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A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Acral melanoma in Japan.
M Seui1, H Takematsu, M Hosokawa
1Department of Dermatology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan, and Departments of Pathology, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|May 19, 2010
Summary
Malignant melanoma incidence and mortality are rising in Japan. Acral melanoma, particularly on plantar surfaces, is most common, with clinicopathologic features similar to those seen in the United States.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Malignant melanoma is a significant health concern.
- Understanding melanoma epidemiology and characteristics is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review clinical and histologic data of malignant melanoma patients at Tohoku University.
- To conduct a statistical analysis of Japanese malignant melanoma cases from 1961 to 1982.
- To investigate the characteristics of acral melanomas.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of clinical records and histologic materials from 81 patients.
- Statistical analysis of 1597 malignant melanoma cases from Japanese literature (1961-1982).
Main Results:
- Annual mortality rates for malignant melanoma showed a near-linear increase over 20 years.
- The mortality rate in 1980 was 0.21 per 100,000.
- The five-year survival rate at Tohoku University was 35%.
- Acral sites, especially plantar surfaces, were the most common locations for melanoma.
- Clinicopathologic features of acral melanomas aligned with those of acral lentiginous melanoma reported in the US.
Conclusions:
- Malignant melanoma presents a growing mortality trend in Japan.
- Acral melanoma is prevalent, particularly on the feet.
- The findings suggest consistency in acral melanoma presentation across different geographic regions.

