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Prognosis for recurrent stage I malignant melanoma
D S Reintgen1, R Vollmer, C Y Tso
1Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710.
Archives of Surgery (Chicago, Ill. : 1960)
|November 1, 1987
Summary
Recurrence is common in stage I cutaneous melanoma patients, particularly on the trunk and head/neck. Survival rates significantly decrease after recurrence, but a new model may predict outcomes for better prognoses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Dermatology
- Medical Statistics
Background:
- Prognostic factors for stage I malignant melanoma survival are known.
- Recurrence patterns and survival post-recurrence for cutaneous melanoma are less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate recurrence patterns in stage I cutaneous melanoma.
- To assess survival rates following melanoma recurrence.
- To develop a model for predicting patient outcomes after recurrence.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 4185 patients with stage I melanoma.
- Follow-up period of 1 to 14 years.
- Multivariate analysis to estimate survival post-recurrence.
Main Results:
- 35.9% of patients experienced recurrence.
- Higher recurrence rates observed for trunk (37.8%) and head/neck (46.1%) melanoma compared to extremities (29.8%).
- Local-regional metastases were common, with 65% of relapses occurring within three years.
- Actuarial five-year survival rates were significantly lower for patients with recurrent disease.
Conclusions:
- Recurrence is a significant event in stage I cutaneous melanoma, impacting survival.
- The location of the primary melanoma influences recurrence risk.
- A predictive model for post-recurrence survival can aid in patient counseling and prognosis.