Melanoma in children, adolescents and young adults: anatomo-clinical features and prognostic study on 426 cases

Epidemiological, clinical and histological characteristics of melanoma in young adults: a 30-year retrospective study (1993-2022)

BACKGROUND

Melanoma in young adults significantly impacts the survival of individuals in this age group. There are few studies that analyse melanoma characteristics in young patients.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the epidemiological, clinical and histological characteristics of melanoma in young adults and the temporal trends in these characteristics in recent decades.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted, involving 399 patients with melanoma aged 18-44 years, over a 30-year period (1993-2022). Patients were divided into two groups based on their date of diagnosis (period 1, 1993-2007; period 2, 2008-2022).

RESULTS

Age at diagnosis was higher in period 2 than period 1 (34.3 vs. 36.7 years; P < 0.001). Over time, there was a reduction in median thickness (1.0 vs. 0.68 mm; P = 0.01), a rise in melanomas located on the head and neck [n = 15/230 (6.5%) vs. n = 25/169 (14.8%)] and extremities [n = 97/230 (42.2%) vs. n = 76/169 (45.0%)], and a decrease in melanomas on the trunk [n = 118/230 (51.3%) vs. n = 68/169 (40.2%); P = 0.009]. There was also an increase in lentigo maligna [n = 5/230 (2.3%) vs. n = 5/169 (3.0%)] and superficial spreading melanomas [n = 176/230 (76.5%) vs. n = 142/169 (84.0%)], along with a reduction in nodular types [n = 37/230 (16.1%) vs. n = 10/169 (5.9%); P = 0.01]. In comparison with men, women had a higher prevalence of limb melanoma [n = 125/222 (56.3%) vs. n = 48/177 (27.1%); P < 0.001] and family history of melanoma [n = 26/222 (11.7%) vs. n = 9/177 (5.1%); P = 0.02], thinner melanomas (0.69 vs. 1.10 mm; P = 0.001) and a better prognosis [n = 32/222 (14.4%) vs. n = 37/169 (20.9%) deaths; P = 0.01].

CONCLUSIONS

Melanoma diagnoses in young adults are occurring at progressively advanced ages, with a rise in melanomas situated on the head and extremities and in histological types linked to prolonged sun exposure. Strategies such as minimizing sun exposure from a young age and encouraging self-examination could lead to improved survival rates.

Correlation between skin cancer and therapy with anti-IL monoclonal antibodies in patients affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis: an observational monocentric study

Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between skin cancer and anti-interleukin (IL) therapy in patients with moderate-to-severe psoriasis. This was an observational monocentric study in which we enrolled a total of 235 patients in which 127 patients were affected by moderate-to-severe psoriasis and treated with anti-IL monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) for at least 6 months, whereas 108 patients affected by mild psoriasis were treated with topical therapies. Afterward, we performed a dermatologic visit to all the subjects, collecting anamnestic information including risk factors for skin cancer. We examined the skin lesions on their entire body by polarized and nonpolarized dermoscopy. A total of 21 suspicious lesions in the first group and 17 in the second one were removed and histologically analyzed. Twelve (9.4%) cancerous or precancerous lesions were found in the first group: seven (5.5%) basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and five actinic keratosis. The mean time to cancer onset was identified as 22 months after the start of four therapy, with an SD of 18 months, suggesting an earlier onset with respect to the start of therapy in our population. On univariate analysis, age (P = 0.001) and age of psoriasis onset (0.009) were statistically significant. Nine of 17 were skin cancers in the second group. Our study provided real-life evidence of the percentage of patients with skin cancers during therapy with anti-IL mAbs, demonstrating a good safety profile of the investigated drugs.

The Effect of Sun Knowledge and Self-Efficacy on Sun Protection Behavior in Skin Cancer Among Young People

Purpose: The aim of this study is to reveal the impact of skin cancer and sun knowledge on sun protection behavior in young people. In addition, identifying predictors influencing sun protection behaviors in young people is also aimed. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 424 young people in Turkey. Data were collected using Skin Cancer and Sun Knowledge Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale for Sun Protection, and Sun Protection Behavior Scale. The independent samples t-test was used to determine differences between the mean scores of sociodemographic characteristics, Bonferroni-corrected one-way ANOVA was used to determine differences among three or more groups, and the relationship between scale score means was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis. Factors influencing sun protection behavior were identified using multiple linear regression. Results: Of the young people, 43.4% use sunscreen continuously throughout the year, 10.10% go to solarium, and 25.7% perform self-examinations of their skin. In youth, high sun protection self-efficacy (β = 0.486), being female (β = 0.077), regular use of sunscreen throughout the year (β = 0.464), and avoiding tanning beds (β = 0.075) positively influence sun protection behavior scores. Spending more than 6 hours in the sun during the summer months (β= -0.118) negatively affects sun protection behavior. Conclusion: The level of skin cancer sun knowledge, sun protection self-efficacy, and sun protection behaviors of young people are moderate and there is a positive correlation among them. The study's findings indicate the necessity to increase awareness of skin cancer risk factors among young people and initiate effective interventions to promote sun protection behaviors.

Melanoma in Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs): An Italian Multi-Centric Retrospective Experience

Background: Melanoma is currently the most prevalent malignant neoplasm among adults and represents the second most common cancer in both sexes among individuals aged 0 to 39 years. This retrospective multicenter study delves into the distinctive clinical, anamnestic, histopathologic, and prognostic attributes of melanoma in Adolescent and Young Adults (AYA), defined as patients diagnosed at ≤40 years, across four Italian centers. Methods: Through a computer-based review of clinical records from 1 January 2010 to 30 September 2023, AYA melanomas were contrasted with non-AYA melanomas (>40 years) among 1452 patients. Data on demographics, melanoma localization, histological type, Breslow thickness, ulceration, and sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy status were meticulously collected and analyzed. Results: Our analysis revealed a female predominance in the AYA group and a male predominance in the non-AYA group, with significant differences in anatomical localization and histological types between the two. AYA melanomas showed nearly equal trunk and limb involvement, contrasting with the trunk predominance in non-AYA melanomas. While Breslow thickness was similar across both groups, the presence of ulceration and total number of nevi showed no significant difference. Survival analysis indicated a marginally higher Disease-Free Survival (DFS) in AYA patients compared to non-AYA patients, without a significant difference in Overall Survival (OS). Conclusions: This study highlights demographic and clinical distinctions between AYA and non-AYA melanoma patients, underscoring the need for tailored follow-up and treatment strategies. Despite these insights, the heterogeneity of melanoma among young adults calls for further research, including genetic analyses, to fully understand this unique melanoma subgroup. Indeed, AYA melanoma patients could represent a different and specific target for both follow-up and treatments.

Nevi and Melanoma in Children: What to Do in Daily Medical Practice: Encyclopedia for Pediatricians and Family Doctors

Melanocytic nevi, commonly known as moles, are benign skin lesions that often occur in children and adolescents. Overall, they are less common in children compared to adults. Understanding the diagnosis and management of melanocytic nevi and risk factors for melanoma development is crucial for their early detection and appropriate treatment. This paper presents children's most common melanocytic nevi, including their epidemiology, morphology, diagnostic methods, and treatment.

Model-Informed Clinical Pharmacology Profile of a Novel Fixed-Dose Combination of Nivolumab and Relatlimab in Adult and Adolescent Patients with Solid Tumors

PURPOSE

Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly improved with nivolumab 480 mg plus relatlimab 160 mg fixed-dose combination (FDC) every 4 weeks (Q4W) versus nivolumab alone in patients with previously untreated advanced melanoma in RELATIVITY-047. In addition, RELATIVITY-020 (Part D) demonstrated a manageable safety profile and potential for durable response with nivolumab plus relatlimab in previously treated patients. Here, we evaluate the clinical pharmacology profile (CPP) of nivolumab plus relatlimab to support the approved regimen for adult and adolescent patients with advanced melanoma and its continued clinical development in solid tumors.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The pharmacokinetics (PK) and immunogenicity of relatlimab and nivolumab were assessed using data from RELATIVITY-047 and RELATIVITY-020. Patients with advanced solid tumors received relatlimab alone or nivolumab plus relatlimab as single-agent vials (SAV) or FDC. PK was characterized using a population PK (popPK) model.

RESULTS

Relatlimab demonstrated nonlinear and time-varying PK. Nonlinearity in relatlimab PK represented approximately 31% of total CL of relatlimab 160 mg Q4W. Relatlimab PK was dose proportional at doses ≥160 mg Q4W. Geometric mean exposures were similar for SAV and FDC cohorts receiving equivalent dosing regimens. No dose adjustment was required for covariates. Incidence of relatlimab antidrug antibodies was <6% for nivolumab plus relatlimab and had no clinically meaningful impact. There was no PK-related drug interaction of nivolumab plus relatlimab.

CONCLUSIONS

The CPP of relatlimab alone or in combination with nivolumab supports the approved dosing in advanced melanoma and the continued evaluation of nivolumab and relatlimab across other solid tumors. See related commentary by Gopalakrishnan and Amaria, p. 2862.

Melanoma Arising on a Nevus After Tattooing

The pathogenetic relationship between tattooing and the development of malignant melanoma has not been demonstrated yet, but there are numerous instances documented in the literature where both benign and malignant lesions have developed on tattoos. We report the case of a 39-year-old man with a melanoma that arose on a nevus on the back after tattooing. Since the identification of melanocytes lesions can be heavily hindered by large tattoos, implementing a dedicated screening process with regular monitoring of the tattooed region could be necessary to prevent potential diagnostic delays.

Melanoma in children: A systematic review and individual patient meta-analysis

The current evidence on paediatric melanoma is heterogeneous, especially regarding the prognosis of different histological subtypes. We sought to systematically review the evidence on paediatric melanoma, highlighting the major sources of heterogeneity and focusing on available data on single patients. A systematic search was performed from 1948 to 25 January 2021. Only studies reporting at least one case of cutaneous melanoma in patients aged ≤18 years were included. Unknown primary and uncertain malignant melanomas were excluded. Three couples of authors independently performed title/abstract screening and two different authors reviewed all the relevant full texts. The selected articles were manually cross-checked for overlapping data for qualitative synthesis. Subsequently data on single patients were extracted to perform a patient-level meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021233248. The main outcomes were melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and progression-free survival (PFS) outcomes. Separate analyses were done of cases with complete information on histologic subtype, focusing on superficial spreading (SSM), nodular (NM) and spitzoid melanomas, as well as of those classified as de-novo (DNM) and acquired or congenital nevus-associated melanomas (NAM). The qualitative synthesis covered 266 studies; however, data on single patients were available from 213 studies including 1002 patients. Among histologic subtypes, NM had a lower MSS than both SSM and spitzoid melanoma, and a lower PFS than SSM. Spitzoid melanoma had a significantly higher progression risk than SSM and trended toward lower mortality. Focusing on nevus-associated status, DNM demonstrated better MSS after progression than congenital NAM, and no differences were highlighted in PFS. Our findings describe the existence of different biological patterns in paediatric melanoma. Specifically, spitzoid melanomas demonstrated intermediate behaviour between SSM and NM and showed a high risk of nodal progression but low mortality. This raises the question of whether spitzoid lesions are being over-diagnosed as melanoma in childhood.

Epidemiology of Merkel cell carcinoma in Tuscany (Italy), 2006-2021

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that still has a poor prognosis. MCC incidence has increased in recent years worldwide. The aim of our study was to perform an epidemiological retrospective study and to evaluate the impact of MCC clinical and pathological features on overall survival (OS) in a specific geographical area. We retrospectively collected 94 pathology reports from 2006 to 2021 that were present in the pathology archives of the University Hospital of Pisa and of the Hospital of Livorno. Laterality was different according to the site, and almost half of the lesions were T1 and nearly half of the patients had a clinical stage III. We reported a dramatic increase in MCC diagnoses in the last 5 years compared with the previous years, with a crude incidence rate of 1,15/100000 inhabitants, almost doubling the last reported data in Italy. Surgical margins status and ulceration were not related to OS. We have noticed some patients with a rapidly progressing disease and others showing a slow disease progression which should prompt the investigation of specific biomarkers or other features that could elucidate this striking difference in progression-free survival and could potentially identify different subtypes of MCC. Considering the generally low incidence of MCC worldwide, larger cohorts would be necessary to validate our data and to obtain a better prognostic stratification.

Mitotic rate as a predictive factor for positive sentinel lymph nodes in pT1 and pT2 melanomas

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a crucial step in the management of patients affected by melanoma. The decision whether to perform it or not is based on different histological parameters, but the mitotic rate is no longer considered a prognostic variable after the release of the 8th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) guidelines. Our objective was to investigate the risk factors that increase the chance for sentinel lymph node positivity in melanomas with a Breslow thickness of less than 2.00 mm, including the mitotic count. A retrospective single-center study was performed on a homogenous cohort of 408 patients treated for cutaneous melanoma. Histological and clinical features were gathered and correlated with the increased risk for sentinel lymph node positivity by means of univariate and multivariate analyses. A statistically significant correlation between a high mitotic index and a positive sentinel lymph node was found in pT1 and pT2 patients, suggesting that in the case of pT1a melanoma with a high number of mitoses, a discussion about whether a sentinel lymph node biopsy is required should be done.

C118P exerted potent anti-tumor effects against melanoma with induction of G2/M arrest via inhibiting the expression of BUB1B

BACKGROUND

The incidence of melanoma rapidly increased in the past decades, and the clinical treatment of melanoma met huge challenges because of tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. C118P, a novel tubulin polymerization inhibitor, exhibited strong anticancer effects in many tumors. However, there was no data regarding the potential effects of C118P in melanoma cells.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate of the efficacy and potential target of C118P in melanoma cells.

METHODS

Human melanoma cells were treated with C118P, followed by assessments of proliferation, apoptosis and cell cycle distribution. Subsequently, RNA sequencing was performed to further identify the drug targets of C118P in melanoma cells. GO analysis and protein-protein interaction networks analysis were used to screen the potential targets, and verified by a series of assays. Finally, the anti-growth activity of C118P was evaluated in A375-xenografted nude mice, and the expression of BUB1B (BUB1 mitotic checkpoint serine/threonine kinase B), Ki67 and Tunel were determined.

RESULTS

We found that C118P concentration-dependently inhibited proliferation of melanoma cells. Moreover, C118P simultaneously triggered dramatic G2/M arrest and apoptosis via independent mechanisms in melanoma cells in vitro. C118P exerted anti-melanoma effects by inducing potent G2/M arrest, which was mechanistically related to downregulation of the expression of BUB1B. Importantly, C118P inhibited the tumor growth in A375-xenografted nude, and increased the staining of Ki-67 and Tunel and suppressed the expression of BUB1B in melanoma tissues, which was consistent with in vitro study.

CONCLUSION

C118P might provide a novel strategy for the clinical treatment of melanoma by inhibition of BUB1B.

Epidemiology of melanoma: the importance of correctly reporting to the cancer registries

In Italy, few epidemiologic studies have been conducted by tracing melanoma reports directly in the electronic registers of the operating units of pathologic anatomy. The Cancer Registers of the Italian regions receive only partial and incomplete data on the diagnoses of melanoma, for this reason, the incidences are usually underestimated. Our work offers a precise picture of the epidemiologic situation of melanoma in a homogenous sample of patients residing in a geographic area traditionally considered to have a high incidence of melanoma.

Risk factors in pediatric melanoma: a retrospective study of 39 cases

Pediatric melanoma is a rare form of the tumor whose epidemiology is widely increasing thanks to the improvement of dermoscopic and anatomopathologic diagnostic techniques. Although it is a tumor of considerable interest in adults, little has been described about the pediatric field. The objective of our study was then to identify the possible risk factors for the development of melanoma in the pediatric population. We performed a retrospective study conducted in the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit and Unit of Dermatology (Livorno, Italy). We analyzed a population of 38 children under 21 years with a diagnosis of melanoma. This population was compared with a control population of 114 children followed up in our dermatologic clinic. From our combined univariate-multivariate statistics analysis, the number of nevi [regression coefficient (RC) of 1.04 and odds ratio (OR) of 2.8 confidence interval (Cl, 1.2-6.6)], and family history of melanoma [RC of 1.99 and OR of 7.3 (Cl, 2.3-22.7)] emerged as possible risk factors for the development of melanoma. The identification of these elements would allow the physician to carry out a more targeted preliminary assessment of the patient, potentially decisive in cases of diagnostic doubt of the lesion. Our study also lays the foundations for identifying those children who, despite not having received a diagnosis of melanoma on histologic examination, should be considered as patients susceptible to a focused follow-up, because of the presence of the risk factors that emerged from our research.

Melanoma in Adolescents and Young Adults: Evaluation of the Characteristics, Treatment Strategies, and Prognostic Factors in a Monocentric Retrospective Study

The "Veneto Cancer Registry" records melanoma as the most common cancer diagnosed in males and the third common cancer in females under 50 years of age in the Veneto Region (Italy). While melanoma is rare in children, it has greater incidence in adolescents and young adults (AYA), but literature offers only few studies specifically focused on AYA melanoma. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics, surgical treatment, and prognosis of a cohort of AYA melanoma in order to contribute to the investigation of this malignancy and provide better patient care. This retrospective cohort study included 2,752 Caucasian patients (702 AYA and 2,050 non-AYA patients) from the Veneto Region who were over 15 years of age at diagnosis, and who received diagnosis and/or treatment from our institutions between 1998 and 2014. Patients were divided in adolescents and youth (15-25 years), young adults (26-39 years) and adults (more than 39 years) for the analysis. We found statistically significant differences in gender, primary site, Breslow thickness, ulceration, pathologic TNM classification (pTNM) stage and tumor subtype among the age groups. Disease-specific survival and disease-free survival were also different among the age groups. Our findings suggest that the biological behavior of melanoma in young people is different to that in adults, but not such as to represent a distinct pathological entity. Additional and larger prospective studies should be performed to better evaluate potential biological and cancer-specific differences between AYAs and the adult melanoma population.

Circ_0062270 upregulates EPHA2 to facilitate melanoma progression via sponging miR-331-3p

BACKGROUND

Circular RNA (circRNA) has been confirmed to play a vital role in melanoma progression.

OBJECTIVE

The regulatory function of circ_0062270, a novel circRNA, in melanoma progression is unclear.

METHODS

Relative expression levels of circ_0062270 and microRNA (miR)-331-3p were determined using qRT-PCR. Cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU staining and flow cytometry were used to measure cell proliferation, cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. The protein levels of proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis-related markers, as well as EPH receptor A2 (EPHA2), were tested using western blot analysis. Besides, cell migration and invasion were evaluated using transwell assay. Meanwhile, the interaction between miR-331-3p and circ_0062270 or EPHA2 was confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay or RIP assay. Additionally, tumor xenograft models were constructed to investigate the function of circ_0062270 on melanoma tumor growth in vivo.

RESULTS

The expression of circ_0062270 was increased in melanoma tissues and cells. Knockdown of circ_0062270 inhibited proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and repressed metastasis in melanoma. Moreover, circ_0062270 could serve as miR-331-3p sponge, and miR-331-3p could target EPHA2. Furthermore, miR-331-3p inhibitor and EPHA2 overexpression reversed the inhibitory effect of circ_0062270 silencing on melanoma progression. In addition, silenced circ_0062270 also could inhibit melanoma tumor growth in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Circ_0062270 accelerated the progression of melanoma through regulating the miR-331-3p/EPHA2 axis, suggesting that circ_0062270 might be a novel potential therapeutic target for melanoma.

Age and Melanocytic Lesions

Age plays a dynamic role in incidence, presentation, and extent of disease for cutaneous melanoma. Even within the spectrum of juvenile melanoma, there exists a range of spitzoid and nonspitzoid melanocytic and melanoma lesions. Spitzoid melanomas, a more favorable disease in juvenile patients, are malignant lesions and require treatment as such. Lymph node metastases in melanoma occur at lower rates in older patients compared with younger counterparts, yet the rate of metastases is still high. Age appears to play an important role in the development and progression of melanoma, and understanding the differences across age populations is important when counseling patients.

Circ_0079593 facilitates proliferation, metastasis, glucose metabolism and inhibits apoptosis in melanoma by regulating the miR-516b/GRM3 axis

Many studies confirm that circular RNA (circRNA) plays an important regulatory role in the malignant progression of cancer, including melanoma. However, the role of a novel circRNA, circ_0079593, in melanoma is unclear. The expression levels of circ_0079593 and miR-516b were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Cell proliferation was measured by cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, and cell migration and invasion were evaluated using transwell assay. Meanwhile, western blot (WB) analysis was employed to determine the levels of proliferation and metastasis-related proteins, as well as metabotropic glutamate receptor 3 (GRM3) protein. Furthermore, cell apoptosis was tested by detecting the cell apoptosis rate and Caspase-3 activity. The glucose consumption and lactate production of cells were measured to evaluate cell glucose metabolism. Moreover, dual-luciferase reporter assay and biotin-labeled RNA pull-down assay were used to confirm the interaction between miR-516b and circ_0079593 or GRM3. In addition, mice xenograft models were constructed to explore the effect of circ_0079593 on melanoma tumor growth in vivo. Our results discovered that circ_0079593 was highly expressed in melanoma, and its silencing suppressed melanoma cell proliferation, migration, invasion, glucose metabolism and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, we found that circ_0079593 could serve as a sponge of miR-516b, and miR-516b could target GRM3 in melanoma. The rescue experiments revealed that both miR-516b inhibitor and GRM3 overexpression could reverse the inhibition effect of circ_0079593 knockdown on melanoma progression. Additionally, in vivo experiments also revealed that circ_0079593 interference suppressed melanoma tumor growth. Our study concluded that circ_0079593 accelerated melanoma progression via upregulating GRM3 by sponging miR-516b, which suggested that circ_0079593 had the potential to be a new therapeutic biomarker for melanoma.