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Pediatric melanoma: analysis of an international registry

Bruce J Averbook1, Sandra J Lee, Keith A Delman

  • 1Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio; Department of Surgery, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.

Cancer
|September 12, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Pediatric melanoma survival rates vary by age and tumor characteristics. Thicker tumors, ulceration, lymph node metastasis, and advanced stage correlate with poorer outcomes in children and adolescents.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Pediatric melanoma (PM) management often relies on adult data, despite potential behavioral differences.
  • An international registry was established to analyze PM characteristics and outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To analyze clinicopathologic data and survival outcomes for pediatric melanoma patients.
  • To identify prognostic factors for pediatric melanoma.

Main Methods:

  • Data from 365 patients with invasive pediatric melanoma were collected from twelve institutions.
  • Clinicopathologic and outcome data were deidentified and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • The 10-year overall survival (OS) rate was 80.6%. Survival varied by age, with younger children (≤10 years) showing higher survival rates.
  • Tumor thickness ≤1 mm correlated with a favorable prognosis (97% 10-year OS).
  • Ulceration, lymph node metastasis, and advanced American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage were significantly associated with worse survival.

Conclusions:

  • Tumor thickness, ulceration, lymph node status, and AJCC stage are significant predictors of survival in pediatric melanoma.
  • A trend suggests improved survival in younger children compared to adolescents.
  • Further research is needed to understand potential biological and behavioral differences between pediatric and adult melanoma.
Keywords:
melanomamitotic ratepediatricsentinel lymph node biopsysurvival

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