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Zamani-Siahkali N, Mirshahvalad SA, Pirich C, Beheshti M. Diagnostic Performance of [ 18F]F-FDG Positron Emission Tomography (PET) in Non-Ophthalmic Malignant Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of More Than 10,000 Melanoma Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:215. [PMID: 38201642 PMCID: PMC10778455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010215] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
We described the diagnostic performance of [18F]F-FDG-PET in malignant melanoma by conducting a comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the existing literature. The study was designed following PRISMA-DTA. Original articles with adequate crude data for meta-analytic calculations that evaluated [18F]F-FDG-PET and compared it with a valid reference standard were considered eligible. The pooled measurements were calculated based on the data level (patient/lesion-based). Regarding sub-groups, diagnostic performances were calculated for local, regional and distant involvement. The bivariate model was employed to calculate sensitivity and specificity. The initial search resulted in 6678 studies. Finally, 100 entered the meta-analysis, containing 82 patient-based (10,403 patients) and 32 lesion-based (6188 lesions) datasets. At patient level, overall, [18F]F-FDG-PET had pooled sensitivity and specificity of 81% (95%CI: 73-87%) and 92% (95%CI: 90-94%), respectively. To detect regional lymph node metastasis, the pooled sensitivity and specificity were 56% (95%CI: 40-72%) and 97% (95%CI: 94-99%), respectively. To detect distant metastasis, they were 88% (95%CI: 81-93%) and 94% (95%CI: 91-96%), respectively. At lesion level, [18F]F-FDG-PET had a pooled sensitivity and specificity of 70% (95%CI: 57-80%) and 94% (95%CI: 88-97%), respectively. Thus, [18F]F-FDG-PET is a valuable diagnostic modality for melanoma assessment. It was accurate in various clinical scenarios. However, despite its high specificity, it showed low sensitivity in detecting regional lymph node metastasis and could not replace lymph node biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazanin Zamani-Siahkali
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (N.Z.-S.); (C.P.); (M.B.)
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1461884513, Iran
| | - Seyed Ali Mirshahvalad
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (N.Z.-S.); (C.P.); (M.B.)
- Joint Department of Medical Imaging, University Medical Imaging Toronto, University Health Network, Sinai Health System, Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2N2, Canada
| | - Christian Pirich
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (N.Z.-S.); (C.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Mohsen Beheshti
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Theranostics, Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (N.Z.-S.); (C.P.); (M.B.)
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Hafström A, Nateghi-Gillberg B, Nilsson MA, Greiff L. Patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma, particularly elderly with more advanced primary tumors, seem to benefit from initial CT staging before considering a sentinel lymph node biopsy. Acta Otolaryngol 2020; 140:795-802. [PMID: 32522134 DOI: 10.1080/00016489.2020.1772503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Background: The role of CT scanning at the time of diagnosis for patients with primary cutaneous head and neck melanoma (cHNM) clinically asymptomatic for metastatic disease remains unclear.Aim: To determine the positive yield of initial CT scanning before considering sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) staging.Materials and methods: A retrospective review was performed on 170 consecutive patients with cHNM referred to a tertiary head and neck academic center for SLNBs from 2014 through 2018.Results: Initial CTs identified occult melanoma metastases in 7.1% and other advanced malignancies in 4.7%. The overall CT yield for patients >65 years (n = 115) was 13.9%, and 5.5% for patients <65 (only occult melanoma metastases). The SLNB yield did not differ between older (11.5%) and younger patients (10.2%). Patients with more advanced primary tumors were upstaged more often by both staging procedures. Multivariate analysis indicated a true-positive CT finding as the strongest prognostic factor for OS (p<.001).Conclusions and significance: The CT yield was >11% and higher for older than for younger patients. The findings suggest that CT imaging may be considered before SLNB staging, potentially identifying metastatic melanoma disease as well as other occult malignancies, enabling especially older patients to bypass the SLNB procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Hafström
- Department of ORL, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Margareta A Nilsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Radiology, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lennart Greiff
- Department of ORL, Head and Neck Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Dinnes J, Ferrante di Ruffano L, Takwoingi Y, Cheung ST, Nathan P, Matin RN, Chuchu N, Chan SA, Durack A, Bayliss SE, Gulati A, Patel L, Davenport C, Godfrey K, Subesinghe M, Traill Z, Deeks JJ, Williams HC. Ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for staging and re-staging of adults with cutaneous melanoma. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019; 7:CD012806. [PMID: 31260100 PMCID: PMC6601698 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012806.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with the potential to metastasise to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system and the bloodstream. Melanoma accounts for a small percentage of skin cancer cases but is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Various imaging tests can be used with the aim of detecting metastatic spread of disease following a primary diagnosis of melanoma (primary staging) or on clinical suspicion of disease recurrence (re-staging). Accurate staging is crucial to ensuring that patients are directed to the most appropriate and effective treatment at different points on the clinical pathway. Establishing the comparative accuracy of ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET)-CT imaging for detection of nodal or distant metastases, or both, is critical to understanding if, how, and where on the pathway these tests might be used. OBJECTIVES Primary objectivesWe estimated accuracy separately according to the point in the clinical pathway at which imaging tests were used. Our objectives were:• to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound or PET-CT for detection of nodal metastases before sentinel lymph node biopsy in adults with confirmed cutaneous invasive melanoma; and• to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for whole body imaging in adults with cutaneous invasive melanoma:○ for detection of any metastasis in adults with a primary diagnosis of melanoma (i.e. primary staging at presentation); and○ for detection of any metastasis in adults undergoing staging of recurrence of melanoma (i.e. re-staging prompted by findings on routine follow-up).We undertook separate analyses according to whether accuracy data were reported per patient or per lesion.Secondary objectivesWe sought to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for whole body imaging (detection of any metastasis) in mixed or not clearly described populations of adults with cutaneous invasive melanoma.For study participants undergoing primary staging or re-staging (for possible recurrence), and for mixed or unclear populations, our objectives were:• to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for detection of nodal metastases;• to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for detection of distant metastases; and• to determine the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound, CT, MRI, or PET-CT for detection of distant metastases according to metastatic site. SEARCH METHODS We undertook a comprehensive search of the following databases from inception up to August 2016: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials; MEDLINE; Embase; CINAHL; CPCI; Zetoc; Science Citation Index; US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register; NIHR Clinical Research Network Portfolio Database; and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. We studied reference lists as well as published systematic review articles. SELECTION CRITERIA We included studies of any design that evaluated ultrasound (with or without the use of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC)), CT, MRI, or PET-CT for staging of cutaneous melanoma in adults, compared with a reference standard of histological confirmation or imaging with clinical follow-up of at least three months' duration. We excluded studies reporting multiple applications of the same test in more than 10% of study participants. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently extracted all data using a standardised data extraction and quality assessment form (based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 (QUADAS-2)). We estimated accuracy using the bivariate hierarchical method to produce summary sensitivities and specificities with 95% confidence and prediction regions. We undertook analysis of studies allowing direct and indirect comparison between tests. We examined heterogeneity between studies by visually inspecting the forest plots of sensitivity and specificity and summary receiver operating characteristic (ROC) plots. Numbers of identified studies were insufficient to allow formal investigation of potential sources of heterogeneity. MAIN RESULTS We included a total of 39 publications reporting on 5204 study participants; 34 studies reporting data per patient included 4980 study participants with 1265 cases of metastatic disease, and seven studies reporting data per lesion included 417 study participants with 1846 potentially metastatic lesions, 1061 of which were confirmed metastases. The risk of bias was low or unclear for all domains apart from participant flow. Concerns regarding applicability of the evidence were high or unclear for almost all domains. Participant selection from mixed or not clearly defined populations and poorly described application and interpretation of index tests were particularly problematic.The accuracy of imaging for detection of regional nodal metastases before sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was evaluated in 18 studies. In 11 studies (2614 participants; 542 cases), the summary sensitivity of ultrasound alone was 35.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 17.0% to 59.4%) and specificity was 93.9% (95% CI 86.1% to 97.5%). Combining pre-SLNB ultrasound with FNAC revealed summary sensitivity of 18.0% (95% CI 3.58% to 56.5%) and specificity of 99.8% (95% CI 99.1% to 99.9%) (1164 participants; 259 cases). Four studies demonstrated lower sensitivity (10.2%, 95% CI 4.31% to 22.3%) and specificity (96.5%,95% CI 87.1% to 99.1%) for PET-CT before SLNB (170 participants, 49 cases). When these data are translated to a hypothetical cohort of 1000 people eligible for SLNB, 237 of whom have nodal metastases (median prevalence), the combination of ultrasound with FNAC potentially allows 43 people with nodal metastases to be triaged directly to adjuvant therapy rather than having SLNB first, at a cost of two people with false positive results (who are incorrectly managed). Those with a false negative ultrasound will be identified on subsequent SLNB.Limited test accuracy data were available for whole body imaging via PET-CT for primary staging or re-staging for disease recurrence, and none evaluated MRI. Twenty-four studies evaluated whole body imaging. Six of these studies explored primary staging following a confirmed diagnosis of melanoma (492 participants), three evaluated re-staging of disease following some clinical indication of recurrence (589 participants), and 15 included mixed or not clearly described population groups comprising participants at a number of different points on the clinical pathway and at varying stages of disease (1265 participants). Results for whole body imaging could not be translated to a hypothetical cohort of people due to paucity of data.Most of the studies (6/9) of primary disease or re-staging of disease considered PET-CT, two in comparison to CT alone, and three studies examined the use of ultrasound. No eligible evaluations of MRI in these groups were identified. All studies used histological reference standards combined with follow-up, and two included FNAC for some participants. Observed accuracy for detection of any metastases for PET-CT was higher for re-staging of disease (summary sensitivity from two studies: 92.6%, 95% CI 85.3% to 96.4%; specificity: 89.7%, 95% CI 78.8% to 95.3%; 153 participants; 95 cases) compared to primary staging (sensitivities from individual studies ranged from 30% to 47% and specificities from 73% to 88%), and was more sensitive than CT alone in both population groups, but participant numbers were very small.No conclusions can be drawn regarding routine imaging of the brain via MRI or CT. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Review authors found a disappointing lack of evidence on the accuracy of imaging in people with a diagnosis of melanoma at different points on the clinical pathway. Studies were small and often reported data according to the number of lesions rather than the number of study participants. Imaging with ultrasound combined with FNAC before SLNB may identify around one-fifth of those with nodal disease, but confidence intervals are wide and further work is needed to establish cost-effectiveness. Much of the evidence for whole body imaging for primary staging or re-staging of disease is focused on PET-CT, and comparative data with CT or MRI are lacking. Future studies should go beyond diagnostic accuracy and consider the effects of different imaging tests on disease management. The increasing availability of adjuvant therapies for people with melanoma at high risk of disease spread at presentation will have a considerable impact on imaging services, yet evidence for the relative diagnostic accuracy of available tests is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Dinnes
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | | | - Yemisi Takwoingi
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Seau Tak Cheung
- Dudley Hospitals Foundation Trust, Corbett HospitalDepartment of DermatologyWicarage RoadStourbridgeUKDY8 4JB
| | - Paul Nathan
- Mount Vernon HospitalMount Vernon Cancer CentreRickmansworth RoadNorthwoodUKHA6 2RN
| | - Rubeta N Matin
- Churchill HospitalDepartment of DermatologyOld RoadHeadingtonOxfordUKOX3 7LE
| | - Naomi Chuchu
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Sue Ann Chan
- City HospitalBirmingham Skin CentreDudley RdBirminghamUKB18 7QH
| | - Alana Durack
- Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustDermatologyHills RoadCambridgeUKCB2 0QQ
| | - Susan E Bayliss
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Abha Gulati
- Barts Health NHS TrustDepartment of DermatologyWhitechapelLondonUKE11BB
| | - Lopa Patel
- Royal Stoke HospitalPlastic SurgeryStoke‐on‐TrentStaffordshireUKST4 6QG
| | - Clare Davenport
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Kathie Godfrey
- The University of Nottinghamc/o Cochrane Skin GroupNottinghamUK
| | - Manil Subesinghe
- King's College LondonCancer Imaging, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging SciencesLondonUK
| | - Zoe Traill
- Oxford University Hospitals NHS TrustChurchill Hospital Radiology DepartmentOxfordUK
| | - Jonathan J Deeks
- University of BirminghamInstitute of Applied Health ResearchBirminghamUKB15 2TT
| | - Hywel C Williams
- University of NottinghamCentre of Evidence Based DermatologyQueen's Medical CentreDerby RoadNottinghamUKNG7 2UH
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Eigentler TK, Mühlenbein C, Follmann M, Schadendorf D, Garbe C. S3-Leitlinie Diagnostik, Therapie und Nachsorge des Melanoms - Update 2015/2016, Kurzversion 2.0. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2017; 15:e1-e41. [DOI: 10.1111/ddg.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Serrano-Falcón C, Rebollo Aguirre A. Diagnostic Imaging in Dermatology: Utility of PET-CT in Cutaneous Melanoma. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022] Open
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Sánchez-Sánchez R, Serrano-Falcón C, Rebollo Aguirre AC. Diagnostic imaging in dermatology: utility of PET-CT in cutaneous melanoma. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2015; 106:29-34. [PMID: 24661948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ad.2013.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma accounts for 5% of all malignant skin tumors and its incidence is increasing. In the natural course of melanoma, tumors grow locally and can spread via the lymph system or the blood. Because survival is directly related to the stage of the disease at diagnosis, early detection (secondary prevention) has an impact on prognosis. Positron emission tomography (PET) is a nuclear medicine technique that generates images using molecules labeled with positron-emitting isotopes. The most widely used molecule is fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG). Because of the elevated glycolytic rate in tumor cells, which results in increased FDG uptake, greater quantities of FDG become trapped in tumor cells, enabling external detection. Today, most PET scanners are multimodal PET-computed tomography (CT) scanners, which provide more detailed information by combining morphological information with functional PET findings. The possible utility of PET-CT in patients with malignant melanoma is a subject of debate. Various questions have been raised: when the scan should be performed, whether PET-CT has advantages over conventional diagnostic methods, and whether PET-CT provides a real benefit to patients. In this review of the literature, we will analyze each of these questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Sánchez-Sánchez
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España
| | | | - A C Rebollo Aguirre
- Servicio de Medicina Nuclear, Hospital Universitario Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España
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McIvor J, Siew T, Campbell A, McCarthy M. FDG PET in early stage cutaneous malignant melanoma. J Med Imaging Radiat Oncol 2014; 58:149-54; quiz 266. [DOI: 10.1111/1754-9485.12173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jody McIvor
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Teck Siew
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
- Nuclear Medicine and PET service; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
- Fremantle Medical School; University of Notre Dame; Perth Western Australia Australia
- University of Western Australia; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Andrew Campbell
- Department of Medical Engineering & Physics; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
| | - Michael McCarthy
- Department of Nuclear Medicine; Royal Perth Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
- Nuclear Medicine and PET service; Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital; Perth Western Australia Australia
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Pflugfelder A, Kochs C, Blum A, Capellaro M, Czeschik C, Dettenborn T, Dill D, Dippel E, Eigentler T, Feyer P, Follmann M, Frerich B, Ganten MK, Gärtner J, Gutzmer R, Hassel J, Hauschild A, Hohenberger P, Hübner J, Kaatz M, Kleeberg UR, Kölbl O, Kortmann RD, Krause-Bergmann A, Kurschat P, Leiter U, Link H, Loquai C, Löser C, Mackensen A, Meier F, Mohr P, Möhrle M, Nashan D, Reske S, Rose C, Sander C, Satzger I, Schiller M, Schlemmer HP, Strittmatter G, Sunderkötter C, Swoboda L, Trefzer U, Voltz R, Vordermark D, Weichenthal M, Werner A, Wesselmann S, Weyergraf AJ, Wick W, Garbe C, Schadendorf D. S3-guideline "diagnosis, therapy and follow-up of melanoma" -- short version. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges 2014; 11:563-602. [PMID: 23721604 DOI: 10.1111/ddg.12044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Bikhchandani J, Wood J, Richards AT, Smith RB. No benefit in staging fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography in clinically node-negative head and neck cutaneous melanoma. Head Neck 2013; 36:1313-6. [PMID: 23956077 DOI: 10.1002/hed.23456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2012] [Revised: 05/15/2013] [Accepted: 08/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) has a high sensitivity for detecting metastasis from melanoma, but its application in early-stage melanomas is questionable. The purpose of this study was to determine if positron emission tomography (PET) is beneficial in staging of clinically node negative (cN0) head and neck melanoma. METHODS After institutional review board approval, patients with head and neck melanoma treated at 2 cancer centers (between 2000 and 2010) were identified using International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 codes. A retrospective medical chart review of cN0 patients was performed for the treatment course and outcomes. RESULTS A total of 165 patients were treated; of these, 106 were node negative. FDG-PET was included in initial staging of 47 cN0 patients. None had true distant metastasis detected on PET. The imaging also failed to detect nodal metastasis in 2 patients who had disease on lymphatic sampling. CONCLUSION FDG-PET did not alter the initial staging or treatment in patients with cN0 head and neck melanoma. Therefore, its routine use for staging is not warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Bikhchandani
- Department of Surgery, Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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Schröer-Günther MA, Wolff RF, Westwood ME, Scheibler FJ, Schürmann C, Baumert BG, Sauerland S, Kleijnen J. F-18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography imaging in primary staging of patients with malignant melanoma: a systematic review. Syst Rev 2012; 1:62. [PMID: 23237499 PMCID: PMC3536719 DOI: 10.1186/2046-4053-1-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2012] [Accepted: 11/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review was to systematically assess the potential patient-relevant benefit (primary aim) and diagnostic and prognostic accuracy (secondary aim) of positron emission tomography (PET) and PET/computed tomography (CT) in primary staging of malignant melanoma. This systematic review updates the previous evidence for PET(/CT) in malignant melanoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS For the first aim, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating patient-relevant outcomes and comparing PET and PET(/CT) with each other or with conventional imaging were considered. For the secondary aim, a review of reviews was conducted, which was amended by an update search for primary studies. MEDLINE, EMBASE and four databases of the Cochrane Library were searched. The risk of bias was assessed using a modified QUADAS tool. RESULTS No RCTs investigating the patient-relevant benefit of PET(/CT) and no prognostic accuracy studies were found. Seventeen diagnostic accuracy studies of varying quality were identified. For patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stages I and II, sensitivity mostly ranged from 0 to 67%. Specificity ranged from 77 to 100%. For AJCC stages III and IV, sensitivity ranged from 68 to 87% and specificity from 92 to 98%. CONCLUSION There is currently no evidence of a patient-relevant benefit of PET(/CT) in the primary staging of malignant melanoma. RCTs investigating patient-relevant outcomes are therefore required. The diagnostic accuracy of PET(/CT) appears to increase with higher AJCC stages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milly A Schröer-Günther
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Im Mediapark 8, Cologne, 50670, Germany
| | - Robert F Wolff
- Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, Unit 6, Escrick Business Park Riccall Road, Escrick, York, YO19 6FD, UK
| | - Marie E Westwood
- Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, Unit 6, Escrick Business Park Riccall Road, Escrick, York, YO19 6FD, UK
| | - Fülöp J Scheibler
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Im Mediapark 8, Cologne, 50670, Germany
| | - Christoph Schürmann
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Im Mediapark 8, Cologne, 50670, Germany
| | - Brigitta G Baumert
- Department of Radiation–Oncology (MAASTRO), GROW (School for Oncology & Developmental Biology), Maastricht University Medical Center, P.O. Box 616, Maastricht, MD, 6200, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan Sauerland
- Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, Im Mediapark 8, Cologne, 50670, Germany
| | - Jos Kleijnen
- Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, Unit 6, Escrick Business Park Riccall Road, Escrick, York, YO19 6FD, UK
- School for Public Health and Primary Care (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, ER, 6229, the Netherlands
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Comparison between F-Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography and Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Regional Lymph Nodal Staging in Patients with Melanoma: A Review of the Literature. Radiol Res Pract 2011; 2011:912504. [PMID: 22242204 PMCID: PMC3253490 DOI: 10.1155/2011/912504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2011] [Accepted: 11/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. to compare 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for regional lymph nodal staging in patients with melanoma. Methods. We performed a literature review discussing original articles which compared FDG-PET to SLNB for regional lymph nodal staging in patients with melanoma. Results and Conclusions. There is consensus in the literature that FDG-PET cannot replace SLNB for regional lymph nodal staging in patients with melanoma.
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Wagner T, Chevreau C, Meyer N, Mourey L, Courbon F, Zerdoud S. Routine FDG PET-CT in patients with a high-risk localized melanoma has a high predictive positive value for nodal disease and high negative predictive value for the presence of distant metastases. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2011; 26:1431-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2011.04312.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Vermeeren L, van der Ent FW, Hulsewé KW. Is There an Indication for Routine Chest X-Ray in Initial Staging of Melanoma? J Surg Res 2011; 166:114-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2009.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2009] [Revised: 04/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/01/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Zerizer I, Cheng Hin BN, Mok WY, Khan S, Rubello D, AL-Nahhas A. The Role of PET/CT in Advanced Malignant Melanoma. PET Clin 2011; 6:27-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cpet.2010.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Xing Y, Bronstein Y, Ross MI, Askew RL, Lee JE, Gershenwald JE, Royal R, Cormier JN. Contemporary diagnostic imaging modalities for the staging and surveillance of melanoma patients: a meta-analysis. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 103:129-42. [PMID: 21081714 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Meta-analyses were performed to examine the utility of ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET), and a combination of both (PET-CT) for the staging and surveillance of melanoma patients. METHOD Patient-level data from 74 studies containing 10,528 patients (between January 1, 1990, and June, 30, 2009) were used to derive characteristics of the diagnostic tests used. Meta-analyses were conducted by use of Bayesian bivariate binomial models to estimate sensitivity and specificity. Diagnostic odds ratios [ie, true-positive results/false-negative results)/(false-positive results/true-negative results)] and their 95% credible intervals (CrIs) and positive predictive values were used as indicators of test performance. RESULTS Among the four imaging methods examined for the staging of regional lymph nodes, ultrasonography had the highest sensitivity (60%, 95% CrI = 33% to 83%), specificity (97%, 95% CrI = 88% to 99%), and diagnostic odds ratio (42, 95% CrI = 8.08 to 249.8). For staging of distant metastases, PET-CT had the highest sensitivity (80%, 95% CrI = 53% to 93%), specificity (87%, 95% CrI = 54% to 97%), and diagnostic odds ratio (25, 95% CrI = 3.58 to 198.7). Similar trends were observed for melanoma surveillance of lymph node involvement, with ultrasonography having the highest sensitivity (96%, 95% CrI = 85% to 99%), specificity (99%, 95% CrI = 95% to 100%), and diagnostic odds ratio (1675, 95% CrI = 226.6 to 15,920). For distant metastases, PET-CT had the highest sensitivity (86%, 95% CrI = 76% to 93%), specificity (91%, 95% CrI = 79% to 97%), and diagnostic odds ratio (67, 95% CrI = 20.42 to 229.7). Positive predictive values were likewise highest for ultrasonography in lymph node staging and for PET-CT in detecting distant metastases. CONCLUSION Among the compared modalities, ultrasonography was superior for detecting lymph node metastases, and PET-CT was superior for the detection of distant metastases in both the staging and surveillance of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xing
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA
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Jiménez-Requena F, Delgado-Bolton RC, Fernández-Pérez C, Gambhir SS, Schwimmer J, Pérez-Vázquez JM, Carreras-Delgado JL. Meta-analysis of the performance of (18)F-FDG PET in cutaneous melanoma. Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2009; 37:284-300. [PMID: 19727717 DOI: 10.1007/s00259-009-1224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2009] [Accepted: 07/06/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of the literature to evaluate the accuracy of FDG-PET in staging and restaging of cutaneous melanoma. METHODS Systematic methods were used to identify, select, and evaluate the methodologic quality of the studies as well as to summarize the overall findings of sensitivity and specificity. The search strategy consisted of identifying studies published between 2000 and 2006. Inclusion criteria were studies that evaluated the diagnostic performance of FDG-PET in staging/restaging of cutaneous melanoma. The results were compared and pooled with a meta-analysis published previously that included studies published until 1999. The meta-analysis included 95% confidence intervals (CI) of sensitivity, specificity, likelihood-ratio (LR), and diagnostic-odds-ratio (DOR). RESULTS The quantitative meta-analysis included 24 studies that were analysed in two groups: eight studies were included only in the regional staging analysis (group I), 13 studies were included only in the detection of distant metastases analysis (group II), and three studies were included in both analyses. Compliance with the methodologic-quality criteria was acceptable. We analysed the results of data presented in patients, lesions, basins, lymph-nodes, areas, and scans. Regarding the performance of FDG-PET in the detection of metastases, the pooled studies presented homogeneity for the negative-LR (0.15; 95% CI, 0.10-0.22) when analyzing lesions. When analyzing scans, there was global homogeneity for specificity (0.86; 95% CI, 0.77-0.92), positive-LR (5.86; 95% CI, 3.64-9.43), and DOR (37.89; 95% CI, 15.80-90.86). The pooled studies presented heterogeneity for the other items analysed. Regarding the detection of regional metastases, when analyzing lymph-nodes there was global homogeneity for specificity (0.99; 95% CI, 0.97-0.99; P = 0.101). The meta-regression evidenced that the variable that most influenced the DOR of the different studies and that can explain the heterogeneity was the year of publication; this may be related to the evolution of PET technology and an improvement of sensitivity/specificity. CONCLUSION FDG-PET is not useful in the evaluation of regional metastases, as it does not detect microscopic disease. However, FDG-PET could be useful in the detection of distant metastases, and could suggest its utility in the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felisa Jiménez-Requena
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, 28007, Spain.
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Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) is a common malignancy and imaging, particularly lymphoscintigraphy (LS), positron-emission tomography with 2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose (FDG-PET), ultrasound, radiography computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging have important roles in staging and restaging, surgical guidance, surveillance and assessment of recurrent disease. This review aims to summarize the available data regarding these and other imaging modalities in CM and provide the basis for subsequent formulation of guidelines regarding the use of imaging in CM. PubMed and Medline searches were performed and reference lists from publications were also searched. The published data were reviewed and tabulated. There is level I evidence supporting the use of LS and sentinel lymph node biopsy in nodal staging for CM. There is level III evidence demonstrating the superiority of ultrasound to palpation in the assessment of lymph nodes in CM. There is level IV evidence supporting FDG-PET in American Joint Committee on Cancer stage III/IV and recurrent CM and that FDG-PET/CT may be superior to FDG-PET. Level IV evidence also supports the use of CT in the same group of patients and the role of CT appears to be complementary to FDG-PET. Various imaging modalities, especially LS/sentinel lymph node biopsy and FDG-PET/CT, add incremental information in the management of CM and the various modalities have complementary roles depending on the clinical situation.
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Krug B, Crott R, Lonneux M, Baurain JF, Pirson AS, Vander Borght T. Role of PET in the Initial Staging of Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: Systematic Review. Radiology 2008; 249:836-44. [DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2493080240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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El-Maraghi RH, Kielar AZ. PET vs sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging melanoma: a patient intervention, comparison, outcome analysis. J Am Coll Radiol 2008; 5:924-31. [PMID: 18657789 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacr.2008.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2007] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is the gold standard to assess local lymph nodes in patients with melanoma. Positron emission tomography (PET) has been investigated as a noninvasive alternative to SLNB. METHODS A systematic literature review was conducted to evaluate PET and PET/computed tomography (CT) compared with SLNB for staging local lymph nodes in patients with intermediate-risk melanoma using the patient, intervention, comparison, outcome (PICO) search strategy. The PubMed, Medline, CancerLit, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant published materials. Guidelines of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and Cancer Care Ontario (CCO) were reviewed, as was the clinical resource, UpToDate. Studies were classified on the basis of levels of evidence delineated by the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine. RESULTS The PICO search criteria identified 20 studies. There was no level 1 evidence. There were 7 level 2b articles. One review article was consecutive and thus classified as level 3a evidence. Three review articles were retrieved and categorized as level 3b. Three single-center studies were classified as level 3b, and another 3 were classified as level 4. There were two published letters, considered expert opinion and thus classified as level 5 evidence. All identified papers favored SLNB over PET or PET/CT for identifying occult locoregional lymph node metastases. CONCLUSION Despite a lack of high-level evidence, the studies concluded that SLNB is superior to PET for local lymph node staging in patients with intermediate-risk melanoma. National guidelines confirmed these conclusions. The likelihood of PET/CT identifying distant metastases in this patient population is equally low because of the small risk for having distant metastases at diagnosis. Further study is required, including larger multicenter prospective trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H El-Maraghi
- Department of Oncology, The Royal Victoria Hospital, Barrie, Ontario, Canada
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Hutin A, Heenen M, Vereecken P, Van Geertruyden J, De Lathouwer O, Steels E, Gordower L, Trakatelli M, Laporte M. Is sentinel lymph node biopsy useful in regressive and/or ulcerated thin cutaneous melanomas? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2008; 22:514-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2007.02376.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Yancovitz M, Finelt N, Warycha MA, Christos PJ, Mazumdar M, Shapiro RL, Pavlick AC, Osman I, Polsky D, Berman RS. Role of radiologic imaging at the time of initial diagnosis of stage T1b-T3b melanoma. Cancer 2007; 110:1107-14. [PMID: 17620286 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.22868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In patients with T1b-T3b cutaneous melanoma the utility of radiologic imaging at the time of diagnosis is unclear. Whether initial imaging led to a change in stage or treatment plan was investigated. METHODS The melanoma database was searched for patients with T1b-T3b primary lesions, clinically N0, and asymptomatic for metastatic disease. Radiologic studies conducted before wide local excision +/- sentinel lymph node biopsy as well as all further imaging and investigations were analyzed. Outcome measures included upstaging, change in initial surgical management, true-positive, false-positive, true-negative, and false-negative rates of each imaging modality. RESULTS In all, 344 preoperative imaging studies (chest x-ray [CXR], computed tomography [CT], positron emission tomography [PET]/CT) were performed on 158 patients, resulting in 49 findings suspicious for metastatic melanoma and 134 findings suggestive of nonmelanoma pathology. Only 1 of 344 (0.3%) studies, a PET/CT, correlated with confirmed metastatic melanoma. The false-positive rates were CXR 5 of 7 (71.4%), chest CT 21 of 24 (87.5%), abdomen/pelvis CT 10 of 11 (90.9%), head CT 2 of 2 (100.0%), PET/CT 3 of 5 (60.0%). No patient was upstaged or had a change in initial surgical management based on preoperative imaging. The cost of all initial imaging and imaging to follow-up abnormal findings was estimated as $555,308 for the 158 patients studied. CONCLUSIONS Imaging at the time of initial diagnosis of T1b-T3b, clinically N0, M0 melanoma was of low yield with a high false-positive rate, and did not lead to upstaging or change in initial surgical management. These findings suggest that imaging of asymptomatic patients at the time of diagnosis may not be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly Yancovitz
- Department of Dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
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Maubec E, Lumbroso J, Masson F, Suciu V, Kolb F, Mamelle G, Cavalcanti A, Boitier F, Spatz A, Aupérin A, Leboulleux S, Avril MF. F-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scan in the initial evaluation of patients with a primary melanoma thicker than 4 mm. Melanoma Res 2007; 17:147-54. [PMID: 17505260 DOI: 10.1097/cmr.0b013e32815c10b0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Metabolic imaging with F-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography is one of the most sensitive and non-invasive techniques, and has proved useful in melanoma. We designed, in 2004, at the Institute Gustave Roussy, a prospective study to determine the value of F-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scanning in the detection of regional and/or distant metastasis in 25 new patients referred for the treatment of a primary melanoma thicker than 4 mm (tumor node metastases stage T4). The sentinel lymph node biopsy was proposed for all the patients without a palpable regional lymph node. Abnormal positron emission tomography scan findings were correlated to available histological data and to the course of the disease. The F-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography scan identified 0/2 intact primary melanomas, 1/4 residual primary melanomas after limited excision, 0/6 lymph node basins with micrometastasis, 4/4 lymph node basins with enlarged palpable lymph nodes and 0 distant metastasis. The sensitivity and specificity of positron emission tomography scans for microscopic lymph node disease in basins were, respectively, 0 and 92%. A false-positive F-18 fluorodeoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography result in a cervical basin led to a useless cervical lymph node dissection. In three patients, the positron emission tomography scan was positive in distant sites but none of these foci represented a true metastasis. In conclusion, it is not useful to include a positron emission tomography scan in the initial work-up of patients with primary melanoma, even in patients with thick primary melanomas (>4 mm). Sentinel lymph node biopsy remains the technique of choice for the most accurate initial staging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eve Maubec
- Department of Dermatology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif Cedex, France.
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Gold JS, Jaques DP, Busam KJ, Brady MS, Coit DG. Yield and Predictors of Radiologic Studies for Identifying Distant Metastases in Melanoma Patients with a Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. Ann Surg Oncol 2007; 14:2133-40. [PMID: 17453294 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-007-9399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2006] [Accepted: 01/02/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It is common to obtain radiological studies around the time of a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) to exclude patients with distant metastases from completion lymph node dissection. The yield of such a work-up is unknown. METHODS Patients were identified from a prospectively maintained database. Medical records were reviewed. RESULTS Over an 8-year period, 181 patients had a positive SLNB. At least one study (computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the brain; chest x-ray; computed tomography of the thorax, abdomen, or pelvis; positron-emission tomography scan; or bone scan) was obtained around the time of SLNB in 178 patients (98%). Studies were obtained after SLNB in 107 patients (59%). Studies ordered after SLNB resulted in indeterminate findings in 51 patients (48% of those studied). Among patients tested after SLNB, four were found to have metastatic disease (positive rate 3.7%). All of these patients had both a thick melanoma and macrometastasis within the SLN. The number of patients with indeterminate findings would be decreased and the yield of the work-up increased by 4 fold, by restricting the work-up to those with thick melanoma and macrometastasis. CONCLUSIONS Radiological studies obtained after a positive SLN produce indeterminate findings in about half of the patients and identify distant disease in 3.7%. Restricting work-up to patients with thick melanoma and macrometastasis on SLNB would spare patients from indeterminate findings and increase the yield of the evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason S Gold
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is one of the most deadly malignancies. Although it accounts for approximately 4% of all cancer cases, it ac-counts for approximately 79% of skin cancer-related deaths. In the past few years, the nuclear medicine platform used in the management of melanoma has extended to biochemical and structural imaging. In clinical practice, integrated positron emission tomography/CT devices allow anatomic and metabolic characterization of meta-static disease in a single study. Similarly, more accurate localization of sentinel nodes in a 3-D space now is feasible with hybrid single photon emission CT/CT system. In translational research, [18F]fluorodeoxyglucose probes have been designed to optimize the detection of melanoma tumor sites in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Essner
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Molecular Therapeutics, John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA.
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Abstract
Numerous laboratory tests and imaging methods are available that can be used in patients who are diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma. The downside risks related to testing are cost and patient anxiety. Therefore, it must be critically considered which examinations are useful and feasible. After a diagnosis of primary cutaneous melanoma, many physicians in Germany perform lymph node ultrasound to detect occult regional metastasis. Whole-body imaging techniques, except the physical examination, are unlikely to detect distant occult metastasis. In tumors that have an intermediate or high risk of recurrence (> 1 mm tumor thickness), baseline whole-body imaging may serve as a reference for ongoing evaluation. During follow-up care, physical examination alone is appropriate when there is a low risk for recurrence (up to 1-mm tumor thickness). In patients whose tumors are > 1 mm thickness, regular lymph node ultrasound examinations and determination of serum tumor marker S-100beta protein are commonly used by physicians in Germany. Whole-body imaging techniques are useful in patients who have locoregional and/or distant metastasis. For consideration of surgical resections in stage IV disease, more advanced examinations techniques such as positron emission tomography-computed tomography or whole body magnetic resonance imaging may be used. Early detection of limited disease using these methods may be helpful for patients who have locoregional metastases and for 10-20% of patients who have distant metastases and whose limited disease may be amenable to surgical resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claus Garbe
- Division of Dermato-Oncology, Department of Dermatology, University of Tübingen, Germany.
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