Tumor volume as a prognostic factor in resectable malignant melanoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Dermatology
• Surgical Pathology

Background:

• Cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) prognosis relies on Breslow thickness and ulceration.
• Tumor volume is a proposed, yet under-investigated, prognostic factor in MM.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor volume in resectable MM.
• To compare tumor volume's predictive power against established factors like Breslow thickness.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 122 MM patients.
• Median follow-up of 39.7 months.
• Multivariate analysis of tumor volume and other risk factors.

Main Results:

• Logarithmic tumor volume outperformed Breslow thickness in multivariate analysis.
• MM with tumor volume < 140 mm³ showed 98% 5-year relapse-free survival.
• MM with tumor volume > 140 mm³ had only 47% 5-year relapse-free survival (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

• Elevated tumor volume, even with low thickness, correlates with increased MM recurrence risk.
• Tumor volume may offer enhanced prognostic value for resectable MM.
• Incorporating tumor volume into MM risk assessment could improve patient management.