Understanding Thick Melanoma and Its Treatment
Author Information
Author(s): Meguerditchian Ari-Nareg, Asubonteng Kobby, Young Calvin, Lema Bethany, Wilding Gregory, Kane III John M
Primary Institution: Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Thick primary melanomas may represent a heterogeneous group with varying prognoses based on tumor thickness and nodal status.
Conclusion
Patients with thick melanoma greater than 6 mm or a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy have significantly worse disease-free and overall survival rates.
Supporting Evidence
- The study included 155 patients with thick melanoma, with a median thickness of 6 mm.
- Patients with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy had significantly lower disease-free and overall survival rates.
- 5-year disease-free survival was 58.3% for tumors ≤ 6 mm compared to 20% for tumors > 6 mm.
Takeaway
This study looks at patients with thick melanoma and finds that those with thicker tumors or positive lymph nodes tend to do worse, meaning they need more careful treatment.
Methodology
Retrospective review of 155 consecutive thick melanoma patients treated at a single institution from 1971 to 2007, analyzing patient, disease, and treatment features.
Limitations
The study is retrospective and conducted at a single institution, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 66 years; 68% were men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.006
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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