Surgeons' opinions on lymphadenectomy in melanoma patients with positive sentinel nodes: a worldwide web-based survey

Leg Lymphoedema After Inguinal and Ilio-Inguinal Lymphadenectomy for Melanoma: Results from a Prospective, Randomised Trial

BACKGROUND

The Evaluation of Groin Lymphadenectomy Extent for Melanoma (EAGLE FM) study sought to address the question of whether to perform inguinal (IL) or ilio-inguinal lymphadenectomy (I-IL) for patients with inguinal nodal metastatic melanoma who have no clinical or imaging evidence of pelvic disease. Primary outcome measure was disease-free survival at 5 years, and secondary endpoints included lymphoedema.

METHODS

EAGLE FM was designed to recruit 634 patients but closed with 88 patients randomised because of slow recruitment and changes in melanoma management. Lymphoedema assessments occurred preoperatively and at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Lymphoedema was defined as Inter-Limb Volume Difference (ILVD) > 10%, Lymphoedema Index (L-Dex®) > 10 or change of L-Dex® > 10 from baseline.

RESULTS

Prevalence of leg lymphoedema between the two groups was similar but numerically higher for I-IL at all time points in the first 24 months of follow-up; highest at 6 months (45.9% IL [CI 29.9-62.0%], 54.1% I-IL [CI 38.0-70.1%]) and lowest at 18 months (18.8% IL [CI 5.2-32.3%], 41.4% I-IL [CI 23.5-59.3%]). Median ILVD at 24 months for those affected by lymphoedema was 14.5% (IQR 10.6-18.7%) and L-Dex® was 12.6 (IQR 9.0-17.2). There was not enough statistical evidence to support associations between lymphoedema and extent of surgery, radiotherapy, or wound infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite a trend for patients who had I-IL to have greater lymphoedema prevalence than IL in the first 24 months after surgery, our study's small sample did not have the statistical evidence to support an overall difference between the surgical groups.

Small bites versus large bites during fascial closure of midline laparotomies: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Incisional ventral hernias (IVH) are common after laparotomies, with up to 20% incidence in 12 months, increasing up to 60% at 3-5 years. Although Small Bites (SB) is the standard technique for fascial closure in laparotomies, its adoption in the United States is limited, and Large Bites (LB) is still commonly performed. We aim to assess the effectiveness of SB regarding IVH.

METHODS

We searched for RCTs and observational studies on Cochrane, EMBASE, and PubMed from inception to May 2023. We selected patients ≥ 18 years old, undergoing midline laparotomies, comparing SB and LB for IVH, surgical site infections (SSI), fascial dehiscence, hospital stay, and closure duration. We used RevMan 5.4. and RStudio for statistics. Heterogeneity was assessed with I2 statistics, and random effect was used if I2 > 25%.

RESULTS

1687 studies were screened, 45 reviewed, and 6 studies selected, including 3 RCTs and 3351 patients (49% received SB and 51% LB). SB showed fewer IVH (RR 0.54; 95% CI 0.39-0.74; P < 0.001) and SSI (RR 0.68; 95% CI 0.53-0.86; P = 0.002), shorter hospital stay (MD -1.36 days; 95% CI -2.35, -0.38; P = 0.007), and longer closure duration (MD 4.78 min; 95% CI 3.21-6.35; P < 0.001). No differences were seen regarding fascial dehiscence.

CONCLUSION

SB technique has lower incidence of IVH at 1-year follow-up, less SSI, shorter hospital stay, and longer fascial closure duration when compared to the LB. SB should be the technique of choice during midline laparotomies.

Surgeon perspectives on the STITCH trial: a mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Incisional hernia prevention strategies related to fascial closure technique during laparotomy are well described yet poorly implemented in practice. The factors hindering the surgeon's adoption of evidence-based techniques for fascial closure are poorly understood and characterized.

METHODS

Using an exploratory sequential mixed methods design, we first collected 139 responses to a validated quantitative survey based on a Theoretical Domain Framework for adoption of healthcare practices. Mean scores from survey responses were tabulated, and the findings were used to develop an interview guide for subsequent qualitative individual semi-structured phone interviews. Fourteen practicing surgeons were purposively sampled from social media outlets and our institution. The interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim for coding and thematic analysis using NVivo 12 Plus. Data from the surveys and interviews were integrated using joint displays.

RESULTS

Quantitative and qualitative analyses from surveys and semi-structured interviews revealed various themes related to surgeon decision-making related to fascial closure technique. Surgeons cited limitations of prior studies, applicability of findings, anecdotal experiences, and situation-specific environments that influence their decision-making. Peer influence and lack of training also affected surgeons' perspectives on integrating small bite technique into practice.

CONCLUSION

Trial design limitations, peer influence, and patient-specific factors impacted surgeon decision-making in the choice of fascial closure technique. Future clinical trials in diverse patient populations may improve surgeons' confidence in implementing technique for fascial closure.

The Use and Technique of Sentinel Node Biopsy for Skin Cancer

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

After studying this article, the participant should be able to: 1. Understand the indications for and prognostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in skin cancer. 2. Learn the advantages and disadvantages of various modalities used alone or in combination when performing sentinel lymph node biopsy. 3. Understand how to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy in skin cancer patients.

SUMMARY

Advances in technique used to perform sentinel lymph node biopsy to assess lymph node status have led to increased accuracy of the procedure and improved patient outcomes.

A survey of surgical management of the sentinel node positive melanoma patient in the post-MSLT2 era

BACKGROUND

The evidence-based management of melanoma patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has undergone a dramatic shift following publication of practice-changing surgical trials demonstrating no melanoma-specific survival advantage for completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in this scenario. We aimed to survey how surgeons' clinical practice had shifted in response to new evidence from these trials, and at a time when there was starting to become available systemic adjuvant treatments for AJCC Stage III melanoma patients.

METHODS

A web-based survey consisting of practice-based questions and hypothetical clinical scenarios about current melanoma practice with regard to positive sentinel node biopsy was developed and sent to the surgical members of a Melanoma and Skin Cancer (MASC) Trials group in December 2018. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

There were 212 invitations sent and 65 respondents (31%). Respondents were from 17 countries, 94% of whom practice in specialist melanoma centres or at referral centres. Of these 97% were familiar with the MSLT2 and DeCOG-SLT clinical trials. At survey, 5% of respondents reported routinely recommending CLND and 55% recommend CLND in selected cases. Respondents were most likely to recommend CLND when multiple SLNs were positive. Important factors for surgical decision-making mentioned included size of SLN deposit, number of positive SLNs and likely compliance with the recommended surveillance regimen.

CONCLUSION

In line with rapid adoption of published evidence, surgical management of Stage III melanoma has altered significantly, with few surgeons within the cohort now performing routine CLNDs after positive SLNB.

Surgeon decision-making for management of positive sentinel lymph nodes in the post-Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial II era: A survey study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) did not improve melanoma-specific survival for patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN)-positive melanoma in the second Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-II). We assessed surgeons' awareness of MSLT-II and its impact on CLND recommendations.

METHODS

An anonymous online cross-sectional survey of the Society of Surgical Oncology membership evaluated surgeon thresholds in offering CLND using patient scenarios and clinicopathologic characteristics ranking.

RESULTS

Of the 2881 e-mails delivered, 146 surgeons (5.1%) completed all seven scenarios. Most (129 of 131, 98%) were aware of MSLT-II and 125 (95%) found it practice-changing. Specifically, 52% (65 of 125) always, 40% usually, 6% rarely, and 3% never offered CLND before MSLT-II. Meanwhile, 4% always, 9% usually, 78% rarely, and 8% never offer CLND now, after MSLT-II (p < .0001). The most important clinicopathologic factors in determining CLND recommendations were extracapsular extension, number of positive SLN, and SLN tumor deposit size, while primary tumor mitotic index and nodal basin location were the least important. Surgical oncology fellowship training, melanoma patient volume, and academic center practice also influenced CLND recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

Most surgeon respondents are aware of MSLT-II, but its application in practice varies according to several clinicopathologic and surgeon factors.

Evolving management of positive regional lymph nodes in melanoma: Past, present and future directions

Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has become the standard of care for lymph node staging in melanoma and the most important predictor of survival in clinically node-negative disease. Previous guidelines recommend completion lymph node dissection (CLND) in cases of positive SLN; however, the lymph nodes recovered during CLND are only positive in a minority of these cases. Recent evidence suggests that conservative management (i.e. observation) has similar outcomes compared to CLND. We sought to review the most current literature regarding the management of SLN in metastatic melanoma and to discuss potential future directions.

The Role of Completion Lymphadenectomy in Positive Regional Lymph Nodes in Melanoma: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The optimal management of melanoma with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) remains unclear. Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) only yields additional positive non-SLN in 20% of cases and its benefits on survival remains debatable.

METHODS

An online database search of Medline was performed; key bibliographies were reviewed. Studies comparing outcomes after CLND versus observation were included. Odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by random fixed effects models of pooled data were calculated. The primary endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS), melanoma-specific survival (MSS), and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS

Search strategy yielded 117 publications. Twelve studies were selected for inclusion, comprising 7966 SLN-positive patients. Among these patients, 5306 (66.6%) subjects underwent CLND and 2660 (33.4%) patients were observed. Median Breslow thickness and ulceration were similar between groups (2.8 ± 0.6 mm versus 2.5 ± 0.8 mm, P = 0.721; and 38.8% versus 37.2%, P = 0.136, CLND versus observation, respectively). CLND was associated with statistically significant improved 3-y (71.0% versus 66.2%, OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.69-0.97, P = 0.02) and 5-y DFS (48.3% versus 47.8%, OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.59-0.96, P = 0.02) compared with observation. However, no difference was demonstrated in 3-y MSS (83.7% versus 84.7%, OR 1.09, 95% CI 0.88-1.35, P = 0.41), 5-y MSS (68.4% versus 69.8%, OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.88-1.19, P = 0.78), or OS (68.2% versus 78.9%, OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.55-1.57, P = 0.78).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on this large-scale analysis, CLND improved both 3- and 5-y DFS, possibly because of increased rates of local control; however, this did not translate in improved MSS or OS. Efforts toward the identification of molecular markers associated with poor outcomes in SLN-positive patients who undergo observation are warranted.

Optimal extent of completion lymphadenectomy for patients with melanoma and a positive sentinel node in the groin

BACKGROUND

The optimal extent of groin completion lymph node dissection (CLND) (inguinal or ilioinguinal dissection) in patients with melanoma is controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the extent of groin CLND after a positive sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is associated with improved outcome.

METHODS

Data from all sentinel node-positive patients who underwent groin CLND at four tertiary melanoma referral centres were retrieved retrospectively. Baseline patient and tumour characteristics were collected for descriptive statistics, survival analyses and Cox proportional hazards regression analyses.

RESULTS

In total, 255 patients were included, of whom 137 (53·7 per cent) underwent inguinal dissection and 118 (46·3 per cent) ilioinguinal dissection. The overall CLND positivity rate was 18·8 per cent; the inguinal positivity rate was 15·5 per cent and the pelvic positivity rate was 9·3 per cent. The pattern of recurrence, and 5-year melanoma-specific survival, disease-free survival and distant-metastasis free survival rates were similar for both dissection types, even for patients with a positive CLND result. Cox regression analysis showed that type of CLND was not associated with disease-free or melanoma-specific survival.

CONCLUSION

There was no significant difference in recurrence pattern and survival rates between patients undergoing inguinal or ilioinguinal dissection after a positive SNB, even after stratification for a positive CLND result. An inguinal dissection is a safe first approach as CLND in patients with a positive SNB.

Complications following completion lymphadenectomy versus therapeutic lymphadenectomy for melanoma - A systematic review of the literature

PURPOSE

Completion lymph node dissection (CLND) following a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has been reported to be less morbid than lymphadenectomy for palpable disease (therapeutic lymph node dissection; TLND). The reporting of morbidity data can be heterogeneous, and hence no 'average' surgical complication rates of these procedures has been reported. This review aims to determine complications rates to inform patients undergoing surgery for metastatic melanoma.

METHODS

A systematic review of English-language literature from 2000 to 2017, reporting morbidity information about CLND and TLND for melanoma, was performed. The methodological quality of the included studies was performed using the methodological index for non-randomised studies (MINORS) instrument and Detsky score. Pooled proportions of post-operative complications were constructed using a random effects statistical model.

RESULTS

After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, 18 articles progressed to the final analysis. In relation to TLND (1627 patients), the overall incidence of surgical complications was 39.3% (95% CI 32.6-46.2); including wound infection/breakdown 25.4% (95% CI: 20.9-30.3); lymphoedema 20.9% (95% CI: 13.8-29.1); and seroma 20.4% (95% CI: 15.9-25.2). For CLND (1929 patients), the overall incidence of surgical complications was 37.2% (95% CI 27.6-47.4); including wound infection/breakdown 21.6% (95% CI: 13.8-30.6); lymphoedema 18% (95% CI: 12.5-24.2); and seroma 17.9% (95% CI: 10.3-27). The complication rate was marginally lower for CLND but not to statistical significance.

DISCUSSION

This study provides information about the incidence of complications after CLND and TLND. It can be used to counsel patients about the procedures and it sets a benchmark against which surgeons can audit their practice.

A surgical perspective report on melanoma management

Management of melanoma includes wide excision with adequate margins and lymph node biopsy depending on the depth of the lesion, with subsequent completion lymphadenectomy for positive sentinel node. Locally advanced disease can be approached in several different ways depending on a variety of patient and disease-specific factors. These include surgical resection, isolated limb perfusion and infusion and intralesional injection therapy such as talimogene laherparepvec, IL-2 and Bacille Calmette-Guerin. Ongoing controversy exists regarding the utility of completion lymphadenectomy, and trials such as MSLT-2 will attempt to shed light on this issue. The future of melanoma management will likely focus on expanding the use of immunotherapy, allowing for narrower surgical margins, particularly in sensitive anatomic areas, and limiting the number of completion lymphadenectomies.

Surgical Management and Adjuvant Therapy for High-Risk and Metastatic Melanoma

Wide local excision is considered routine therapy after initial diagnosis of primary melanoma to reduce local recurrences, but it does not impact survival. Sentinel node staging is recommended for melanomas of intermediate thickness, but it has also not demonstrated any indisputable therapeutic effect on survival. The prognostic value of sentinel node staging has been long established and is therefore considered routine, especially in light of the eligibility criteria for adjuvant therapy (trials). Whether completion lymph node dissection after a positive sentinel node biopsy improves survival is the question of current trials. The MSLT-2 study is best powered to show a potential benefit, but it has not yet reported any data. Another study, the German DECOG study, presented at the 2015 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting did not show any benefit but is criticized for the underpowered design and insufficient follow-up. There is no consensus on the use of adjuvant interferon in melanoma. This topic has been the focus of many studies with different regimens (low-, intermediate-, or high-dose and/or short- or long-term treatment). Adjuvant interferon has been shown to improve relapse-free survival but failed to improve overall survival. More recently, adjuvant ipilimumab has also demonstrated an improved relapse-free survival. Overall survival data have not yet been reported due to insufficient follow-up. Currently, studies are ongoing to analyze the use of adjuvant anti-PD-1 and molecular targeted therapies (vemurafenib, dabrafenib, and trametinib). In the absence of unambiguously positive approved agents, clinical trial participation remains a priority. This could change in the near future.

Frozen section analysis of SLNs in trunk and extremity melanoma has a high false negative rate but can spare some patients a second operation

OBJECTIVES

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of frozen section (FS) analysis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) in melanoma.

METHODS

Five hundred seventy-one patients underwent FS analysis of SLN between 1/2000 and12/2010. Surgical and pathological characteristics, recurrence, and survival were analyzed. Comparisons were made using χ² and Fisher's exact t-test.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-three (23%) patients were SLN positive of which 63 (47.4%) were identified on FS. 16/70 SLN metastases not identified on FS (23%) were seen only on immunohistochemistry. FS analysis detected 84% of SLN metastasis >2 mm. SLN FS false negative rate was 53%, positive predictive value 100%, negative predictive value 88%, and overall accuracy 89%. Among patients with a FS positive SLN, 17/63 (27%) had additional positive nodes on CLND, versus 1 of 70 (1.4%) with a positive SLN identified only on permanent section pathology (P < 0.0001). The nodal recurrence rate following a negative SLN biopsy was 5%.

CONCLUSIONS

FS analysis for SLNs spared approximately half of patients a second operation. Patients with a positive SLN detected on FS were more likely to have further nodal involvement. In our experience intraoperative pathologic analysis of melanoma SLNs does not impair our ability to detect SLN metastasis or lead to a high rate of false positive results or nodal recurrences. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;114:879-883. © 2016 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Weighing the value of completion nodal dissection for melanoma

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.

Measuring the quality of melanoma surgery - Highlighting issues with standardization and quality assurance of care in surgical oncology

In an attempt to ensure high standards of cancer care, there is increasing interest in determining and monitoring the quality of interventions in surgical oncology. In recent years, this has been particularly the case for melanoma surgery. The vast majority of patients with melanoma undergo surgery. Usually, this is with combinations of wide excision, sentinel lymph node biopsy and lymphadenectomy. The indications for these procedures evolved during a time when no effective systemic adjuvant therapy was available, and whilst the rationale has been sound, the justification for differences in extent and thoroughness has generally been supported by inadequate or low-level evidence. This has led to a substantial variation among melanoma centres or even among surgeons within a centre in how these procedures are done. With recent rapid progress in the efficacy of systemic treatments that are impacting on overall survival, the prospect of long-term survival in these previously high risk patients means that more than ever long-term locoregional control of melanoma is imperative. Furthermore, the understanding of effects of systemic therapy on locoregional disease will only be interpretable if surgeons use standardized, high quality techniques. This article focuses on standardization and evolution of quality indicators for melanoma surgery and how these might have a positive impact on patient care.

From melanocytes to melanomas

Melanomas on sun-exposed skin are heterogeneous tumours, which can be subtyped on the basis of their cumulative levels of exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. A melanocytic neoplasm can also be staged by how far it has progressed, ranging from a benign neoplasm, such as a naevus, to a malignant neoplasm, such as a metastatic melanoma. Each subtype of melanoma can evolve through distinct evolutionary trajectories, passing through (or sometimes skipping over) various stages of transformation. This Review delineates several of the more common progression trajectories that occur in the patient setting and proposes models for tumour evolution that integrate genetic, histopathological, clinical and biological insights from the melanoma literature.

Completion Lymph Node Dissection or Observation for Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Metastases: A Decision Analysis

BACKGROUND

Long-term, randomized trial results comparing completion lymph node dissection (CLND) with observation for patients with sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases are not available. Our goal was to determine whether melanoma patients with SLN metastases should undergo CLND.

METHODS

We developed a Markov model to simulate the prognosis of hypothetical cohorts of patients with SLN metastases who underwent either immediate CLND or observation with delayed CLND if macroscopic disease developed. Model parameters were derived from published studies and included the likelihood of non-SLN metastases, risk of dying from melanoma, CLND complication rates, and health-related quality-of-life weights. Outcomes included 5-year overall survival (OS), life expectancy (LE), and quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE).

RESULTS

The projected 5-year OS for 50-year-old patients with SLN metastases who underwent immediate CLND was 67.2 % compared with 63.1 % for the observation group. The LE gained by undergoing immediate CLND ranged from 2.19 years for patients aged 30 to 0.64 years for patients aged 70 years. The QALE gained by undergoing immediate CLND ranged from 1.39 quality-adjusted life years for patients aged 30 to 0.36 for patients aged 70 years. In sensitivity analysis over a clinically plausible range of values for each input parameter, immediate CLND was no longer beneficial when the rate of long-term complications increased and the quality-of-life weight for long-term complications decreased.

CONCLUSIONS

Immediate CLND following positive SLN biopsy was associated with OS and QALE gains compared with observation and delayed CLND for those who develop clinically apparent LN metastases.

Videoscopic ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy for groin lymph node metastases from melanoma

BACKGROUND

Groin lymph node dissection for melanoma is burdened by high postoperative morbidity. Videoscopic lymphadenectomy may lower the incidence of complications, including infection, dehiscence and lymphoedema. This pilot study aimed to investigate the feasibility and postoperative outcomes of videoscopic ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy in patients with inguinal nodal melanoma metastases.

METHODS

Patients with inguinal nodal metastases, with either a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy or clinically positive nodes from melanoma, were enrolled. Inguinal dissection was performed via three ports. Iliac dissection was obtained through a preperitoneal access. Intraoperative and postoperative data were collected.

RESULTS

Of 23 patients selected for 24 procedures, four needed conversion to an open procedure. Median duration of surgery was 270 (i.q.r. 245-300) min. Wound-related postoperative complications occurred in four patients, although only one needed further intervention. The median number of excised lymph nodes was 21 (i.q.r. 15-25). After a median follow-up of 18 months, regional lymph node recurrence was observed in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Videoscopic ilioinguinal lymphadenectomy for melanoma groin lymph node metastases is technically feasible, safe, and associated with acceptable morbidity and oncological outcome.

Impact of Completion Lymph Node Dissection on Patients with Positive Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in Melanoma

BACKGROUND

Whether patients with positive SLNB should undergo complete lymph node dissection (CLND) is an important unanswered clinical question.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients diagnosed with positive SLNB at a melanoma referral center from 1991 to 2013 were studied. Outcomes of patients who underwent CLND were compared with those who did not undergo immediate CLND (observation [OBS] group).

RESULTS

There were 471 patients who had positive SLNB; 375 (79.6%) in the CLND group and 96 (20.4%) in the OBS group. The groups were similar except that the CLND group was younger and had more sentinel nodes removed. Five-year nodal recurrence-free survival was significantly better in the CLND group compared with the OBS group (93.1% vs 84.4%; p = 0.005). However, 5-year (66.4% vs 55.2%) and 10-year (59.5% vs 45.0%) distant metastasis-free survival rates were not significantly different (p = 0.061). The CLND group's melanoma-specific survival (MSS) rate was superior to that of the OBS group; 5-year MSS rates were 73.7% vs 65.5% and 10-year MSS rates were 66.8% vs 48.3% (p = 0.015). On multivariate analysis, CLND was associated with improved MSS (hazard ratio = 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40-0.89; p = 0.011) and lower nodal recurrence (hazard ratio = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86; p = 0.016). Increased Breslow thickness, older age, ulceration, and trunk melanoma were all associated with worse outcomes. On subgroup analysis, the following factors were associated with better outcomes from CLND: male sex, nonulcerated primary, intermediate thickness, Clark level IV or lower extremity tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of positive SLNB with CLND was associated with improved MSS and nodal recurrence rates. Follow-up beyond 5 years was needed to see a significant difference in MSS rates.

Evaluation of Melanoma Features and Their Relationship with Nodal Disease: The Importance of the Pathological Report

Background

The pathological features of melanoma biopsies can provide significant prognostic information that can help the surgeon evaluate the risk of nodal disease. The aim of this study was to attempt to determine the relationship between pathological features of primary melanoma and nodal disease, by sentinel node biopsy (SNB) and complete node dissection (CND).

Methods

A retrospective analysis was completed of patients who underwent SNB at AC Camargo Cancer Center, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between 2000 and 2010.

Results

A total of 697 patients were evaluated. By univariate analysis, it was found that histology, Clark level, Breslow depth, mitotic index, ulceration, regression, lymphatic and perineural invasion and satellitosis were significantly associated with SNB positivity. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that Breslow depth, mitotic index, ulceration, regression, lymphatic invasion and satellitosis were significant factors. In patients with a positive SNB, the primary tumor site, Clark level and Breslow depth greater than 2 mm were significantly related to non-sentinel node (NSN) positivity by univariate analysis. By multivariate analysis, Breslow depth greater than 2 mm was the only primary tumor feature that was significantly related (p = 0.038).

Conclusions

The indication of SNB should not be based solely on Breslow depth and ulceration or mitotic index. A complete evaluation of the pathological report should improve the identification of high-risk patients.

Lymph-Node Ratio in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: A Multi-Institution Prognostic Study

BACKGROUND

Lymph node ratio (LNR)-the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) over the number of excised LNs after lymphadenectomy-is a prognostic factor for many solid tumors, but controversies still exist for skin melanoma. We investigated the prognostic relevance of LNR in melanoma patients and formulated a proposal for considering the LNR in the current American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) N staging system.

METHODS

Retrospective data of 2,526 melanoma patients with LN metastasis from nine Italian institutions were collected in a multicenter database. The prognostic value of the LNR (categorized as A, ≤0.1; B, 0.11-0.25; and C, >0.25) was assessed by multivariable survival analysis.

RESULTS

LNR was a significant independent prognostic factor for melanoma-specific survival (LNR B vs. A: hazard ratio [HR] 1.47, 95 % CI 1.16-1.87, p = 0.002; LNR C vs. A: HR 1.84, 95 % CI 1.29-2.61, p = 0.001). The LNR had prognostic value in patients with AJCC N1a (one positive LN after sentinel LN biopsy [SLNB], HR 2.33, 95 % CI 1.49-3.63, p < 0.001) and N2a (two to three positive LNs after SLNB, HR 1.62, 95 % CI 1.09-2.40, p = 0.016) substages, but not in those with N1b (one clinically positive LN, p = 0.765), N2b (two to three clinically positive LNs, p = 0.165), and N3 (≥ four positive LNs, p = 0.084) substages.

CONCLUSION

The LNR is a prognostic factor in melanoma patients with one (AJCC N1a) and two to three (AJCC N2a) positive LNs after SLNB. This easy-to-obtain parameter should be considered for the staging of melanoma patients with LN metastasis, along with the number of positive LNs.

Contemporary controversies and perspectives in the staging and treatment of patients with lymph node metastasis from melanoma, especially with regards positive sentinel lymph node biopsy

The management of melanoma lymph node metastasis particularly when detected by sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is still controversial. Results of the only randomized trial conducted to assess the therapeutic value of SLNB, the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-1), have not conclusively proven the effectiveness of this procedure but are interpreted by the authors and guidelines as indicating SLNB is standard of care. After surgery, interferon alpha had a small survival benefit and radiotherapy has limited effectiveness for patient at high-risk of regional recurrence. New drugs, including immune modulating agents and targeted therapies, already shown to be effective in patients with distant metastasis, are being evaluated in the adjuvant setting. In this regard, ensuring high quality of surgery through the identification of reliable quality assurance indicators and improving the homogeneity of prognostic stratification of patients entered onto clinical trials is paramount. Here, we review the controversial issues regarding the staging and treatment of melanoma patients with lymph node metastasis, present a summary of important and potentially practice changing ongoing research and provide a commentary on what it all means at this point in time.

The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy for thin cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck

From 18% to 35% of cutaneous melanomas are located in the head and neck, and nearly 70% are thin (Breslow thickness ≤ 1 mm). Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) has an established role in staging of intermediate-thickness melanomas, however its use in thin melanomas remains controversial. In this article, we review the literature regarding risk factors for occult nodal metastasis in thin cutaneous melanoma of the head and neck (CMHN). Based on the current literature, we recommend SLNB for all lesions with Breslow thickness ≥ 0.75 mm, particularly when accompanied by adverse features including mitotic rate ≥ 1 per mm(2), ulceration, and extensive regression. SLNB should also be strongly considered in younger patients (e.g. < 40 years old), especially in the presence of additional adverse features. All patients who do not proceed with sentinel lymph node biopsy must be carefully followed to monitor for regional relapse.

Management of regional metastatic disease in head and neck cutaneous malignancy. 2. Cutaneous malignant melanoma

This is the second of 2 articles giving an overview of the current evidence for management of the neck and parotid in cutaneous cancers of the head and neck. We discuss cutaneous malignant melanoma and review the latest evidence for management of the regional nodes.

Incidence and location of positive nonsentinel lymph nodes in head and neck melanoma

BACKGROUND

The complex lymphatic drainage in the head and neck makes sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for melanomas in this region challenging. This study describes the incidence, and location of additional positive nonsentinel lymph nodes (NSLN) in patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma following a positive SLNB.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed using a single institution prospective database. Patients with a primary melanoma in the head or neck with a positive cervical SLNB were identified. The lymphadenectomy specimen was divided intraoperatively into lymph node levels I-V, and NSLN status determined for each level.

RESULTS

Of 387 patients with melanoma of the head and neck who underwent cervical SLNB, 54 had a positive SLN identified (14%). Thirty six patients (67%) underwent immediate completion lymph node dissection (CLND) of whom eight patients (22%) had a positive NSLN. The remaining 18 patients (33%) did not undergo CLND and were observed. Half of positive NSLNs (50%) were in the same lymph node level as the SLN and 33% were in an immediately adjacent level; only two patients were found to have NSLNs in non-adjacent levels. The only factor predictive of NSLN involvement was the size of the tumor deposit in the SLN>0.2 mm (p = 0.05). Superficial parotidectomy at CLND revealed metastatic melanoma only in patients with a positive parotid SLN.

CONCLUSIONS

A positive NLSN was identified in 22% of patients undergoing CLND after a positive SLNB. The majority of positive NSLNs are found within or immediately adjacent to the nodal level containing the SLN.

Individualized surgery: gamma-probe-guided lymphadenectomy in patients with clinically enlarged lymph node metastases from melanomas

Background

The value of a preoperative lymphoscintigraphy in melanoma patients with clinically evident regional lymph node metastases has not been studied. Therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) is regarded as the clinical standard, but the appropriate extent of TLND is controversial in all lymphatic basins.

Patients and Methods

Of the 115 consecutive patients with surgery on palpable lymph node metastases, 34 received a pre-operative lymphoscintigraphy. Lymphatic drainage to a second nodal basin outside the clinically involved basin was found in 15 cases. In 13 patients, the ectopic tumor-draining lymph nodes were excised as in a sentinel node biopsy. The lymph nodes from the TLND specimens were postoperatively separated and classified as either radioactive or non-radioactive.

Results

A total of 493 lymph nodes were examined pathologically. The largest macrometastasis maintained the ability to take up radiotracer in 77% of cases. Radioactively labeled lymph nodes carried a higher risk of being involved with metastasis. The proportions of tumor involvement for radioactive and non-radioactive lymph nodes were 44.5 and 16.9%, respectively (P=0.00002). Of the 13 ectopic nodal basins surgically explored, six harbored clinically occult metastases.

Conclusion

In patients undergoing TLND for palpable metastases, tumor-draining lymph nodes in a second, ectopic nodal basin should be excised, because they could be affected by occult metastasis. With respect to radioactive lymph nodes situated within the nodal basin of the macrometastasis but beyond the borders of a less-radical lymphadenectomy, further studies are needed.