin primary cutaneous melanomas. Fifty patients (22 females and 28 males; mean age, 57.8 years; range, 30-77 years) with a mean tumor thickness of 0.63 mm (range, 0.24-1.00 mm) underwent LM/SLNB. Twenty-eight (56%) of them had Clark level II, 20 (40%) had Clark level III, and two (4%) had Clark level IV. Tumor ulceration was present in two patients (4%) and histological regression in 35 patients (70%). Sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases occurred in two of 50 patients (4%). The first case was a 0.88-mm thick, Clark level III, non-ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the trunk, without any regression. The second case was a 0.95-mm thick, Clark level IV, non-ulcerated superficial spreading melanoma of the neck, with regression. Both patients were disease-free 76 and 50 months after the SLNB procedure and followed complete lymph node dissection, respectively. The patients with negative SLN were disease-free after a median follow up of 44 months (mean, 43.2; range, 15-84 months). Published data and our experience suggest that LM/SLNB is not routinely indicated for melanomas less than 0.75 mm. Our results confirmed the accuracy of the new American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer criteria, in which SLNB is required for thin melanomas less than 1.0 mm when they have ulceration or Clark level IV and V invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cecchi
- Department of Dermatology, Pistoia Hospital, Pistoia, Italy.
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193
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Abstract
For most solid tumors therapy has evolved from surgery alone to a multidisciplinary approach. Malignant melanoma remains an exception, with surgery maintaining the principal role not only for treatment of the primary lesion but also staging and the management of advanced disease. The surgical management of melanoma has evolved over the years, resulting in a substantial decrease in the morbidity associated with treatment without a compromise in outcome. This article will review the changes that have occurred leading to the current surgical approach to melanoma, the evidence behind these recommendations, and new questions that need to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan G Blazer
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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194
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Jakub JW, Reintgen DS, Shivers S, Pendas S. Regional node dissection for melanoma: techniques and indication. Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2007; 16:247-61. [PMID: 17336247 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2006.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Because virtually all microscopic nodal disease left untreated in melanoma patients will progress to clinically apparent macroscopic nodal disease, there is worse prognosis with macroscopic nodal disease, and ineffective systemic treatment currently exists, one must be cautious in favoring an observation approach to the regional basin in patients with a positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) in the hopes of avoiding the potential morbidity of a therapeutic node dissection. In the few patients with untreated microscopic nodal disease, the prognosis will be significantly worsened. Until further data are available, melanoma patients with a positive SLN by H&E analysis should proceed to a complete lymph node dissection.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W Jakub
- Cutaneous Oncology Program, Lakeland Regional Cancer Center, 3525 Lakeland Hills Blvd., P.O. Box 91057, Lakeland, FL 33805-1057, USA
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195
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Lange JR, Palis BE, Chang DC, Soong SJ, Balch CM. Melanoma in Children and Teenagers: An Analysis of Patients From the National Cancer Data Base. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:1363-8. [PMID: 17416855 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.08.8310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study examines the demographics, presentation, and outcomes of children and teenagers with melanoma using a US hospital-based oncology database. Patients and Methods Data from the National Cancer Data Base from 1985 through 2003 were examined for demographics, presentation, and survival of patients aged 1 to 19 years, as well as a comparison group of patients aged 20 to 24 years. Two-sided linear and Pearson χ2 tests were calculated to examine associations. Proportions were compared using two-sided z tests. Five-year overall observed survival was evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate risk of mortality. Results Of 3,158 patients aged 1 to 19 years, 96.3% had cutaneous melanoma, 3.0% had ocular melanoma, and 0.7% had an unknown primary tumor. Cutaneous melanoma in patients aged 1 to 19 years was more common in girls (55.5%) and patients older than 10 years (90.5%). The demographics and presentation of cutaneous melanoma were age related; younger children were significantly more likely to be nonwhite and male and more likely to present with a head and neck primary tumors and with regional or distant metastases (linear χ2, P < .001 for sex, race, and extent of disease). Poorer survival was associated with higher stage and younger age. In contrast to patients aged 20 to 24 years, survival was not related to thickness in patients aged 1 to 19 years with localized invasive melanoma. Conclusion Melanoma in children and teenagers differs from melanoma in young adults in demographics, presentation, and survival. Further investigation is warranted to elucidate possible biologic correlates of the unique aspects of melanoma in children and teenagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie R Lange
- Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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196
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Gimotty PA, Elder DE, Fraker DL, Botbyl J, Sellers K, Elenitsas R, Ming ME, Schuchter L, Spitz FR, Czerniecki BJ, Guerry D. Identification of high-risk patients among those diagnosed with thin cutaneous melanomas. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:1129-34. [PMID: 17369575 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.08.1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Most patients with melanoma have microscopically thin (< or = 1 mm) primary lesions and are cured with excision. However, some develop metastatic disease that is often fatal. We evaluated established prognostic factors to develop classification schemes with better discrimination than current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging. PATIENTS AND METHODS We studied patients with thin melanomas from the US population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registry (1988 to 2001; n = 26,291) and those seen by the University of Pennsylvania's Pigmented Lesion Group (PLG; 1972 to 2001; n = 2,389; Philadelphia, PA). AJCC prognostic factors were thickness, anatomic level, ulceration, site, sex, and age; PLG prognostic factors also included a set of biologically based candidate prognostic factors. Recursive partitioning was used to develop a SEER-based classification tree that was validated using PLG data. Next, a new PLG-based classification tree was developed using the expanded set of prognostic factors. RESULTS The SEER-based classification tree identified additional criteria to explain survival heterogeneity among patients with thin, nonulcerated lesions; 10-year survival rates ranged from 89.1% to 99%. The new PLG-based tree identified groups using level, tumor cell mitotic rate, and sex. With survival rates from 83.4% to 100%, it had better discrimination. CONCLUSION Prognostication and related clinical decision making in the majority of patients with melanoma can be improved now using the validated, SEER-based classification. Tumor cell mitotic rate should be incorporated into the next iteration of AJCC staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phyllis A Gimotty
- The Melanoma Program of the Abramson Cancer Center, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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197
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Taylor RC, Patel A, Panageas KS, Busam KJ, Brady MS. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes predict sentinel lymph node positivity in patients with cutaneous melanoma. J Clin Oncol 2007; 25:869-75. [PMID: 17327608 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2006.08.9755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 214] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are considered a manifestation of the host immune response to tumor, but the influence of TILs on outcome remains controversial. Studies evaluating the prognostic significance of TILs were published before routine examination of draining lymph nodes by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy, the most important predictor of survival in patients with melanoma. The prognostic implications of TILs were re-evaluated in a large group of patients undergoing SLN biopsy at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS All patients who underwent SLN mapping for primary cutaneous melanoma between January 1996 and July 2005 were evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess factors that predict SLN positivity and survival. Factors analyzed included Breslow thickness, ulceration, anatomic site, sex, Clark level, age, mitotic rate, and the presence (brisk or nonbrisk) or absence of TIL. RESULTS Eight hundred eighty-seven patients underwent SLN mapping, and a SLN was identified in 875 patients (98.8%). The SLN was positive for tumor in 156 patients (17.6%). Multivariate analysis revealed that only Breslow thickness (P < .0001), ulceration (P = .0004), male sex (P = .03), and absent TILs (P = .0003) were independently predictive of the presence of SLN metastases. In melanomas with a brisk TIL infiltrate, the probability of a positive SLN was 3.9% as compared with 26.2% for melanomas in which TILs were absent. TILs were not an independent predictive factor for survival. CONCLUSION The absence of TILs, together with increasing Breslow thickness, presence of ulceration and male sex, predicts SLN metastasis in patients undergoing SLN biopsy for primary cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Taylor
- Departments of Surgery, Biostatistics, and Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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198
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Karakousis GC, Gimotty PA, Czerniecki BJ, Elder DE, Elenitsas R, Ming ME, Fraker DL, Guerry D, Spitz FR. Regional Nodal Metastatic Disease Is the Strongest Predictor of Survival in Patients with Thin Vertical Growth Phase Melanomas: A Case for SLN Staging Biopsy in These Patients. Ann Surg Oncol 2007; 14:1596-603. [PMID: 17285396 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-006-9319-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 11/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The benefit of sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy for patients with thin (< or =1.0 mm) melanomas, even for prognostic value, is controversial. This may partly result from the relatively small number and short follow-up of SLN-positive patients in this group. Previously, we have shown that clinical regional nodal metastatic disease (RNMD) serves as a good surrogate for SLN positivity. Here, we use RNMD as a validated surrogate for SLN positivity and examine its prognostic value in a large pre-SLN group of patients with thin vertical growth phase (VGP) lesions who would today commonly be offered SLN biopsy in our practice. METHODS Between 1972 and 1991, 472 patients with thin VGP melanomas with at least 10 years' follow-up were eligible for the study. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were computed for patients with and without RNMD. A multivariate Cox model and classification tree analysis were used to evaluate clinical and histopathologic predictors of survival. RESULTS Sixty-seven patients (14.2%) developed recurrence, 53.7% of whom developed RNMD. Forty-five patients (9.5%) experienced melanoma-related deaths (MRD). The most statistically significant predictor of MRD was RNMD (hazard ratio [HR] 13.5, P < .0001). Thickness (HR 10.5, P = .004), axial location (HR 4.6, P = .001), and age >60 years (HR 2.7, P = .005) additionally were independently associated with an increased risk of MRD. RNMD patients demonstrated a 44.4% 10-year disease-specific mortality. CONCLUSIONS RNMD was the most statistically significant factor associated with MRD in patients with thin VGP lesions. This supports the prognostic use of SLN biopsy in this group, recognizing that additional factors, including thickness, axial location, and older age were independently associated with a worse survival outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgos C Karakousis
- Department of Surgery, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 4th Floor Silverstein Building, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Riker AI, Kirksey L, Thompson L, Morris A, Cruse CW. Current surgical management of melanoma. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2007; 6:1569-83. [PMID: 17134362 DOI: 10.1586/14737140.6.11.1569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The surgical management of melanoma has changed dramatically over the last few decades. Through the development and conduction of well-designed, prospective, randomized trials, we have been able to refine the way that we surgically manage patients with melanoma. Indeed, many important issues have been addressed through such trials: the proper surgical margins for the primary melanoma, utility of the elective lymph node dissection and the role for selective lymphadenectomy, to name a few. This review will also discuss what we have learned from past clinical trials and address several issues with regards to where we are going in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam I Riker
- Surgical Oncology Services and Associate Professor of Surgery, University of South Alabama--Mitchell Cancer Institute, Cutaneous Oncology Program, 307 North University Blvd, MSB 2015, Mobile, Alabama 36688, USA.
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200
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Vereecken P, Laporte M, Heenen M. Significance of cell kinetic parameters in the prognosis of malignant melanoma: a review. J Cutan Pathol 2007; 34:139-45. [PMID: 17244025 DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0560.2006.00588.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma has been extensively studied concerning methods of predicting progression and clinical outcome. The maximum tumor thickness as measured by Breslow's method is the cornerstone prognostic criterion, but despite this, evolution of the disease in some patients remains unpredictable, confirming that new reliable prognostic factors are awaited. Cell kinetic evaluation has been shown to be a useful tool for assessing the prognosis of breast and gastrointestinal cancer patients. Indeed, in these fields, the mitotic index and MIB-1 expression index, which are indirect estimates of the growth fraction of tumor cell population, are commonly shown to correlate with tumor grade and patient survival and presented as prognostic factors. In melanoma, results of cell kinetic investigations are conflicting: some studies have established a link between high proliferative activity and a bad prognosis, whereas other reports suggest the opposite. The aim of this review is to discuss these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Vereecken
- Department of Dermatology, Erasme University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium.
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