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Reilly F, Wani N, Hall S, Morgan HM, Allan J, Constable L, Ntessalen M, Murchie P. User Experiences in a Digital Intervention to Support Total Skin Self-examination by Melanoma Survivors: Nested Qualitative Evaluation Embedded in a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR DERMATOLOGY 2023; 6:e39544. [PMID: 37632942 PMCID: PMC10335150 DOI: 10.2196/39544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is a relatively common cancer type with a high survival rate, but survivors risk recurrences or second primaries. Consequently, patients receive regular hospital follow-up, but this can be burdensome to attend and not optimally timed to detect arising problems. Total skin self-examination (TSSE) supports improved clinical outcomes from melanoma via earlier detection of recurrences and second primaries, and digital technology has the potential to support TSSE. Recent research with app-based interventions aimed at improving the well-being of older adults has found that they can use the technology and benefit from it, supporting the use of digital health care in diverse demographic groups. Thus, the Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) digital health care intervention was developed. The intervention provided melanoma survivors with a monthly prompt to perform a TSSE as well as access to a dermatology nurse who provided them with feedback on photographs and descriptions of their skin. OBJECTIVE We aimed to explore participants' attitudes, beliefs, and experiences regarding TSSE practices. Furthermore, we explored how participants experienced technology and how it influenced their practice of TSSE. Finally, we explored the practical and technical experiences of ASICA users. METHODS This was a nested qualitative evaluation within a dual-center randomized controlled trial of the ASICA intervention. We conducted semistructured telephone interviews with the participants during a randomized controlled trial. The participants were purposively sampled to achieve a representative sample with representative proportions by age, sex, and residential geography. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using a framework analysis approach applied within NVivo 12. RESULTS A total of 22 interviews were conducted with participants from both groups. In total, 40% (9/22) of the interviewed participants were from rural areas, and 60% (13/22) were from urban areas; 60% (13/22) were from the intervention group, and 40% (9/22) were from the control group. Themes evolved around skin-checking behavior, other people's input into skin checking, contribution of health care professionals outside ASICA and its value, ideas around technology, practical experiences, and potential improvements. ASICA appeared to change participants' perceptions of skin checking. Users were more likely to report routinely performing TSSE thoroughly. There was some variation in beliefs about skin checking and using technology for health care. Overall, ASICA was experienced positively by participants. Several practical suggestions were made for the improvement of ASICA. CONCLUSIONS The ASICA intervention appeared to have positively influenced the attitudes and TSSE practices of melanoma survivors. This study provides important qualitative information about how a digital health care intervention is an effective means of prompting, recording, and responding to structured TSSE by melanoma survivors. Technical improvements are required, but the app offers promise for technologically enhanced melanoma follow-up in future. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03328247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03328247?term=ASICA&rank=1. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3453-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Reilly
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Nuha Wani
- Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, National Health System Grampian, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Hall
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Heather May Morgan
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Allan
- Health Psychology Group, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lynda Constable
- Health Services Research Unit, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Ntessalen
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Murchie
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Murchie P, Constable L, Hall S, Brant W, Allan J, Johnston M, Masthoff J, Lee A, Treweek S, Ayansina D, Proby C, Rahman K, Walter F, Burrows N, Durrani A, Maclennan G. The Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare Intervention for Detection of Recurrent and Second Primary Melanoma in Survivors of Melanoma: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Cancer 2022; 8:e37539. [PMID: 36074560 PMCID: PMC9501683 DOI: 10.2196/37539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is common with increasing incidence. Guidelines recommend monthly total skin self-examinations (TSSEs) by survivors to detect recurrent and new primary melanomas. TSSE is underperformed despite evidence of benefit. OBJECTIVE This study compares the effect on psychological well-being and TSSE practice of a self-directed digital intervention with treatment as usual in patients treated for a first stage 0 to IIC primary cutaneous melanoma within the preceding 60 months. METHODS This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 UK National Health Service hospitals (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Grampian, and Addenbrooke's, Cambridge). Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with a first 0 to IIC primary cutaneous melanoma were randomized to receive Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA), a tablet-based intervention prompting and supporting TSSE in survivors of melanoma, or to usual care. The hypothesis was that ASICA would increase TSSE practice in users affected by melanoma and compared with controls without affecting psychological well-being. The main primary outcomes were melanoma worry (Melanoma Worry Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) as well as secondary outcomes collected using postal questionnaires 3, 6, and 12 months following randomization. RESULTS A total of 240 recruits were randomized (1:1) into the ASICA (n=121, 50.4%) or control (n=119, 49.6%) groups. There were no significant differences between groups for melanoma worry at 12 months (mean difference: 0.12, 95% CI -0.6 to 0.84; P=.74), 3 months (0.23, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.78; P=.40), or 6 months (-0.1, 95% CI -0.7 to 0.51; P=.76). The ASICA group had lower anxiety scores at 12 months (-0.54, 95% CI -1.31 to 0.230; P=.17), 3 months (-0.13, 95% CI -0.79 to 0.54; P=.71), and significantly at 6 months (-1.00, 95% CI -1.74 to -0.26; P=.009). Depression scores were similar, being lower at 12 months (-0.44, 95% CI -1.11 to 0.23; P=.20) and 3 months (-0.24, 95% CI -0.84 to 0.35; P=.42) but only significantly lower at 6 months (-0.77, 95% CI -1.41 to -0.12; P=.02). The ASICA group had significantly higher quality of life scores at 12 months (0.044, 95% CI 0.003-0.085; P=.04) and 6 months (0.070, 95% CI 0.032-0.107; P<.001) and nonsignificantly at 3 months (0.024, 95% CI -0.006 to 0.054; P=.11). ASICA users reported significantly more regular (>5) TSSEs during the study year and significantly higher levels of self-efficacy in conducting TSSE. They also reported significantly higher levels of planning and intention to perform TSSE in the future. CONCLUSIONS Using ASICA for 12 months does not increase melanoma worry, can reduce anxiety and depression, and may improve quality of life. ASICA has the potential to improve the well-being and vigilance of survivors of melanoma and enable the benefits of regular TSSE. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03328247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03328247. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3453-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Murchie
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Lynda Constable
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Susan Hall
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | | | - Julia Allan
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Johnston
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Judith Masthoff
- Department of Information and Computing Sciences, Universiteit Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Amanda Lee
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Shaun Treweek
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Dolapo Ayansina
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Charlotte Proby
- Molecular and Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Dundee, Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fiona Walter
- Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine and Institute of Population Health Sciences, London, United Kingdom
- The Primary Care Unit, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel Burrows
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Amer Durrani
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Graeme Maclennan
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
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Follow-up Schedule for Patients with Sentinel Node Negative Cutaneous Melanoma: an International Phase III Randomised Clinical Trial. Ann Surg 2022; 276:e208-e216. [PMID: 35866644 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES DESIGN The MELFO (MELanoma FOllow-up) study is an international phase III RCT comparing an experimental low-intensity schedule against current national guidelines. BACKGROUND Evidence-based guidelines for the follow-up of sentinel node negative melanoma patients are lacking. METHODS Overall, 388 adult patients diagnosed with sentinel node negative primary melanoma patients were randomized in cancer centers in the Netherlands and UK between 2006 and 2016. The conventional schedule group (control: n=196) was reviewed as per current national guidelines. The experimental schedule group (n=192) was reviewed in a reduced-frequency schedule. QoL was the primary outcome measurement. Detection rates and survival outcomes were recorded. Patient satisfaction rates and compliance with allocated schedules were compared. RESULTS At five years, both arms expressed high satisfaction with their regimens (>97%). This study found no significant group effect on any PROMs scores between the follow-up protocols. In total, 75/388 (19.4%) patients recurred, with no difference in incidence found between the two arms (HR=0.87 (0.54-1.39), P=0.57). Self-examination was the method of detection for 25 experimental patients and 32 control patients (75.8% vs. 76.2%; P=0.41). This study found no difference in any survival outcomes between the two study arms (disease-free survival: HR=1.00 (0.49-2.07), P=0.99). CONCLUSIONS A reduced intensity, AJCC stage-adjusted follow-up schedule for sentinel node negative melanoma patients is a safe strategy and patient self-examination is effective for recurrence detection with no evidence of diagnostic delay. Patients' acceptance is very high.
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Medcalf E, Taylor A, Turner R, Espinoza D, Bell KJL. Can patient-led surveillance detect subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas and reduce the need for routinely scheduled follow up? Statistical analysis plan for the MEL-SELF randomised controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2022; 117:106761. [PMID: 35439647 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2022.106761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MEL-SELF trial is a randomised controlled trial of patient-led surveillance compared to clinician-led surveillance in people treated for localised cutaneous melanoma (stage 0, I, II). The primary trial aim is to determine if patient led-surveillance compared to clinician-led surveillance increases the proportion of participants who are diagnosed with a new primary or recurrent melanoma at a fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visit. The secondary outcomes include time to diagnosis of any skin cancer, psychosocial outcomes, acceptability, and resource use. OBJECTIVE The objective of this report is to outline and publish the pre-determined statistical analysis plan before the database lock and the start of analysis. METHODS/DESIGN The statistical analysis plan describes the overall analysis principles, including how participants will be included in each analysis, the presentation of the results, adjustments for covariates, the primary and secondary outcomes, and their respective analyses. In addition, we present the planned sensitivity and subgroup analyses. A separate analysis plan will be published for health economic outcomes. RESULTS The MEL-SELF statistical analysis plan has been designed to minimize bias in estimating effects of the intervention on primary and secondary outcomes. By pre-specifying analyses, we ensure the study's integrity and believability while enabling the reproducibility of the final analysis. CONCLUSION This detailed statistical analysis plan will help to ensure transparency of reporting of results from the MEL-SELF trial. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000176864. Registered 18 February 2021, https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12621000176864.aspx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Medcalf
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Aiya Taylor
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - David Espinoza
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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Lecouturier J, Bosomworth H, Labus M, Ellis RA, Lovat PE. Health professional and patient views of a novel prognostic test for melanoma: A theoretically informed qualitative study. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265048. [PMID: 35377887 PMCID: PMC8979436 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cutaneous melanoma rates are steadily increasing. Up to 20% of patients diagnosed with AJCC Stage I/II melanomas will develop metastatic disease. To date there are no consistently reliable means to accurately identify truly high versus low-risk patient subpopulations. There is hence an urgent need for more accurate prediction of prognosis to determine appropriate clinical management. Validation of a novel prognostic test based on the immunohistochemical expression of two protein biomarkers in the epidermal microenvironment of primary melanomas was undertaken; loss of these biomarkers had previously been shown to be associated with a higher risk of recurrence or metastasis. A parallel qualitative study exploring secondary care health professional and patient views of the test was undertaken and this paper reports the perceived barriers and enablers to its implementation into the melanoma care pathway. METHODS Qualitative methods were employed drawing upon the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) in the exploration and analysis. An inductive-deductive analysis was performed, with all data coded using a thematic then TDF framework. FINDINGS 20 dermatologists, plastic surgeons, cancer nurse specialists, oncologists and histopathologists participated. Nine TDF domains were relevant to all health professional groups and the 'Skills' and 'Beliefs about Capabilities' domains were relevant only to histopathologists. 'Optimism' and 'Beliefs about consequences' were strong enablers particularly for clinicians. 'Environmental context and resources' (impact on pathology services) and 'Knowledge' (the need for robust evidence about the test reliability) were the main perceived barriers. 19 patients and one carer were interviewed. For the patients eight domains were relevant. ('Knowledge', 'Emotions', 'Beliefs about consequences', 'Social Role and identity', 'Behavioural regulation', 'Memory, attention and decision processes', 'Reinforcement' and 'Skills'). The consequences of the implementation of the test were reassurance about future risk, changes to the follow-up pathway on which there were mixed views, and the need to ensure they maintained self-surveillance (Beliefs about consequences). The test was acceptable to all patient interviewees but the resultant changes to management would need to be supported by mechanisms for fast-track back into the clinic, further information on self-surveillance and clear management plans at the time the result is conveyed (Behavioural regulation). CONCLUSIONS Health professionals and patients perceived positive consequences-for patients and for health services-of adopting the test. However, its implementation would require exploration of the resource implications for pathology services, psychological support for patients with a high-risk test result and mechanisms to reassure and support patients should the test lead to reduced frequency or duration of follow-up. Exploring implementation at an early stage with health professionals presented challenges related to the provision of specific details of the test and its validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Lecouturier
- Population and Health Sciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Helen Bosomworth
- Institute of Neuroscience and Newcastle University Institute for Ageing, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Labus
- Research and Enterprise Services, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Rob A. Ellis
- Precision Medicine, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, The James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, Cleveland, United Kingdom
- York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, The York Hospital, York, North Yorkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Penny E. Lovat
- Precision Medicine, Translation and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
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Jaeger ZJ, Williams GA, Chen L, Mhlanga JC, Cornelius LA, Fields RC. 18 F-FDG positron emission tomography-computed tomography has a low positive predictive value for detecting occult recurrence in asymptomatic patients with high-risk Stages IIB, IIC, and IIIA melanoma. J Surg Oncol 2022; 125:525-534. [PMID: 34741547 PMCID: PMC8799500 DOI: 10.1002/jso.26737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES High recurrence rates of Stages II and IIIA melanoma make close follow-up essential, especially with new adjuvant therapies for metastatic disease. However, there are currently no consensus guidelines for routine imaging for Stages IIB, IIC, and IIIA melanoma. The study's aim is to determine the utility of 18 F-fluorodeoxyglucose (18 F-FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) for detecting asymptomatic recurrence of melanoma after primary surgical resection. METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 158 patients with the American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition Stages IIB, IIC, or IIIA cutaneous melanoma who underwent an 18 F-FDG PET/CT from 2010 to 2020. We retrospectively analyzed clinical data after a median follow-up time of 39 months. RESULTS We calculated a positive predictive value (PPV) of 32% (95% confidence interval: 11%-53%) for 154 routine PET/CTs, including six true positives and 13 false positives (FPs). PPV was 33% for Stage IIB, 50% for Stage IIC, and 14% for Stage IIIA. FPs were mostly benign or inflammatory foci (75%), and some other malignancies were found (21%). CONCLUSIONS This cohort of patients imaged for high-risk melanoma demonstrated a high FP rate and low PPV. These findings suggest that routine surveillance with 18 F-FDG PET/CT may not be indicated for monitoring recurrence in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gregory A. Williams
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center
| | - Ling Chen
- Division of Biostatistics, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Joyce C. Mhlanga
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Lynn A. Cornelius
- Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine
| | - Ryan C. Fields
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine
- Alvin J. Siteman Comprehensive Cancer Center
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Ackermann DM, Dieng M, Medcalf E, Jenkins MC, van Kemenade CH, Janda M, Turner RM, Cust AE, Morton RL, Irwig L, Guitera P, Soyer HP, Mar V, Hersch JK, Low D, Low C, Saw RPM, Scolyer RA, Drabarek D, Espinoza D, Azzi A, Lilleyman AM, Smit AK, Murchie P, Thompson JF, Bell KJL. Assessing the Potential for Patient-led Surveillance After Treatment of Localized Melanoma (MEL-SELF): A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol 2022; 158:33-42. [PMID: 34817543 PMCID: PMC8771298 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.4704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Patient-led surveillance is a promising new model of follow-up care following excision of localized melanoma. OBJECTIVE To determine whether patient-led surveillance in patients with prior localized primary cutaneous melanoma is as safe, feasible, and acceptable as clinician-led surveillance. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This was a pilot for a randomized clinical trial at 2 specialist-led clinics in metropolitan Sydney, Australia, and a primary care skin cancer clinic managed by general practitioners in metropolitan Newcastle, Australia. The participants were 100 patients who had been treated for localized melanoma, owned a smartphone, had a partner to assist with skin self-examination (SSE), and had been routinely attending scheduled follow-up visits. The study was conducted from November 1, 2018, to January 17, 2020, with analysis performed from September 1, 2020, to November 15, 2020. INTERVENTION Participants were randomized (1:1) to 6 months of patient-led surveillance (the intervention comprised usual care plus reminders to perform SSE, patient-performed dermoscopy, teledermatologist assessment, and fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visits) or clinician-led surveillance (the control was usual care). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of eligible and contacted patients who were randomized. Secondary outcomes included patient-reported outcomes (eg, SSE knowledge, attitudes, and practices, psychological outcomes, other health care use) and clinical outcomes (eg, clinic visits, skin surgeries, subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma). RESULTS Of 326 patients who were eligible and contacted, 100 (31%) patients (mean [SD] age, 58.7 [12.0] years; 53 [53%] men) were randomized to patient-led (n = 49) or clinician-led (n = 51) surveillance. Data were available on patient-reported outcomes for 66 participants and on clinical outcomes for 100 participants. Compared with clinician-led surveillance, patient-led surveillance was associated with increased SSE frequency (odds ratio [OR], 3.5; 95% CI, 0.9 to 14.0) and thoroughness (OR, 2.2; 95% CI, 0.8 to 5.7), had no detectable adverse effect on psychological outcomes (fear of cancer recurrence subscale score; mean difference, -1.3; 95% CI, -3.1 to 0.5), and increased clinic visits (risk ratio [RR], 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.1), skin lesion excisions (RR, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0), and subsequent melanoma diagnoses and subsequent melanoma diagnoses (risk difference, 10%; 95% CI, -2% to 23%). New primary melanomas and 1 local recurrence were diagnosed in 8 (16%) of the participants in the intervention group, including 5 (10%) ahead of routinely scheduled visits; and in 3 (6%) of the participants in the control group, with none (0%) ahead of routinely scheduled visits (risk difference, 10%; 95% CI, 2% to 19%). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE This pilot of a randomized clinical trial found that patient-led surveillance after treatment of localized melanoma appears to be safe, feasible, and acceptable. Experiences from this pilot study have prompted improvements to the trial processes for the larger trial of the same intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION http://anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12616001716459.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M. Ackermann
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ellie Medcalf
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marisa C. Jenkins
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Robin M. Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, Otago, New Zealand
| | - Anne E. Cust
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L. Morton
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - H. Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Victoria Mar
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jolyn K. Hersch
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Low
- Cancer Voices New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn P. M. Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard A. Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dorothy Drabarek
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David Espinoza
- National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Anthony Azzi
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Amelia K. Smit
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Murchie
- Academic Primary Care Research Group, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - John F. Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J. L. Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Newcomer K, Robbins KJ, Perone J, Hinojosa FL, Chen D, Jones S, Kaufman CK, Weiser R, Fields RC, Tyler DS. Malignant melanoma: evolving practice management in an era of increasingly effective systemic therapies. Curr Probl Surg 2022; 59:101030. [PMID: 35033317 PMCID: PMC9798450 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpsurg.2021.101030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ken Newcomer
- Department of Surgery, Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Jennifer Perone
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | | | - David Chen
- e. Department of Medicine, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Susan Jones
- f. Department of Pediatrics, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Roi Weiser
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
| | - Ryan C Fields
- Department of Surgery, Washington University, St. Louis, MO
| | - Douglas S Tyler
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX.
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Vale L, Kunonga P, Coughlan D, Kontogiannis V, Astin M, Beyer F, Richmond C, Wilson D, Bajwa D, Javanbakht M, Bryant A, Akor W, Craig D, Lovat P, Labus M, Nasr B, Cunliffe T, Hinde H, Shawgi M, Saleh D, Royle P, Steward P, Lucas R, Ellis R. Optimal surveillance strategies for patients with stage 1 cutaneous melanoma post primary tumour excision: three systematic reviews and an economic model. Health Technol Assess 2021; 25:1-178. [PMID: 34792018 DOI: 10.3310/hta25640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the UK, with rates continuing to rise, resulting in considerable burden to patients and the NHS. OBJECTIVES The objectives were to evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of current and alternative follow-up strategies for stage IA and IB melanoma. REVIEW METHODS Three systematic reviews were conducted. (1) The effectiveness of surveillance strategies. Outcomes were detection of new primaries, recurrences, metastases and survival. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk-of-Bias 2.0 tool. (2) Prediction models to stratify by risk of recurrence, metastases and survival. Model performance was assessed by study-reported measures of discrimination (e.g. D-statistic, Harrel's c-statistic), calibration (e.g. the Hosmer-Lemeshow 'goodness-of-fit' test) or overall performance (e.g. Brier score, R 2). Risk of bias was assessed using the Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). (3) Diagnostic test accuracy of fine-needle biopsy and ultrasonography. Outcomes were detection of new primaries, recurrences, metastases and overall survival. Risk of bias was assessed using the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies-2 (QUADAS-2) tool. Review data and data from elsewhere were used to model the cost-effectiveness of alternative surveillance strategies and the value of further research. RESULTS (1) The surveillance review included one randomised controlled trial. There was no evidence of a difference in new primary or recurrence detected (risk ratio 0.75, 95% confidence interval 0.43 to 1.31). Risk of bias was considered to be of some concern. Certainty of the evidence was low. (2) Eleven risk prediction models were identified. Discrimination measures were reported for six models, with the area under the operating curve ranging from 0.59 to 0.88. Three models reported calibration measures, with coefficients of ≥ 0.88. Overall performance was reported by two models. In one, the Brier score was slightly better than the American Joint Committee on Cancer scheme score. The other reported an R 2 of 0.47 (95% confidence interval 0.45 to 0.49). All studies were judged to have a high risk of bias. (3) The diagnostic test accuracy review identified two studies. One study considered fine-needle biopsy and the other considered ultrasonography. The sensitivity and specificity for fine-needle biopsy were 0.94 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.97) and 0.95 (95% confidence interval 0.90 to 0.97), respectively. For ultrasonography, sensitivity and specificity were 1.00 (95% confidence interval 0.03 to 1.00) and 0.99 (95% confidence interval 0.96 to 0.99), respectively. For the reference standards and flow and timing domains, the risk of bias was rated as being high for both studies. The cost-effectiveness results suggest that, over a lifetime, less intensive surveillance than recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence might be worthwhile. There was considerable uncertainty. Improving the diagnostic performance of cancer nurse specialists and introducing a risk prediction tool could be promising. Further research on transition probabilities between different stages of melanoma and on improving diagnostic accuracy would be of most value. LIMITATIONS Overall, few data of limited quality were available, and these related to earlier versions of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging. Consequently, there was considerable uncertainty in the economic evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Despite adoption of rigorous methods, too few data are available to justify changes to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommendations on surveillance. However, alternative strategies warrant further research, specifically on improving estimates of incidence, progression of recurrent disease; diagnostic accuracy and health-related quality of life; developing and evaluating risk stratification tools; and understanding patient preferences. STUDY REGISTRATION This study is registered as PROSPERO CRD42018086784. FUNDING This project was funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol 25, No. 64. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Vale
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Patience Kunonga
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Diarmuid Coughlan
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Margaret Astin
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Fiona Beyer
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Catherine Richmond
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dor Wilson
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Dalvir Bajwa
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Mehdi Javanbakht
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Andrew Bryant
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Wanwuri Akor
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, North Shields, UK
| | - Dawn Craig
- Institute of Health & Society, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Penny Lovat
- Institute of Translation and Clinical Studies, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Marie Labus
- Business Development and Enterprise, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Batoul Nasr
- Dermatological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Timothy Cunliffe
- Dermatology Department, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Helena Hinde
- Dermatology Department, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Mohamed Shawgi
- Radiology Department, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Daniel Saleh
- Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Princess Alexandra Hospital Southside Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pam Royle
- Patient representative, ITV Tyne Tees, Gateshead, UK
| | - Paul Steward
- Patient representative, Dermatology Department, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Rachel Lucas
- Patient representative, Dermatology Department, James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Robert Ellis
- Institute of Translation and Clinical Studies, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
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10
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Ackermann DM, Smit AK, Janda M, van Kemenade CH, Dieng M, Morton RL, Turner RM, Cust AE, Irwig L, Hersch JK, Guitera P, Soyer HP, Mar V, Saw RPM, Low D, Low C, Drabarek D, Espinoza D, Emery J, Murchie P, Thompson JF, Scolyer RA, Azzi A, Lilleyman A, Bell KJL. Can patient-led surveillance detect subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas and reduce the need for routinely scheduled follow-up? A protocol for the MEL-SELF randomised controlled trial. Trials 2021; 22:324. [PMID: 33947444 PMCID: PMC8096155 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-021-05231-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Most subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas might be self-detected if patients are trained to systematically self-examine their skin and have access to timely medical review (patient-led surveillance). Routinely scheduled clinic visits (clinician-led surveillance) is resource-intensive and has not been shown to improve health outcomes; fewer visits may be possible if patient-led surveillance is shown to be safe and effective. The MEL-SELF trial is a randomised controlled trial comparing patient-led surveillance with clinician-led surveillance in people who have been previously treated for localised melanoma. METHODS Stage 0/I/II melanoma patients (n = 600) from dermatology, surgical, or general practice clinics in NSW Australia, will be randomised (1:1) to the intervention (patient-led surveillance, n = 300) or control (usual care, n = 300). Patients in the intervention will undergo a second randomisation 1:1 to polarised (n = 150) or non-polarised (n = 150) dermatoscope. Patient-led surveillance comprises an educational booklet, skin self-examination (SSE) instructional videos; 3-monthly email/SMS reminders to perform SSE; patient-performed dermoscopy with teledermatologist feedback; clinical review of positive teledermoscopy through fast-tracked unscheduled clinic visits; and routinely scheduled clinic visits following each clinician's usual practice. Clinician-led surveillance comprises an educational booklet and routinely scheduled clinic visits following each clinician's usual practice. The primary outcome, measured at 12 months, is the proportion of participants diagnosed with a subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma at an unscheduled clinic visit. Secondary outcomes include time from randomisation to diagnosis (of a subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma and of a new keratinocyte cancer), clinicopathological characteristics of subsequent new primary or recurrent melanomas (including AJCC stage), psychological outcomes, and healthcare use. A nested qualitative study will include interviews with patients and clinicians, and a costing study we will compare costs from a societal perspective. We will compare the technical performance of two different models of dermatoscope (polarised vs non-polarised). DISCUSSION The findings from this study may inform guidance on evidence-based follow-up care, that maximises early detection of subsequent new primary or recurrent melanoma and patient wellbeing, while minimising costs to patients, health systems, and society. TRIAL REGISTRATION Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12621000176864 . Registered on 18 February 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deonna M Ackermann
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amelia K Smit
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Monika Janda
- Centre for Health Services Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Cathelijne H van Kemenade
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- Biostatistics Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Anne E Cust
- Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention Research, Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jolyn K Hersch
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - H Peter Soyer
- Dermatology Research Centre, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
- Department of Dermatology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Victoria Mar
- Victorian Melanoma Service, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Robyn P M Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Dorothy Drabarek
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Espinoza
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jon Emery
- Centre for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Peter Murchie
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - John F Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and NSW Health Pathology, Sydney, Australia
| | - Anthony Azzi
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Alister Lilleyman
- Newcastle Skin Check, Newcastle, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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11
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Beesley VL, Hughes MCB, Smithers BM, Khosrotehrani K, Malt MK, von Schuckmann LA, Green AC. Anxiety and depression after diagnosis of high-risk primary cutaneous melanoma: a 4-year longitudinal study. J Cancer Surviv 2020; 14:712-719. [PMID: 32519121 DOI: 10.1007/s11764-020-00885-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To quantify the prevalence of anxiety or depression (overall; melanoma-related) among people with high-risk primary melanoma, their related use of mental health services and medications, and factors associated with persistent new-onset symptoms across 4 years post-diagnosis. METHODS A longitudinal study of 675 patients newly diagnosed with tumor-stage 1b-4b melanoma. Participants completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and answered questions about fear of cancer recurrence, use of medication, and support, serially over 4 years. We identified anxiety and depression trajectories with group-based trajectories models and factors associated with persistent symptoms with logistic regression. RESULTS At diagnosis, 93 participants (14%) had melanoma-related anxiety or depression, and 136 (20%) were affected by anxiety and/or depression unrelated to melanoma. After 6 months, no more than 27 (5%) reported melanoma-related anxiety or depression at any time, while the point prevalence of anxiety and depression unrelated to melanoma was unchanged (16-21%) among the disease-free. Of 272 participants reporting clinical symptoms of any cause, 34% were taking medication and/or seeing a psychologist or psychiatrist. Of the participants, 11% (n = 59) had new-onset symptoms that persisted; these participants were more likely aged < 70. CONCLUSIONS Melanoma-related anxiety or depression quickly resolves in high-risk primary melanoma patients after melanoma excision, while prevalence of anxiety or depression from other sources remains constant among the disease-free. However, one-in-ten develop new anxiety or depression symptoms (one-in-twenty melanoma-related) that persist. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS Chronic stress has been linked to melanoma progression. Survivors with anxiety and depression should be treated early to improve patient and, potentially, disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa L Beesley
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
| | - Maria Celia B Hughes
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - B Mark Smithers
- Queensland Melanoma Project, Discipline of Surgery, The University of Queensland, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Kiarash Khosrotehrani
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research & The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Experimental Dermatology Group, QLD, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Maryrose K Malt
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Lena A von Schuckmann
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Adèle C Green
- Population Health Department, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, and School of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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12
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Moncrieff MD, Underwood B, Garioch JJ, Heaton M, Patel N, Bastiaannet E, Hoekstra-Weebers JEHM, Hoekstra HJ. The MelFo Study UK: Effects of a Reduced-Frequency, Stage-Adjusted Follow-Up Schedule for Cutaneous Melanoma 1B to 2C Patients After 3-Years. Ann Surg Oncol 2020; 27:4109-4119. [PMID: 32623608 PMCID: PMC7497689 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-020-08758-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background Evidence-based guidelines for follow-up treatment of American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages 1B to 2C melanoma patients are lacking. The MELanoma FOllow-up study is an international phase 3 randomized trial, and the 3-year interim data were recently reported from the Netherlands. The study was undertaken concurrently with a British cohort for comparison and validation of the Dutch study. Methods The study enrolled and stratified 207 patients by AJCC stage. The conventional schedule group (CSG; n = 103) cohort was reviewed as per UK guidelines. The experimental schedule group (ESG; n = 104) cohort was reviewed in a reduced-frequency nurse-led, consultant-supervised clinic. Quality of life (QoL) was measured at baseline (T1), a 1 year (T2), and at 3 years (T3) using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Cancer Worry Scale, the Impact-of-Event Scale, and the Mental and Physical Component scales (PCS/MCS) of the RAND-36. Results Of the 207 QoL questionnaires, 170 (82.1%) were completed at T3. Both cohorts expressed high satisfaction (> 93%) with their regimens. At T3, no significant group effect was found on any patient-reported outcome measures scores, indicating no QoL difference between the follow-up protocols. Recurrence had developed in 33 patients Conventional follow-up (CFU), 16 [15.5%]; Experimental follow-up (EFU), 17 [16.3%]. Self-examination was the method of detection for 12 ESG patients (70.6%) and 11 CSG patients (68.8%). The melanoma-specific survival was identical. Conclusion The UK 3-year data were consistent with the previous Dutch report. The reduced follow-up strategy was shown to be safe, with significant resource usage benefits for national cancer services. Patient anxiety levels were not increased by a less-intensive follow-up regimen, and acceptance was high. The study data indicate that patient self-examination is very effective for recurrence detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc D Moncrieff
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK. .,University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ, UK.
| | - Beverly Underwood
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Jennifer J Garioch
- Department of Dermatology, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Martin Heaton
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | - Nakul Patel
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, Norwich, UK
| | | | - Josette E H M Hoekstra-Weebers
- University Medical Center Groningen, Wenckebach Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Harald J Hoekstra
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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13
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Huis In't Veld EA, van Seventer IC, van Teeseling L, van Thienen JV, Crijns MB. Is routine skin examination in metastatic melanoma patients treated with immuno- or targeted therapy necessary? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019; 34:e175-e176. [PMID: 31793062 DOI: 10.1111/jdv.16128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E A Huis In't Veld
- Department of Dermatology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - I C van Seventer
- Department of Dermatology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L van Teeseling
- Department of Dermatology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J V van Thienen
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M B Crijns
- Department of Dermatology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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14
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Winstanley J, White E, Saw R, Young T, Burmeister B, Nikolic D, Busto-Cornide I, Iglesias-Pena N, Boyle F. Development of the Melanoma Concerns Questionnaire (MCQ-28); refinement of the EORTC QLQ-MEL38 module. Psychooncology 2019; 29:321-330. [PMID: 31652387 DOI: 10.1002/pon.5251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Few patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) have been developed that adequately measure the patient-experience following diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. Building on previous research, which developed the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Module (QLQ-MEL38), the aim of this study was to further test the hypothesised domain structure and psychometric properties of the phase 3 module, in a new larger sample of melanoma patients. METHODS Melanoma patients (n = 270) were recruited from four countries (Australia, England, Serbia, and Spain). Patients completed the EORTC core questionnaire (QLQ-C30), the QLQ-MEL38, and a sociodemographic survey. Using this new larger dataset, comparisons were made with the hypothesised domain structure of the EORTC phase 3 module using principal component analysis. Items which formed subscales in a revised domain structure were then tested for goodness of fit (GoF) to the Rasch model. RESULTS The original hypothesised and final domain structures were similar but not identical. Twenty-four items (83%) loaded onto the same distinct subscales previously generated by phase 3, and item-by-item comparison of the two pattern matrices indicated an extremely close match. Ten items were removed from the QLQ-MEL38 phase 3 module, and rescoring of some items was required. Four subscales, together with five individual items, comprised the final instrument. CONCLUSION The newly developed measure (named the Melanoma Concerns Questionnaire; MCQ-28) was found to tap into several important psychosocial domains of concern to melanoma patients, particularly those being managed in "usual" clinic settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Winstanley
- Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,White Winstanley Ltd, Cheshire, UK
| | - Edward White
- White Winstanley Ltd, Cheshire, UK.,School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robyn Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Teresa Young
- East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust incorporating Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, UK
| | | | - Dejan Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,University Hospital Medical Center Bezanijska kosa, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | - Frances Boyle
- Patricia Ritchie Centre for Cancer Care and Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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15
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A meta-review of qualitative research on adult cancer survivors: current strengths and evidence gaps. J Cancer Surviv 2019; 13:852-889. [DOI: 10.1007/s11764-019-00803-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Deckers EA, Hoekstra-Weebers JEHM, Damude S, Francken AB, Ter Meulen S, Bastiaannet E, Hoekstra HJ. The MELFO Study: A Multicenter, Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial on the Effects of a Reduced Stage-Adjusted Follow-Up Schedule on Cutaneous Melanoma IB-IIC Patients-Results After 3 Years. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 27:1407-1417. [PMID: 31535302 PMCID: PMC7138761 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07825-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background This study compares well-being, recurrences, and deaths of early-stage cutaneous melanoma patients in follow-up, as recommended in the Dutch guideline, with that of patients in a stage-adjusted reduced follow-up schedule, 3 years after diagnosis, as well as costs. Methods Overall, 180 eligible pathological American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage IB–IIC, sentinel node staged, melanoma patients (response rate = 87%, 48% male, median age 57 years), randomized into a conventional (CSG, n = 93) or experimental (ESG, n = 87) follow-up schedule group, completed patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at diagnosis (T1): State-Trait Anxiety Inventory–State version (STAI-S), Cancer Worry Scale (CWS), Impact of Event Scale (IES), and RAND-36 (Mental and Physical Component scales [PCS/MCS]). Three years later (T3), 110 patients (CSG, n = 56; ESG, n = 54) completed PROMs, while 42 declined (23%). Results Repeated measures analyses of variance (ANOVAs) showed a significant group effect on the IES (p = 0.001) in favor of the ESG, and on the RAND-36 PCS (p = 0.02) favoring the CSG. Mean IES and CWS scores decreased significantly over time, while those on the RAND-36 MCS and PCS increased. Effect sizes were small. Twenty-five patients developed a recurrence or second primary melanoma, of whom 13 patients died within 3 years. Cox proportional hazards models showed no differences between groups in recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR] 0.71 [0.32–1.58]; p = 0.400) and disease-free survival (HR 1.24 [0.42–3.71]; p = 0.690). Costs per patient after 3 years (computed for 77.3% of patients) were 39% lower in the ESG. Conclusion These results seemingly support the notion that a stage-adjusted reduced follow-up schedule forms an appropriate, safe, and cost-effective alternative for pathological AJCC stage IB–IIC melanoma patients to the follow-up regimen as advised in the current melanoma guideline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A Deckers
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Josette E H M Hoekstra-Weebers
- Wenckebach Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organization, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Damude
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sylvia Ter Meulen
- Skin-Melanoma Clinic, Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Bastiaannet
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harald J Hoekstra
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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17
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Lim WY, Morton RL, Turner RM, Jenkins MC, Guitera P, Irwig L, Webster AC, Dieng M, Saw RPM, Low D, Low C, Bell KJL. Patient Preferences for Follow-up After Recent Excision of a Localized Melanoma. JAMA Dermatol 2019; 154:420-427. [PMID: 29490373 DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Importance The standard model of follow-up posttreatment of localized melanoma relies on clinician detection of recurrent or new melanoma, through routinely scheduled clinics (clinician-led surveillance). An alternative model is to increase reliance on patient detection of melanoma, with fewer scheduled visits and increased support for patients' skin self-examination (SSE) (eg, using smartphone apps to instruct, prompt and record SSE, and facilitate teledermatology; patient-led surveillance). Objective To determine the proportion of adults treated for localized melanoma who prefer the standard scheduled visit frequency (as per Australian guideline recommendations) or fewer scheduled visits (adapted from the Melanoma Follow-up [MELFO] study of reduced follow-up). Design, Setting, and Participants This survey study used a telephone interview for surveillance following excision of localized melanoma at an Australian specialist center. We invited a random sample of 400 patients who had completed treatment for localized melanoma in 2014 to participate. They were asked about their preferences for scheduled follow-up, and experience of follow-up in the past 12 months. Those with a recurrent or new primary melanoma diagnosed by the time of interview (0.8-1.7 years since first diagnosis) were asked about how it was first detected and treated. SSE practices were also assessed. Main Outcomes and Measures Proportion preferring standard vs fewer scheduled clinic visits, median delay between detection and treatment of recurrent or new primary melanoma, and SSE practices. Results Of the 262 people who agreed to be interviewed, the mean (SD) age was 64.3 (14.3) years, and 93 (36%) were women. Among the 230 people who did not have a recurrent or new primary melanoma, 149 vs 81 preferred the standard vs fewer scheduled clinic visits option (70% vs 30% after adjusting for sampling frame). Factors independently associated with preferring fewer visits were a higher disease stage, melanoma on a limb, living with others, not having private health insurance, and seeing a specialist for another chronic condition. The median delay between first detection and treatment of recurrent or new primary melanoma was 7 and 3 weeks, respectively. Only 8% missed a scheduled visit, while 40% did not perform SSE or did so at greater than 3-month intervals. Conclusions and Relevance Some patients with melanoma may prefer fewer scheduled visits, if they are supported to do SSE and there is rapid clinical review of anything causing concern (patient-led surveillance).
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yin Lim
- Clinical Research Centre Perak, Ministry of Health Malaysia, Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia.,School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Marisa C Jenkins
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Pascale Guitera
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Dermatology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Angela C Webster
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mbathio Dieng
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn P M Saw
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Donald Low
- Cancer Voices NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cynthia Low
- Cancer Voices NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Centre for Evidence Based Practice, Bond University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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Nijhuis AAG, Dieng M, Khanna N, Lord SJ, Dalton J, Menzies AM, Turner RM, Allen J, Saw RPM, Nieweg OE, Thompson JF, Morton RL. False-Positive Results and Incidental Findings with Annual CT or PET/CT Surveillance in Asymptomatic Patients with Resected Stage III Melanoma. Ann Surg Oncol 2019; 26:1860-1868. [DOI: 10.1245/s10434-019-07311-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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19
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Freeman M, Laks S. Surveillance imaging for metastasis in high-risk melanoma: importance in individualized patient care and survivorship. Melanoma Manag 2019; 6:MMT12. [PMID: 31236204 PMCID: PMC6582455 DOI: 10.2217/mmt-2019-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Most patients newly diagnosed with melanoma have early-stage disease considered of good prognosis. However, with a risk of recurrence, appropriate follow-up may include surveillance imaging for early relapse detection. Previously, surveillance imaging to detect recurrences was considered unjustified, given the lack of effective treatments. Now, systemic therapies have improved, and patients with low tumor burden may derive benefit from surveillance imaging. Despite this, controversy exists regarding the role of surveillance imaging in early-stage melanoma survivorship, in part reflected by the lack of consensus on specific imaging protocols and broad guidelines. This review discusses published evidence on surveillance imaging to detect metastasis in high-risk melanoma, the need for early recurrence detection and implications for value-based clinical decision-making, survivorship care and multidisciplinary patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morganna Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Shachar Laks
- Department of Surgery, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA
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20
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Physical Activity of Working-Age People in View of Their Income Status. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2018; 2018:8298527. [PMID: 30515414 PMCID: PMC6236765 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8298527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective The study examines relationships between physical activity levels and income status of working-age city residents. Methods The study was carried out in the years 2014 and 2015 in Wrocław, Poland. The study sample comprised 4332 participants (2276 women; 2056 men) aged 18 to 64 years. Respondents' habitual physical activity levels were measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form (IPAQ-SF), while their income status was assessed with author's own Socio-Economic Status of Working-Age People Questionnaire (S-ESQ). Results The results revealed positive correlations between the level of physical activity and income status of male and female working-age residents of Wrocław. The highest physical activity levels were noted among respondents with a steady income, as well as among respondents with the highest income and savings and with no debts. The odds for respondents' above average physical activity levels were the greatest in women with the highest income and with savings and in debt-free men and women. Conclusion Effective actions should be developed aimed at improvement of physical activity levels of people in an adverse financial situation.
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21
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Rollin A, Ridout B, Campbell A. Digital Health in Melanoma Posttreatment Care in Rural and Remote Australia: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2018; 20:e11547. [PMID: 30249578 PMCID: PMC6231739 DOI: 10.2196/11547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The melanoma incidence and mortality rates in rural and remote communities are exponentially higher than in urban areas. Digital health could be used to close the urban/rural gap for melanoma and improve access to posttreatment and support care services. Objective The aim of this review was to understand how digital health is currently used for melanoma posttreatment care and determine the benefits for Australian rural and remote areas. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, and Scopus was conducted in March 2018. Findings were clustered per type of intervention and related direct outcomes. Results Five studies met the inclusion criteria, but none investigated the benefits of digital health for melanoma posttreatment care in rural and remote areas of Australia. Some empirical studies demonstrated consumers’ acceptance of digital intervention for posttreatment care. The findings did not take into consideration individual, psychological, and socioeconomic factors, even though studies show their significant impacts on melanoma quality of aftercare. Conclusions Digital interventions may be used as an adjunct service by clinicians during melanoma posttreatment care, especially in regions that are less-resourced by practitioners and health infrastructure, such as rural and remote Australia. Technology could be used to reduce the disparity in melanoma incidence, mortality rates, and accessibility to posttreatment care management between urban and rural/remote populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rollin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Brad Ridout
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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22
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Velazquez-Campoy A, Vega S, Sanchez-Gracia O, Lanas A, Rodrigo A, Kaliappan A, Hall MB, Nguyen TQ, Brock GN, Chesney JA, Garbett NC, Abian O. Thermal liquid biopsy for monitoring melanoma patients under surveillance during treatment: A pilot study. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:1701-1710. [PMID: 29705200 PMCID: PMC6483604 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a technique traditionally used to study thermally induced macromolecular transitions, and it has recently been proposed as a novel approach for diagnosis and monitoring of several diseases. We report a pilot study applying Thermal Liquid Biopsy (TLB, DSC thermograms of plasma samples) as a new clinical approach for diagnostic assessment of melanoma patients. METHODS Multiparametric analysis of DSC thermograms of patient plasma samples collected during treatment and surveillance (63 samples from 10 patients) were compared with clinical and diagnostic imaging assessment to determine the utility of thermograms for diagnostic assessment in melanoma. Nine of the ten patients were stage 2 or 3 melanoma subjects receiving adjuvant therapy after surgical resection of their melanomas. The other patient had unresectable stage 4 melanoma and was treated with immunotherapy. Two reference groups were used: (A) 36 healthy subjects and (B) 13 samples from 8 melanoma patients who had completed successful surgical management of their disease and were determined by continued clinical assessment to have no evidence of disease. RESULTS Plasma thermogram analysis applied to melanoma patients generally agrees with clinical evaluation determined by physical assessment or diagnostic imaging (~80% agreement). No false negatives were obtained from DSC thermograms. Importantly, this methodology was able to detect changes in disease status before it was identified clinically. CONCLUSIONS Thermal Liquid Biopsy could be used in combination with current clinical assessment for the earlier detection of melanoma recurrence and metastasis. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE TLB offers advantages over current diagnostic techniques (PET/CT imaging), limited in frequency by radiation burden and expense, in providing a minimally-invasive, low-risk, low-cost clinical test for more frequent personalized patient monitoring to assess recurrence and facilitate clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Velazquez-Campoy
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain; Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Fundacion ARAID, Government of Aragon, Zaragoza 50018, Spain.
| | - Sonia Vega
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain
| | | | - Angel Lanas
- Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Clínico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Department of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Spain
| | | | - Alagammai Kaliappan
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Melissa Barousse Hall
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Taylor Q Nguyen
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Guy N Brock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jason A Chesney
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Nichola C Garbett
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Olga Abian
- Institute of Biocomputation and Physics of Complex Systems (BIFI), Joint Units IQFR-CSIC-BIFI, and GBsC-CSIC-BIFI, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50018, Spain; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza 50009, Spain; Aragon Institute for Health Research (IIS Aragon), Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en el Área Temática de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain; Instituto Aragonés de Ciencias de la Salud (IACS), Zaragoza 50009, Spain.
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Lamprell K, Braithwaite J. When Patients Tell Their Own Stories: A Meta-Narrative Study of Web-Based Personalized Texts of 214 Melanoma Patients' Journeys in Four Countries. QUALITATIVE HEALTH RESEARCH 2018; 28:1564-1583. [PMID: 29173015 DOI: 10.1177/1049732317742623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive, recalcitrant disease. Its impact on people can be compounded by the physical and psychosocial consequences of medical management. Providing melanoma patients with patient-centered care that is effective, safe, and supportive throughout their journey requires knowledge of patients' progressive experiences and evolving perspectives. With ethical approval, we undertook a meta-narrative study of 214 experiential accounts of melanoma collected from the personal story sections of melanoma and cancer support websites. Using a narrative approach, we qualitatively examined the care experiences represented in these accounts and identified needs for supportive care in a framework reflective of the personal patient journey. We differentiate these across three key periods: lead-up to diagnosis; diagnosis, treatment, and recovery; and posttreatment and recurrence, and provide a visual representation of the patient journey. This article contributes to the growing body of work that utilizes Internet content as sources of qualitative, experiential health care data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klay Lamprell
- 1 Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- 1 Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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24
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Ribero S, Podlipnik S, Osella-Abate S, Sportoletti-Baduel E, Manubens E, Barreiro A, Caliendo V, Chavez-Bourgeois M, Carrera C, Cassoni P, Malvehy J, Fierro M, Puig S. Ultrasound-based follow-up does not increase survival in early-stage melanoma patients: A comparative cohort study. Eur J Cancer 2017; 85:59-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.07.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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25
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Dunn J, Watson M, Aitken JF, Hyde MK. Systematic review of psychosocial outcomes for patients with advanced melanoma. Psychooncology 2016; 26:1722-1731. [PMID: 27696578 DOI: 10.1002/pon.4290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND New advanced melanoma therapies are associated with improved survival; however, quality of survivorship, particularly psychosocial outcomes, for patients overall and those treated with newer therapies is unclear. OBJECTIVE Synthesize qualitative and quantitative evidence about psychosocial outcomes for advanced (stage III/IV) melanoma patients. METHODS Five databases were searched (01/01/1980 to 31/01/2016). Inclusion criteria were as follows: advanced melanoma patients or sub-group analysis; assessed psychosocial outcomes; and English language. RESULTS Fifty-two studies met review criteria (4 qualitative, 48 quantitative). Trials comprise mostly medical not psychosocial interventions, with psychosocial outcomes assessed within broader quality of life measures. Patients receiving chemotherapy or IFN-alpha showed decreased emotional and social function and increased distress. Five trials of newer therapies appeared to show improvements in emotional and social function. Descriptive studies suggest that patients with advanced, versus localized disease, had decreased emotional and social function and increased distress. Contributors to distress were largely unexplored, and no clear framework described coping/adjustment trajectories. Patients with advanced versus localized disease had more supportive care needs, particularly amount, quality, and timing of melanoma-related information, communication with and emotional support from clinicians. Limitations included: lack of theoretical underpinnings guiding study design; inconsistent measurement approaches; small sample sizes; non-representative sampling; and cross-sectional design. CONCLUSIONS Quality trial evidence is needed to clarify the impact of treatment innovations for advanced melanoma on patients' psychosocial well-being. Survivorship research and subsequent translation of that knowledge into programs and services currently lags behind gains in the medical treatment of advanced melanoma, a troubling circumstance that requires immediate and focused attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeff Dunn
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,School of Social Science, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia
| | - Maggie Watson
- Pastoral and Psychological Care, Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Joanne F Aitken
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia.,Institute for Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, Australia.,School of Public Health and Social Work, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Melissa K Hyde
- Cancer Council Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.,Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
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26
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Liu JB, Bilimoria KY. Weighing the value of completion nodal dissection for melanoma. J Surg Oncol 2016; 114:281-7. [PMID: 27444517 DOI: 10.1002/jso.24273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
In the United States, approximately half of patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy undergo a completion lymphadenectomy. Because of the equivocal survival benefits in pursuing a completion lymphadenectomy in these patients, surgeons must weigh the postoperative morbidity of the operation with concerns facing a patient's quality of life and risk of tumor recurrence. We discuss the value of a completion lymphadenectomy in light of the uncertainties facing this management strategy for melanoma. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:281-287. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B Liu
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Surgery, University of Chicago Hospitals, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Karl Y Bilimoria
- Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care, American College of Surgeons, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Surgery, Surgical Outcomes and Quality Improvement Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
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27
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Damude S, Hoekstra-Weebers JEHM, Francken AB, Ter Meulen S, Bastiaannet E, Hoekstra HJ. The MELFO-Study: Prospective, Randomized, Clinical Trial for the Evaluation of a Stage-adjusted Reduced Follow-up Schedule in Cutaneous Melanoma Patients-Results after 1 Year. Ann Surg Oncol 2016; 23:2762-71. [PMID: 27194552 PMCID: PMC4972865 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-016-5263-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Guidelines for evidence-based follow-up in melanoma patients are not available. This study examined whether a reduced follow-up schedule affects: patient-reported outcome measures, detection of recurrences, and follow-up costs. Methods This multicenter trial included 180 patients treated for AJCC stage IB-II cutaneous melanoma, who were randomized in a conventional follow-up schedule group (CSG, 4 visits first year, n = 93) or experimental follow-up schedule group (ESG, 1–3 visits first year, n = 87). Patients completed the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, cancer worry scale, impact of events scale, and a health-related quality of life questionnaire (HRQoL, RAND-36). Physicians registered clinicopathologic features and the number of outpatient clinic visits. Results Sociodemographic and illness-related characteristics were equal in both groups. After 1-year follow-up, the ESG reported significantly less cancer-related stress response symptoms than the CSG (p = 0.01), and comparable anxiety, mental HRQoL, and cancer-related worry. Mean cancer-related worry and stress response symptoms decreased over time (p < 0.001), whereas mental HRQoL increased over time (p < 0.001) in all melanoma patients. Recurrence rate was 9 % in both groups, mostly patient-detected and not physician-detected (CSG 63 %, ESG 43 %, p = 0.45). Hospital costs of 1-year follow-up were reduced by 45 % in the ESG compared to the CSG. Conclusions
This study shows that the stage-adjusted, reduced follow-up schedule did not negatively affect melanoma patients’ mental well-being and the detection of recurrences compared with conventional follow-up as dictated by the Dutch guideline, at 1 year after diagnosis. Additionally, reduced follow-up was associated with significant hospital cost reduction. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1245/s10434-016-5263-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Damude
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Josette E H M Hoekstra-Weebers
- Wenckebach Institute, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.,Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Sylvia Ter Meulen
- Department of Dermatology, Netherlands Cancer Institute/Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esther Bastiaannet
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Leiden, University Medical Center Leiden, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Harald J Hoekstra
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Cross-cultural development of a quality-of-life measure for patients with melanoma: phase 3 testing of an EORTC Melanoma Module. Melanoma Res 2015; 25:47-58. [PMID: 25325247 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0000000000000122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is an increasingly common skin cancer worldwide. Recent treatment advances have provided patients and healthcare professionals (HCPs) with choices where quality of life (QoL) and toxicity are important considerations. A melanoma-specific QoL questionnaire is being developed in a cross-cultural setting using a four phase process developed by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Group. In phase 1, a literature search identified a list of pertinent QoL issues; this was shown to HCPs and patients in eight countries and rated for importance and relevance. Questions were constructed for the highest-rated issues (phase 2) and piloted in another patient sample (phase 3). Using EORTC Quality of Life Group criteria and sequential use of factor and Rasch analysis, scales were hypothesized for field testing (phase 4). Seven QoL domains (disease symptoms, treatment issues, financial issues, access/quality of information, satisfaction with care, psychosocial issues and support), comprising 73 QoL issues, were rated by 46 HCPs and 78 patients. Fifty-six issues were rephrased as questions and piloted with 132 patients. A 38-item questionnaire (QLQ-MEL38) is available for field testing in conjunction with the EORTC QLQ-C30. This study has shown that melanoma patients have important QoL issues that have been incorporated into a new cross-culturally validated instrument. Future testing of this EORTC module is planned and will be an important step forward in providing reliable QoL data to aid future decision-making in the management and clinical trials of this complex group of patients.
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29
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Fischbeck S, Imruck BH, Blettner M, Weyer V, Binder H, Zeissig SR, Emrich K, Friedrich-Mai P, Beutel ME. Psychosocial Care Needs of Melanoma Survivors: Are They Being Met? PLoS One 2015; 10:e0132754. [PMID: 26296089 PMCID: PMC4546620 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0132754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients who have survived malignant melanoma for more than five years may lack the opportunity to talk about their burden. As a consequence their psychosocial care needs remain undetected and available supportive interventions may not be utilised. Therefore, the psychosocial burden of this patient group needs to be assessed using specific screening instruments. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial burden of long-term melanoma survivors, their psychosocial care needs and the determinants of these needs. We wanted to find out if the use of professional support corresponds to the care needs defined by experts. Using the cancer registry of Rhineland-Palatinate, melanoma patients diagnosed at least 5 years before the survey were contacted by physicians. N = 689 former patients completed the Hornheide Questionnaire (short form HQ-S) to identify psychosocial support need (scale cut off ≥ 16 or item-based cut-off score) and the potential psychosocial determinants of these needs. Additionally, they were asked about their utilisation of the professional support system. More than one third (36%) of them was in need for professional psychosocial support. The highest burden scores concerned worry about tumour progression. Younger age (< 50), higher general fatigue, higher symptom burden, lower general health, negative social interactions and unfulfilled information needs were significant predictors of the need for psychosocial intervention. Related to the percentage of survivors identified as 'in need', the professional support system was underused. Further studies should investigate whether using the HQ-S to routinely identify burdened melanoma patients could lead to better fulfilment of their intervention needs, ultimately enhancing health-related quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Fischbeck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Barbara H. Imruck
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Maria Blettner
- Institute for Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Veronika Weyer
- Institute for Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Harald Binder
- Institute for Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sylke R. Zeissig
- Institute for Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Cancer Registry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Katharina Emrich
- Institute for Medical Biometrics, Epidemiology and Informatics (IMBEI), Cancer Registry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Friedrich-Mai
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Manfred E. Beutel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Kovács P, Pánczél G, Balatoni T, Liszkay G, Gonda X, Bagdy G, Juhasz G. Social support decreases depressogenic effect of low-dose interferon alpha treatment in melanoma patients. J Psychosom Res 2015; 78:579-84. [PMID: 25801845 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2015.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 02/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The most frequent serious psychological side effect of immune therapies is depression. In the present study, we tested whether social support, as a positive environmental effect, is able to moderate depression or anxiety symptoms in melanoma patients during adjuvant low-dose interferon treatment. METHODS Hundred and twenty-seven melanoma patients with negative psychiatric history were included in our longitudinal study and followed up for one year. Depression and anxiety symptoms were measured six times during treatment: at baseline, at 1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th month of the therapy. In addition, social support was investigated with the Social Dimension Scale. RESULTS Depressive symptoms significantly increased during the 12-month follow-up period (p<0.001). However, social support significantly moderated the depressogenic effect of low-dose interferon treatment (p<0.001). Patients with better social support showed attenuated increase of depression. Anxiety showed no significant changes during the low-dose interferon treatment (p=0.230). Social support had no moderating effect on anxiety symptoms (p=0.745) during the follow up. DISCUSSION Our data provide evidence that social support and interferon alpha treatment significantly interact in the development of depression. In addition, our study emphasises that enhancement of social support can reduce depressogenic side effects and increase compliance during adjuvant interferon treatment, and thus, psychological screening and psychooncological counselling should be incorporated in the treatment protocol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Péter Kovács
- National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | | | | | | | - Xenia Gonda
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Clinical and Theoretical Mental Health, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology and Neurochemistry Research Group, Budapest, Hungary; Neuroscience and Psychiatry Unit, University of Manchester, UK; MTA-SE-NAP-B Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Brain Research Program, Budapest, Hungary.
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Memari N, Hayen A, Bell KJL, Rychetnik L, Morton RL, McCaffery K, Thompson JF, Irwig L, Turner RM. How Often Do Patients with Localized Melanoma Attend Follow-Up at a Specialist Center? Ann Surg Oncol 2015; 22 Suppl 3:S1164-71. [PMID: 25963479 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-015-4589-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Post-treatment follow-up for patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I/II melanoma is believed to be important for early detection of disease recurrence and new primary melanomas, but comes with costs to both patients and healthcare providers. We aimed to determine how frequently a cohort of patients attended follow-up after surgical treatment at one Specialist Center. METHODS We used prospectively collected data from the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) for patients with AJCC stage I/II melanoma diagnosed between January 2008 and December 2011. The distribution of the number of recorded follow-up visits per patient was analyzed and compared with the number of follow-up visits recommended in the 2008 Australian and New Zealand Melanoma Management Guidelines. RESULTS A total of 3813 patients with stage I/II melanoma were identified. During the first year of follow-up post-surgery, 34 % of stage I patients and 14 % of stage II patients had the number of follow-up visits recommended in the guidelines. A large proportion of melanoma patients did not appear to be routinely followed up at MIA, with 43.2 % of stage I patients and 28.7 % of stage II patients having either no visit or only one visit post-surgery. During all years of follow-up, 13.2 % of stage I patients and 4.1 % of stage II patients had the number of follow-up visits at the specialist center as recommended in the guidelines. CONCLUSIONS The large proportion of patients who had fewer follow-up visits than expected suggests (i) many patients are followed up in clinics elsewhere, and/or (ii) post-surgical surveillance is less frequent in practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Memari
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Andrew Hayen
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Katy J L Bell
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences and Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Lucie Rychetnik
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Health Economics Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - John F Thompson
- Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Robin M Turner
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, UNSW Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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Rueth NM, Cromwell KD, Cormier JN. Long-term follow-up for melanoma patients: is there any evidence of a benefit? Surg Oncol Clin N Am 2015; 24:359-77. [PMID: 25769718 DOI: 10.1016/j.soc.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
As the incidence of melanoma and the number of melanoma survivors continues to rise, optimal surveillance strategies are needed that balance the risks and benefits of screening in the context of contemporary resource use. Detection of recurrences has important implications for clinical management. Most current surveillance recommendations for melanoma survivors are based on low-level evidence with wide variations in practice patterns and an unknown clinical impact for the melanoma survivor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Rueth
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1484, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA
| | - Kate D Cromwell
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1484, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA
| | - Janice N Cormier
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Unit 1484, 1400 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX 77230-1402, USA.
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33
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The experience of melanoma follow-up care: an online survey of patients in australia. J Skin Cancer 2014; 2014:429149. [PMID: 25535589 PMCID: PMC4254069 DOI: 10.1155/2014/429149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Investigating patients' reports on the quality and consistency of melanoma follow-up care in Australia would assist in evaluating if this care is effective and meeting patients' needs. The objective of this study was to obtain and explore the patients' account of the technical and interpersonal aspects of melanoma follow-up care received. An online survey was conducted to acquire details of patients' experience. Participants were patients treated in Australia for primary melanoma. Qualitative and quantitative data about patient perceptions of the nature and quality of their follow-up care were collected, including provision of melanoma specific information, psychosocial support, and imaging tests received. Inconsistencies were reported in the provision and quality of care received. Patient satisfaction was generally low and provision of reassurance from health professionals was construed as an essential element of quality of care. "Gaps" in follow-up care for melanoma patients were identified, particularly provision of adequate psychosocial support and patient education. Focus on strategies for greater consistency in the provision of support, information, and investigations received, may generate a cost dividend which could be reinvested in preventive and supportive care and benefit patient well-being.
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Leiter U, Eigentler T, Garbe C. Follow-up in patients with low-risk cutaneous melanoma: is it worth it? Melanoma Manag 2014; 1:115-125. [PMID: 30190817 PMCID: PMC6094616 DOI: 10.2217/mmt.14.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follow-up examinations in melanoma aim to detect recurrences or secondary melanomas in an early phase of development. Follow-up guidelines that have been developed in many European countries, the USA and Australia show varying recommendations and are controversial, especially in patients with melanomas of 1.0 mm tumor thickness or less. This group contains 50-70% of all melanoma patients and the majority is unlikely to develop recurrences. On the other hand, within this entity, subgroups at higher risk for recurrences can be defined who require a more intense follow-up. This article discusses recommendations for the frequency, duration and costs of follow-up in low-risk melanoma patients. Patient preferences are addressed and a risk-adapted follow-up scheme is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrike Leiter
- Center of Dermato-Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Liebermeisterstr. 25, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Thomas Eigentler
- Center of Dermato-Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Liebermeisterstr. 25, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claus Garbe
- Center of Dermato-Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tuebingen, Liebermeisterstr. 25, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
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Ferreres J, Marcoval J, Fodge K, de Olza MO, Viñals A, Fabra A. The utility of ancillary tests in monitoring cutaneous melanoma patients to detect visceral metastasis. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2014; 29:2493-5. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.12602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.R. Ferreres
- Department of Dermatology; Bellvitge Hospital; IDIBELL; Barcelona University; Barcelona Spain
| | - J. Marcoval
- Department of Dermatology; Bellvitge Hospital; IDIBELL; Barcelona University; Barcelona Spain
| | - K. Fodge
- Department of Dermatology; Bellvitge Hospital; IDIBELL; Barcelona University; Barcelona Spain
| | - M. Ochoa de Olza
- Department of Medical Oncology; Hospital Duran i Reynals; Institut Català Oncologia; Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Viñals
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory; IDIBELL; Barcelona University; Barcelona Spain
| | - A. Fabra
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory; IDIBELL; Barcelona University; Barcelona Spain
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Rueth NM, Xing Y, Chiang YJ, Cromwell KD, Ross MI, Lee JE, Gershenwald JE, Royal RE, Cormier JN. Is surveillance imaging effective for detecting surgically treatable recurrences in patients with melanoma? A comparative analysis of stage-specific surveillance strategies. Ann Surg 2014; 259:1215-22. [PMID: 24096759 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000000233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To guide resource utilization, we aimed to determine the impact of routine surveillance imaging for the detection of melanoma recurrences amenable to surgical resection with curative intent. BACKGROUND The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for melanoma surveillance are largely consensus based. METHODS Using single-institution, patient-level data (n = 1600), transition probabilities were calculated for a Markov model simulating the natural history of patients with stage I-III melanoma. As a base estimate, imaging was assumed to detect regional and distant recurrences of which 80% and 20% could be surgically treated with curative intent, respectively. Sensitivity analyses were conducted for all point estimates. For each disease stage, we calculated the number of surgically treatable regional or distant recurrence detected during 5 years per 10,000 patients undergoing computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET)/CT scans at 6- or 12-month intervals. The associated positive and negative predictive values and life expectancy were also calculated and compared with clinical examination alone. RESULTS At 5-year follow-up, CT or PET/CT at 6-month intervals detected surgically treatable regional or distant recurrence in 6.4% of patients with stage I, 18.5% of stage II, and 33.1% of stage III disease; 12-month intervals decreased the rates to 3.0%, 7.9%, and 13.0%, respectively. The high false-positive rates of CT (20%) and PET/CT (9%) resulted in overall low positive predictive values. However, both CT and PET/CT effectively predicted absence of disease. Life-expectancy gains were minimal (≤ 2 months) for all groups. CONCLUSIONS The effectiveness of routine surveillance imaging for detecting treatable melanoma recurrences is limited. Even in patients with stage III disease, only minimal gains in life expectancy were achieved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Rueth
- *Department of Surgical Oncology †Institute of Cancer Care Excellence ‡Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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Palesh O, Aldridge-Gerry A, Bugos K, Pickham D, Chen JJ, Greco R, Swetter SM. Health behaviors and needs of melanoma survivors. Support Care Cancer 2014; 22:2973-80. [PMID: 24879390 DOI: 10.1007/s00520-014-2286-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little is known about melanoma survivors' long-term symptoms, sun protection practices, and support needs from health providers. METHODS Melanoma survivors treated at Stanford Cancer Center from 1995 through 2011 were invited to complete a heath needs survey. We compared responses of survivors by sex, education, time since diagnosis (long-term vs. short-term survivors), and extent of treatment received (wide local excision (WLE) alone versus WLE plus additional surgical or medical treatment (WLE+)). RESULTS One hundred sixty melanoma survivors (51 % male; 61 % long-term; 73 % WLE+) provided evaluable data. On average, patients were 62 years of age (SD = 14), highly educated (75 % college degree), and Caucasian (94 %). Overall, participants rated anxiety as the most prevalent symptom (34 %). Seventy percent reported that their health provider did not address their symptoms, and 53 % requested education about melanoma-specific issues. Following treatment, women spent significantly less time seeking a tan compared with men (p = 0.01), had more extremity swelling (p = 0.014), and expressed higher need for additional services (p = 0.03). Long-term survivors decreased their use of tanning beds (p = 0.03) and time spent seeking a tan (p = 0.002) and were less likely to receive skin screening every 3-6 months (p < 0.001) compared with short-term survivors. WLE+ survivors reported greater physical long-term effects than WLE survivors (p ≤ 0.001) following treatment. CONCLUSIONS Melanoma survivors experience continuing symptoms long after treatment, namely anxiety, and they express a need for information about long-term melanoma effects, psychosocial support, and prevention of further skin cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana Palesh
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, 401 Quarry Road, Office 2318, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA,
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38
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Kovács P, Pánczél G, Borbola K, Juhász G, Liszkay G. Psychological Changes in Melanoma Patients During Ipilimumab Treatment Compared to Low-Dose Interferon Alpha Therapy—A Follow-Up Study of First Experiences. Pathol Oncol Res 2014; 20:939-44. [DOI: 10.1007/s12253-014-9777-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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Carter D, Afzali HHA, Street J, Bessen T, Neuhaus S. Melanoma follow up: time to generate the evidence. AUST HEALTH REV 2013; 37:501-3. [DOI: 10.1071/ah13096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Research is needed into current melanoma follow-up practices and their implications for patients and society. We highlight the need and suggest a way forward.
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40
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Rychetnik L, Morton RL, McCaffery K, Thompson JF, Menzies SW, Irwig L. Shared care in the follow-up of early-stage melanoma: a qualitative study of Australian melanoma clinicians' perspectives and models of care. BMC Health Serv Res 2012; 12:468. [PMID: 23253951 PMCID: PMC3537530 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6963-12-468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with early stage melanoma have high survival rates but require long-term follow-up to detect recurrences and/or new primary tumours. Shared care between melanoma specialists and general practitioners is an increasingly important approach to meeting the needs of a growing population of melanoma survivors. METHODS In-depth qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews with 16 clinicians (surgical oncologists, dermatologists and melanoma unit GPs) who conduct post-treatment follow-up at two of Australia's largest specialist referral melanoma treatment and diagnosis units. Interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed to identify approaches to shared care in follow-up, variations in practice, and explanations of these. RESULTS Melanoma unit clinicians utilised shared care in the follow-up of patients with early stage melanoma. Schedules were determined by patients' clinical risk profiles. Final arrangements for delivery of those schedules (by whom and where) were influenced by additional psychosocial, professional and organizational considerations. Four models of shared care were described: (a) surgical oncologist alternating with dermatologist (in-house or local to patient); (b) melanoma unit dermatologist and other local doctor (e.g. family physician); (c) surgical oncologist and local doctor; or (d) melanoma physician and local doctor. CONCLUSIONS These models of shared care offer alternative solutions to managing the requirements for long-term follow-up of a growing number of patients with stage I/II melanoma, and warrant further comparative evaluation of outcomes in clinical trials, with detailed cost/benefit analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Rychetnik
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Edward Ford Building (A27), Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Rachael L Morton
- School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kirsten McCaffery
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - John F Thompson
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Melanoma Institute Australia (formerly Sydney Melanoma Unit), Sydney, Australia
- The Mater Hospital, North Sydney, Australia
- Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
| | - Scott W Menzies
- Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Les Irwig
- Screening and Test Evaluation Program, School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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