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Risk factors might be used to tailor surveillance program for melanoma

Researchers found characteristics in patients at higher risk for melanoma that could be used to tailor surveillance programs and educate about skin self-examinations, according to study results recently published in JAMA Dermatology.

The researchers conducted an observational study based on physicians’ reported treatment of 2,727 patients with in situ or invasive melanoma between October 2006 and October 2007 in New South Wales, Australia. Data analysis was conducted between 2015 and 2016.

There were 1,052 patients (39%) who were defined as having higher risk, with factors including having many nevi (62%), personal history (42%) and a family history (28%). The higher risk cohort had a younger mean age at diagnosis (62 vs. 65 years; P < .001). which differed by risk factor, compared with the 1,675 lower-risk factor patients. The age factor was consistent for all body sites and histological subtypes except lentigo maligna melanoma.

Based on risk factor in the higher-risk patients, many nevi were associated with melanoma on the trunk (41% vs. 29%; P < .001), family history was associated with having melanoma on the limbs (57% vs. 42%; P < .001), and personal history was associated with having melanomas on the head and neck (21% vs. 15%; P = .003).

“Individuals at higher risk of developing melanoma are likely to benefit from increased surveillance including who-body skin checks and monitoring of nevi,” the researchers concluded. “The results of our study suggest that a person’s risk factor status might be used to tailor their surveillance program in terms of starting age and education about skin self-examination or more intensive surveillance.” – by Bruce Thiel

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.