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Ann Plast Surg 2019 Apr;82(4S Suppl 3):S192-S194

From the Section of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, Yale New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT.

Introduction: Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer and has the ability to metastasize widely. Accurate diagnosis of sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) is crucial to its management. The gold standard for SLN identification is planar lymphoscintigraphy. Read More

Melanoma Res 2019 04;29(2):163-171

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regional Melanoma Referral Center and Melanoma & Skin Cancer Unit.

This study aimed to investigate the sentinel lymph node (SLN) tumour burden to predict the non-SLN positivity rate and the survival of melanoma patients to evaluate whether SLN microstaging could predict the prognosis, similar to what is currently performed by examining the lymph nodes excised by complete lymph node dissection. Of 1130 consecutive melanoma patients who underwent SLN biopsy, 226 were tumour-positive and 204 were included in this study. SLN metastases were classified on the basis of dimensional (Rotterdam) and topographic (Dewar) criteria either separately or combined. Read More

J Surg Res 2018 Dec 18;232:365-368. Epub 2018 Jul 18.

Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Plastic Surgery, Cleveland, Ohio. Electronic address:

Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a relatively rare skin cancer with high rates of regional lymph node involvement and metastatic spread. National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for staging purposes. The goal of this study is to report our experience utilizing indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence-based technology to aid in SLNB detection in MCC. Read More

Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am 2019 Feb;27(1):119-129

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 1445, Houston, TX 77030-4009, USA. Electronic address:

Sentinel lymph node biopsy uses the concept of selective lymphatic drainage and the lymphatic microvasculature to identify first-echelon nodes draining a given malignancy. Although initially considered difficult and unreliable in the head and neck, experience with the technique has improved and evolved significantly over the last 3 decades. It is now recognized to be accurate and reliable for regional nodal staging and detection of occult nodal metastasis in the head and neck. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2019 01 1;80(1):208-250. Epub 2018 Nov 1.

American Academy of Dermatology, Rosemont, Illinois.

The incidence of primary cutaneous melanoma continues to increase each year. Melanoma accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths, but treatment is usually curative following early detection of disease. In this American Academy of Dermatology clinical practice guideline, updated treatment recommendations are provided for patients with primary cutaneous melanoma (American Joint Committee on Cancer stages 0-IIC and pathologic stage III by virtue of a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy). Read More

J Dermatol 2018 Oct 10;45(10):1191-1194. Epub 2018 Aug 10.

Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.

Although the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) as a prognostic factor is well established, its consequences for therapy are controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze if complete lymph node dissection (CLND) in patients with more than one positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) significantly improves melanoma-specific survival (MSS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Medical records of patients who underwent SLNB between 2001 and 2016 at the University Hospital of Cologne were reviewed, and patients with positive SLN were identified. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 May;17(5):544-547

Importance: A 31-gene expression profile (31-GEP) test to predict metastatic risk in patients with cutaneous malignant melanoma has previously been validated and is available for clinical use. The impact of the availability of such a test on clinical decision-making has previously been studied. However, little is known about which factors play a role in clinicians' decision to utilize the test. Read More

Med Sci Monit 2018 Mar 6;24:1359-1365. Epub 2018 Mar 6.

Department of Dermatology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.

BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to assess the role of regression and other clinical and histological features for the prognosis and the progression of cutaneous melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS Between 2005 and 2016, 403 patients with melanoma were treated and followed at our Department of Dermatology. Of the 403 patients, 173 patients had cutaneous melanoma and underwent sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and thus were included in this study. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2018 Jun 26;153(3):403-418. Epub 2018 Feb 26.

Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile -

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common skin cancer and is usually associated with a favorable prognosis in most patients. However, a small minority of patients will be diagnosed with a high-risk cSCC (HRcSCC) and a proportion will have a poor outcome, in some cases causing death. HRcSCC is characterized by an increase in aggressiveness manifested as local recurrence, the development of lymph node metastases, and occasionally death. Read More

J Drugs Dermatol 2018 Feb;17(2):196-199

Introduction: The surgeon's role in the follow-up of pathologic stage I and II melanoma patients has traditionally been minimal. Melanoma genetic expression profile (GEP) testing provides binary risk assessment (Class 1-low risk, Class 2-high risk), which can assist in predicting metastasis and formulating appropriate follow up. We sought to determine the impact of GEP results on the management of clinically node negative cutaneous melanoma patients staged with sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). Read More

BMC Cancer 2018 02 5;18(1):130. Epub 2018 Feb 5.

Skin Cancer Institute, Northwestern University, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, 420 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.

Background: The heterogeneous behavior of patients with melanoma makes prognostication challenging. To address this, a gene expression profile (GEP) test to predict metastatic risk was previously developed. This study evaluates the GEP's prognostic accuracy in an independent cohort of cutaneous melanoma patients. Read More

J Am Acad Dermatol 2018 02;78(2):249-261

Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.

While the majority of cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (cSCCs) can be treated surgically, the additional work-up and treatments indicated for high-risk cSCC remain undefined. In recent years, improvements in tumor staging systems have allowed for the more accurate stratification of tumors into high- and low-risk categories. This insight, along with the publication of cSCC guidelines, brings us closer to the development of a consensus approach. Read More

Mol Clin Oncol 2017 Nov 1;7(5):729-732. Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Unit of Dermatology, University of Padua, I-35128 Padua, Italy.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive primary cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. It usually appears on the face and neck of elderly Caucasian people as a flesh-colored, erythematous or violaceous dome-shaped, non-tender nodule with a smooth surface. In immunocompromised patients with T-cell dysfunction, such as patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) or solid organ transplant recipients, the incidence of this disease is markedly increased. Read More

Clin Plast Surg 2018 Jan 5;45(1):1-11. Epub 2017 Oct 5.

Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Toronto, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Room 3-130, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G2M9, Canada.

The armamentarium of the modern breast surgeon includes the time-tested procedures of modified radical mastectomy and lumpectomy with sentinel lymph node biopsy with postoperative radiation, but has evolved to include several options that produce excellent oncologic endpoints and improved cosmesis. These options include skin- and nipple-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction as well as oncoplastic procedures that allow larger excisions and better postoperative breast shape. This article provides an overview of these modern surgical approaches for breast cancer treatment. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2017 11 15;85:122-132. Epub 2017 Sep 15.

Department of Plastic Surgery, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Aim: To explore health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in recurrence-free melanoma patients, with a focus on the association between melanoma-related limb lymphoedema and HRQoL.

Methods: HRQoL was evaluated using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30), the breast cancer module (EORTC QLQ-BR23) subscales body image and future perspective, the Functional Assessment for Cancer Therapy-General subscale social/family well-being and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Data were analysed using linear and ordinal logistic regression adjusting for age and gender. Read More

J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2017 12 16;70(12):1789-1790. Epub 2017 Aug 16.

The Welsh Centre of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, SA6 6NL, UK.

Int J Dermatol 2017 Oct 21;56(10):1061-1064. Epub 2017 Aug 21.

Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Background: Aggressive digital papillary adenocarcinoma (ADPA) is a rare adenocarcinoma of the sweat glands.

Aims: We wish to report the treatment of two cases of ADPA with Mohs micrographic surgery and review the presentation, management, and prognosis of this rare malignancy.

Materials & Methods: Cases of ADPA were identified from recent surgery logs. Read More

Dermatology 2017 25;233(2-3):205-211. Epub 2017 Jul 25.

Dermatologic Clinic, Medical Sciences Department, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.

Objectives: This study was aimed at investigating the prognostic role of multiple lymph node basin drainage (MLBD) in patients with positive sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy.

Background: MLBD is frequently observed in patients with trunk melanoma undergoing SLN. The prognostic value of MLBD in SLN-positive patients is still debated. Read More

Curr Oncol Rep 2017 Sep;19(9):57

Section of Ophthalmology, Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1400 Pressler Street, Unit 1445, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Purpose Of Review: Recent advances in the treatment of eyelid tumors have centered on the excision, evaluation of margins, role of sentinel lymph node biopsy, and adjunctive/adjuvant systemic and radiation therapy. The purpose of this review is to elaborate on these advances.

Recent Findings: Mohs excision of basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma continues to provide the greatest success in complete excision of the cancer, especially in those cases of high-risk disease including medial canthal location and recurrent disease. Read More

Australas J Dermatol 2017 Nov 14;58(4):268-273. Epub 2017 Jul 14.

Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

Worldwide, sentinel node (SN) biopsy for accurate staging is now part of the standard work-up of patients with melanomas ≥1.0 mm Breslow thickness, as it is for staging patients with breast cancer. Nuclear medicine imaging and surgical techniques have evolved to such a degree that a SN can be identified and removed in virtually every patient. Read More

Head Neck 2017 09 22;39(9):1840-1844. Epub 2017 Jun 22.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University College Hospital, Galway, National University of Ireland, Galway.

Background: Squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the external ear have a significant rate of metastasis. The purpose of this study was to present analyzed factors associated with auricular SCC metastasis in order to identify a group that may benefit from sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB).

Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all operable SCCs between 2009 and 2014. Read More

Eur J Surg Oncol 2017 Aug 25;43(8):1517-1527. Epub 2017 May 25.

Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Discipline of Surgery, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; Division of Surgery, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia. Electronic address:

Imaging plays a critical role in the current multi-disciplinary management of patients with melanoma. It is used for primary disease staging, surgical planning, and surveillance in high-risk patients, and for monitoring the effects of systemic or loco-regional therapies. Several different imaging modalities have been utilised in the past. Read More

Lakartidningen 2017 05 9;114. Epub 2017 May 9.

Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset - Kirurgi Goteborg, Sweden Sahlgrenska universitetssjukhuset - Kirurgi Goteborg, Sweden.

Asia Pac J Ophthalmol (Phila) 2017 Mar-Apr;6(2):143-152

Department of Ophthalmology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY.

Eyelid malignancies represent between 5% and 10% of all skin cancers. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common, followed by squamous cell carcinoma, sebaceous cell carcinoma, Merkel cell carcinoma, and melanoma. The gold standard treatment for periocular epithelial malignancies is surgical excision. Read More

Melanoma Res 2017 04;27(2):121-125

aDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, NorwichbDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, OxfordcDepartment of Plastic Surgery, Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, LeedsdSchool of Medicine, Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.

Wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy is the mainstay of treatment for patients with melanoma. As survival outcomes improve, longer term quality of life questions become more pertinent and this study aims to assess the factors which may play a role following surgery. A total of, 221 patients who underwent wide local excision and sentinel lymph node biopsy for melanoma (AJCC stage I and II) were recruited from three UK centres. Read More

Eur J Nucl Med Mol Imaging 2017 Jul 7;44(7):1176-1184. Epub 2017 Feb 7.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, University College Hospitals London, London, UK.

Purpose: Currently, most centres use 2-D planar lymphoscintigraphy when performing dynamic sentinel lymph node biopsy in penile cancer patients with clinically impalpable inguinal nodes. This study aimed to investigate the role of SPECT/CT following 2-D planar lymphoscintigraphy (dynamic and static) in the detection and localization of sentinel lymph nodes in the groin.

Methods: A qualitative (visual) review was performed on planar followed by SPECT/CT lymphoscintigraphy in 115 consecutive patients (age 28-86 years) who underwent injection of Tc-nanocolloid followed by immediate acquisition of dynamic (20 min) and early static scans (5 min) initially and further delayed static (5 min) images at 120 min followed by SPECT/CT imaging. Read More

Ir J Med Sci 2017 Nov 28;186(4):847-853. Epub 2017 Jan 28.

Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Galway University Hospital, Galway, Ireland.

Background: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a standard method for determining the pathologic status of the regional lymph nodes.

Aims: The aim of our study was to determine the incidence and clinicopathologic factors predictive of SLN positivity, and to evaluate the prognostic importance of SLNB in patients with cutaneous melanoma.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who underwent SLNB for primary melanoma at our institution from 2005 to 2012. Read More

JAMA Facial Plast Surg 2017 May;19(3):232-238

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor.

Importance: The incidence of melanoma is increasing, with 76 380 new cases of invasive melanoma and 68 480 new cases of melanoma in situ expected in 2016.

Objective: To review the contemporary management of early-stage melanoma.

Evidence Review: We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases from January 1, 2011, to May 1, 2016, yielding 966 articles. Read More

Bull Cancer 2017 Jan 15;104(1):101-108. Epub 2016 Dec 15.

Institut de cancérologie Lucien-Neuwirth, département de radiothérapie, 108 bis, avenue Albert-Raimond, BP 60008, 42271 Saint-Priest en Jarez, France; Laboratoire de radiobiologie cellulaire et moléculaire de Lyon Sud, CNRS UMR 5822, 165, chemin du Grand-Revoyet, BP 12, 69921 Oullins cedex, France. Electronic address:

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare neuro-endocrine tumor of skin with a poor prognosis. Data available in literature are scarce. Current treatment for locoregional disease is based on combined treatment by surgery and radiotherapy. Read More

Pediatr Dermatol 2017 Jan 22;34(1):25-32. Epub 2016 Nov 22.

Dermatology, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.

Spitz nevi are benign melanocytic neoplasms characterized by epithelioid or spindle melanocytes or both. In some rare cases their presentation overlaps with the clinical and histopathologic features of malignant melanoma, so a differential diagnosis can be difficult to make. Intermediate forms between Spitz nevi and malignant melanoma, with unpredictable behavior, have been called atypical Spitz tumors. Read More

J Exp Ther Oncol 2016 Nov;11(4):275-284

Keshlata Cancer Institute, Bareilly, 243001, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Background: Surgical resection has been the principle treatment approach for early lesions as well as advanced stage carcinomas of upper aero digestive tract. Neck dissection is the primary treatment given to nodal metastasis of oral carcinomas. Choice of irradiation and chemotherapy post surgery relies heavily on the histopathological assessment of surgical margins of resected tumor, dissected lymph nodes and accessory tissues. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2016 May;130(S2):S133-S141

Northern Centre for Cancer Care and Newcastle University, Freeman Hospital,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK.

This is the official guideline endorsed by the specialty associations involved in the care of head and neck cancer patients in the United Kingdom. This paper provides consensus recommendations on the management of melanomas arising in the skin and mucosa of the head and neck region on the basis of current evidence. Recommendations • At-risk individuals should be warned about the correlation between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and skin cancer, and should be given advice on UVR protection. Read More

EJNMMI Res 2016 Dec 5;6(1):73. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard 29, 5000, Odense C, Denmark.

Background: On April 1, 2015, Odense University Hospital (OUH) began a new diagnostic strategy, wherein all malignant melanoma (MM) patients in the Region of Southern Denmark with a positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) underwent FDG-PET/CT preoperatively prior to lymph node dissection (LND). The purpose of this study is to determine FDG-PET/CT's efficacy in finding distant metastasis in the first year after the implementation of this new strategy, and to what extent these findings influence subsequent diagnostic testing and treatment in this patient group. We conducted a retrospective multicenter cohort study which included all patients with MM from all hospitals in the Region of Southern Denmark from April 1, 2015 to April 1, 2016 found to be SLNB-positive who subsequently underwent FDG-PET/CT. Read More

Eur J Cancer 2016 11 24;67:164-173. Epub 2016 Sep 24.

Department of Surgical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Background: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is essential for adequate melanoma staging. Most melanoma guidelines advocate to perform wide local excision and SNB as soon as possible, causing time pressure.

Objective: To investigate the role of time interval between melanoma diagnosis and SNB on sentinel node (SN) positivity and survival. Read More

Anticancer Res 2016 09;36(9):4795-8

Department of Hematology Oncology, SUNY Upstate University, Syracuse, NY, U.S.A.

Background: Melanoma is among the top three cancers to present with brain metastasis. The risk of brain metastases in advanced melanoma increases with disease duration. Cytotoxic chemotherapy does not have a significant role in the management of melanoma patients with brain metastases, neither alone nor in conjunction with radiation therapy. Read More

Eur J Surg Oncol 2017 Mar 24;43(3):517-533. Epub 2016 Aug 24.

From the Department of Surgical Oncology at the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek, Plesmanlaan 121, NL-1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Electronic address:

Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is the most accurate staging tool for melanoma patients. The procedure is indicated especially for intermediate thickness melanoma (pT2/3). SNB can be of value in thin melanoma (>0. Read More

Crit Rev Oncog 2016 ;21(1-2):25-36

Moffitt Cancer Center and University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.

Pediatric melanoma has been rising in incidence in recent years and its management poses challenges that are frequently exacerbated by diagnostic uncertainty about the benign or malignant nature of many pediatric melanocytic neoplasms. Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB), originally described by Dr. Donald L. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2017 Jan 27;24(1):127-134. Epub 2016 Jul 27.

Division of Surgical Oncology, East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine, Greenville, NC, USA.

Background: Multicenter selective lymphadenectomy trial 1 (MSLT-I) defined the prognostic and potential therapeutic values of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for intermediate-thickness melanoma. The role of completion lymphadenectomy (CLND) is, however, unclear and the subject of the ongoing MSLT-II trial.

Methods: From 2003 to 2012, patients with tumors 1-4 mm thick with positive SLNB were identified in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results Program registry. Read More

J Cancer Res Ther 2016 Apr-Jun;12(2):840-4

Department of Surgery, Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) on long-term disease outcome in patients with intermediate-thickness primary cutaneous melanomas.

Materials And Methods: Forty patients with intermediate-thickness melanomas, defined as 1.0-4. Read More

JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 12;142(12):1171-1176

Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan Medical School and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor.

Importance: Metastasis of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) to the nodal basin is associated with a poor prognosis. The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) for regional staging in patients diagnosed with SCC is unclear.

Objective: To evaluate a single institution's experience with use of SLNB for regional staging of SCC on the head and neck. Read More

Pol Przegl Chir 2016 May;88(3):130-5

Unlabelled: At present, sentinel lymph node biopsy is a standard procedure to assess the advancement of breast cancer and cutaneous melanoma. The aim of the study was to assess the role of the sentinel lymph node biopsy in the treatment of patients with breast cancer in our own material.

Material And Methods: Analyzed was medical documentation of 258 patients with initially operable breast cancer, qualified for operation with sentinel lymph node biopsy in 2004-2014 in the Department of Surgery of the 4th Military Teaching Hospital. Read More

Ann Surg Oncol 2016 11 30;23(12):4058-4066. Epub 2016 Jun 30.

Department of Surgery, Carolinas Medical Center, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, USA.

Background: Studies suggest that the biology of pediatric and adolescent melanoma differs from that of adult disease. We report the largest series to date examining the natural history of pediatric and adolescent melanoma. We aim to elucidate the natural history of pediatric and adolescent melanoma and to examine the appropriateness of diagnostic and therapeutic modalities developed for adults and that are currently being used in children. Read More

Oncotarget 2016 Jul;7(29):45671-45677

Department of Gastric Cancer and Soft Tissue Sarcomas, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is a sensitive operation for finding micro-metastasis in patients with cutaneous melanoma without evidence of clinically positive lymph node findings. However, until now, no clinical trials or retrospective studies with large samples have been performed to investigate the clinical role of SLNB for cutaneous melanoma patients. In this study, we used the data of cutaneous melanoma from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to compare overall survival (OS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS) outcomes with clinical lymph node and SLN status. Read More

G Ital Dermatol Venereol 2017 Aug 1;152(4):355-359. Epub 2016 Jun 1.

Department of Twins Research and Genetic Epidemiology, King's College London, London, UK.

The management of melanoma is constantly evolving. New therapies and surgical advances have changed the landscape over the last years. Since being introduced by Dr Donald Morton, the role of sentinel lymph node has been debated. Read More

J Am Coll Surg 2016 07 26;223(1):77-85.e1. Epub 2016 Mar 26.

Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Background: The role of SLNB for in-transit (IT) melanoma is controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the rate and prognostic significance of occult nodal disease in patients undergoing surgical nodal staging for IT disease.

Study Design: We conducted a retrospective review of patients with IT melanoma from May 2005 through September 2014. Read More

Eur J Dermatol 2016 Jan-Feb;26(1):34-48

School of Medicine, Universidad Católica de Valencia, Valencia, Spain, Department of Dermatology, Instituto Valenciano de Oncología, c/ Profesor Beltrán Báguena, 8 46009 Valencia, Spain.

Background: The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy and the benefit of immunotherapy with interferon in thick (>4 mm) melanomas remain uncertain.

Objectives: Our aim was to assess the value of both sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and immunotherapy in the prognosis of thick melanomas.

Methods: A retrospective study based on a computerized patient database in which patients have been prospectively collected since 2005 was performed. Read More

Head Neck 2016 09 25;38(9):1373-9. Epub 2016 Mar 25.

Division of Cancer Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.

Background: Recommended margins for thick cutaneous melanoma (Breslow thickness >4 mm; T4) have decreased over recent decades. Optimal margins and the role of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in thick head and neck melanoma remain controversial.

Methods: A single-center review was conducted of patients treated between 2002 and 2012 assessing the impact of excision margins and sentinel lymph node status on locoregional recurrence and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Read More

Am J Dermatopathol 2016 May;38(5):338-46

*Department of Dermatology, University Hospital "Clínico Lozano Blesa", Zaragoza, Spain; †Translational Cancer Research Unit Antwerp, Oncology Center, General Hospital Sint-Augustinus, Wilrijk, Belgium; ‡Department of Pathology, University Hospital "Miguel Servet", Zaragoza, Spain; §Department of Medicine, Psychiatry, and Dermatology, School of Medicine, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; and ¶Department of Oncology, KU of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.

Lymph node angio- and lymphangio-genesis have been shown to play an important role in the premetastatic niche of sentinel lymph nodes. In the current study we have investigated the association of angio- and lympangio-genesis related parameters in metastatic sentinel lymph nodes of patients with melanoma with the presence of nonsentinel and distant organ metastasis. Peritumoral and intratumoral relative blood and lymphatic vessel areas (evaluated by Chalkley method), blood and lymphatic microvessel densities, and the rates of blood and lymphatic vessel proliferation were assessed in primary tumors and sentinel lymph node metastasis of 44 patients with melanoma using CD34/Ki-67 and D240/Ki-67 immunohistochemical double staining. Read More

J Clin Oncol 2016 Apr 8;34(10):1079-86. Epub 2016 Feb 8.

Kelly M. McMasters, Michael E. Egger, Robert C.G. Martin II, and Charles R. Scoggins, University of Louisville, James Graham Brown Cancer Center; Arnold J. Stromberg, University of Kentucky; and Lee J. Hagendoorn, Advertek Louisville, KY; Michael J. Edwards and Jeffrey J. Sussman, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH; Merrick I. Ross and Jeffrey E. Gershenwald, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston; Peter D. Beitsch, Dallas Surgical Group, Dallas, TX; Douglas S. Reintgen, University of South Florida School of Medicine, Tampa, FL; R. Dirk Noyes, LDS Hospital, Salt Lake City, UT; James S. Goydos, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ; Marshall M. Urist, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL; Stephan Ariyan, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT; and B. Scott Davidson, Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, Melanoma and Sarcoma Specialists of Georgia, Atlanta, GA.

Purpose: The Sunbelt Melanoma Trial is a prospective randomized trial evaluating the role of high-dose interferon alfa-2b therapy (HDI) or completion lymph node dissection (CLND) for patients with melanoma staged by sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy.

Patients And Methods: Patients were eligible if they were age 18 to 70 years with primary cutaneous melanoma ≥ 1.0 mm Breslow thickness and underwent SLN biopsy. Read More

Nucl Med Rev Cent East Eur 2016 ;19(1):42-5

Nuclear Medicine Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.

Sentinel node mapping is an integral part of regional lymph node staging in many solid tumors and plays an important role in surgical oncology. This technique has been used with excellent results for non-melanoma skin cancers including Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). In the current study, we reported our first MCC patient who underwent successful sentinel node mapping. Read More