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Pelczar P, Kosteczko P, Wieczorek E, Kwieciński M, Kozłowska A, Gil-Kulik P. Melanoma in Pregnancy-Diagnosis, Treatment, and Consequences for Fetal Development and the Maintenance of Pregnancy. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2173. [PMID: 38927879 PMCID: PMC11202133 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is one of the most common neoplasms among pregnancy-associated cancers (PACs). Risk factors include excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation, the presence of benign and dysplastic nevi, and a patient or family history of melanoma. Self-examination and careful inspection of nevi are crucial, especially in the context of their progression over time. Physiological changes that occur during pregnancy, such as the darkening and enlargement of the nevi, delay the diagnosis of CMM. In the fetus, metastases are very rare, and if they do occur, they concern the placenta or fetal tissues. The choice of treatment is influenced by the cancer stage, symptoms, the time of termination of pregnancy, and the patient's decision. Essential procedures which are safe for the fetus are diagnostic biopsy, ultrasound, and the therapeutic excision of the lesion and the affected lymph nodes. Other imaging methods can be used with a safe radiation dose limit of 100 mGy. Immunotherapy and targeted treatments must be carefully considered, because of their possible adverse effects on the fetus. An interdisciplinary approach to the problem of melanoma during pregnancy is necessary, involving doctors of various specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Pelczar
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Pola Kosteczko
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Ewelina Wieczorek
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Maciej Kwieciński
- Student Scientific Society of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland; (P.P.); (P.K.); (E.W.); (M.K.)
| | - Aleksandra Kozłowska
- Department of Radiotherapy, Medical University of Lublin, 13 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical University of Lublin, 11 Radziwillowska Str., 20-080 Lublin, Poland
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Romano A, Mastrangelo S, Attina G, Maurizi P, Ruggiero A. Pregnancy-associated Cancer and Chemotherapy during Pregnancy. BIOMEDICAL AND PHARMACOLOGY JOURNAL 2023; 16:705-714. [DOI: 10.13005/bpj/2652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The diagnosis of pregnancy-associated cancer, although rare, is a condition of great human and social significance and difficult clinical management. A pregnancy-associated neoplasm is defined as a cancer diagnosis made during pregnancy or within 12 months after delivery/abortion. The most common cancers in pregnancy occur most frequently in women of reproductive age with an incidence overall like that observed in non-pregnant women of the same age. This incidence is likely to increase in view of both the expected increase in certain malignancies among young women (particularly breast cancer and melanoma) and the increasing frequency of pregnancies undertaken later in life (fourth and fifth decades of life) that is characterizing modern society. Chemotherapy is generally contraindicated before 12 weeks of pregnancy due to the increased risk of congenital anomalies while exposure in the second and third trimester of pregnancy to chemotherapy has been associated with more growth restriction and preterm delivery. Clinical decisions about the optimal management should consider maternal and fetal characteristics with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Romano
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Mastrangelo
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Attina
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Palma Maurizi
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ruggiero
- Pediatric Oncology Unit, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A.Gemelli IRCCS, Universita’ Cattolica Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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Bakko F, Burton H, Daunton A, Bodansky DMS. Athena: Speciality Certificate Examination case for skin oncology. Clin Exp Dermatol 2023; 48:415-416. [PMID: 36759330 DOI: 10.1093/ced/llac133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
A 33-year-old White pregnant woman (gestational age 20 weeks) presents following an excision biopsy of a hyperpigmented, irregular lesion of the forearm increasing in size over the past 5 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freya Bakko
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Harry Burton
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Chelsea and Westminster NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Carter TJ, George C, Harwood C, Nathan P. Melanoma in pregnancy: Diagnosis and management in early-stage and advanced disease. Eur J Cancer 2022; 166:240-253. [PMID: 35325701 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2022.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Approximately one-third of women diagnosed with melanoma are of child-bearing age. The annual incidence of melanoma has risen steadily over the last 40 years, resulting in increasing numbers of women diagnosed with melanoma both during pregnancy, and post-partum. To date, there are no formal guidelines on the management of pregnancy associated melanoma (PAM), both early stage and metastatic. This article reviews the existing literature and provides a framework for the investigation and multidisciplinary management of PAM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Carter
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, UK
| | - Christina George
- Department of Dermatology, Charing Cross Hospital, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Catherine Harwood
- Department of Dermatology, Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust, Whitechapel, London, UK
| | - Paul Nathan
- Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, Middlesex, UK.
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Abstract
Cancer occurs in approximately 1/1000 to 1/2000 pregnancies and presents complex medical and ethical dilemmas for patients and providers. The most common cancers diagnosed in the gestational period include breast, cervical, melanoma, and lymphomas. The majority of existing evidence regarding the treatment of cancer during pregnancy is derived from experiences with breast cancer. Other cancers often pose unique challenges given the location of the tumors and their traditional mode of treatment with pelvic surgery and radiation. Additionally, many emerging therapies for cancer target mechanisms that are necessary for fetal development, such as angiogenesis, and are contraindicated in pregnant women. Although limitations on the treatment of cancer during pregnancy currently exist, increasing evidence shows that many surgical and systemic therapies can be effective for a mother’s oncologic outcomes without significant detriment to the developing fetus. Traditional perspectives of cancer during gestation may sway providers to encourage pregnancy termination, delays in therapy, or early delivery. However, recent studies and reviews discourage such practices. Although every cancer diagnosis in pregnancy requires an individualized approach and should use the multidisciplinary perspectives of maternal–fetal medicine specialists as well as medical and surgical oncologists, providers should feel empowered to safely employ systemic, surgical, and even reserved cases of radiation therapies for their pregnant patients with cancer. The aim of this review is to highlight some of the recent advances in cancer therapies for common cancer subtypes and encourage providers to use this growing body of evidence to employ treatments with curative intent while continuing to evaluate the long-term effects of these therapies on mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan M Folsom
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, 250 East Superior Street, Suite 03-2303, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Teresa K Woodruff
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University, 250 East Superior Street, Suite 03-2303, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
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Eastwood-Wilshere N, Turner J, Oliveira N, Morton A. Cancer in Pregnancy. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2019; 15:296-308. [PMID: 31436920 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer in pregnancy may be increasing in incidence with advancing maternal age and higher rates of obesity. The diagnosis of cancer in pregnancy provokes complex management issues balancing short- and long-term risks for both mother and baby. Every case needs to be individualized, with a multidisciplinary team of midwives, obstetricians, oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, and neonatologists assisting the family to make informed decisions regarding the best treatment course for the mother and baby. The present article reviews the evidence regarding the safety of diagnostic imaging, procedures and treatment modalities for cancer for the pregnant woman and fetus. The efficacy of novel anticancer therapies highlight the need for International Registries to accumulate safety data for these agents in pregnancy as expeditiously as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi Eastwood-Wilshere
- Department of Obstetric Medicine, Mater Health Brisbane, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessica Turner
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mater Health Brisbane, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Niara Oliveira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mater Health Brisbane, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Adam Morton
- Department of Obstetric Medicine, Mater Health Brisbane, South Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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