The incidence of melanoma is rapidly increasing worldwide and the prognosis of patients with metastatic disease is still poor, with a median survival of 8–9 months and a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate less than 15% . A complete surgical excision is the main treatment for primary cutaneous melanoma, but controversies about the extension of excision margins still remain. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) provides important prognostic and staging data by the identification of regional node-negative patients who would not benefit from a complete nodal dissection. However, there is no consensus in the definition of melanoma thickness to enforce the execution of the SLNB. To date, Interferon-α (IFN-α)is the only approved adjuvant treatment after surgical excision of high-risk melanoma, but its indication remains still controversial.
Multidisciplinary Approach to Patient with Malignant Melanoma
PEPE, Stefano
2013-01-01
Abstract
The incidence of melanoma is rapidly increasing worldwide and the prognosis of patients with metastatic disease is still poor, with a median survival of 8–9 months and a 3-year overall survival (OS) rate less than 15% . A complete surgical excision is the main treatment for primary cutaneous melanoma, but controversies about the extension of excision margins still remain. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) provides important prognostic and staging data by the identification of regional node-negative patients who would not benefit from a complete nodal dissection. However, there is no consensus in the definition of melanoma thickness to enforce the execution of the SLNB. To date, Interferon-α (IFN-α)is the only approved adjuvant treatment after surgical excision of high-risk melanoma, but its indication remains still controversial.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
