Most read cutaneous oncology articles of 2022

Healio has compiled a top 10 list of its most read articles related to cutaneous oncology in 2022.

The top story detailed the associations between melanoma progression and COVID-19, followed by a study confirming the widespread concern of melanoma overdiagnosis in the United States. The remaining articles included stories addressing skin cancer prevention, the risk of treatment delays and Moderna’s new cancer vaccine.

Here are Healio’s top 10 cutaneous oncology stories of 2022:

Patients present with later stage melanoma during COVID-19 pandemic

The most read article in this subspeciality involved the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on melanoma patients. Many patients presented with more advanced disease progression during the pandemic than before. Researchers conducted a retrospective analysis on melanoma staging in 246 patients evaluated at one care center between the start of the COVID-19 pandemic on March 11, 2020, through Jan. 12, 2021. Read more.

Melanoma overdiagnosis may be common in U.S. white men, women

In March, Healio reported on a growing trend in melanoma diagnosis and mortality that suggests white individuals in the U.S. are overdiagnosed with the disease.

“The rate of melanoma diagnosis has increased sixfold over the past 40 years, yet melanoma mortality has remained relatively stable,” the authors told Healio. “These epidemiologic features are concerning for overdiagnosis, which is the diagnosis of cancer that would never have caused any symptoms or problems in a patient’s lifetime.” Read more.

Childhood sunburns ‘important contributor’ to melanoma, cSCC later in life

In November, Healio spoke with Simon Lergenmuller, PhD, of the department of clinical and registry-based research at the Institute of Population-Based Cancer Research, Cancer Registry of Norway, who confirmed that sunburns early in life may be associated with melanoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma later in life. Read more.

Melanoma thickness associated with decreased survival

Melanoma thickness has a progressive relationship with decreasing survival, however that relationship is lost in patients with melanomas 15 mm or thicker, according to a study published at the beginning of the year. The authors found that long-term survival tends to occur more often in patients with melanomas 15 mm or thicker compared with patients who have melanomas 4 mm to 8 mm. Read more.

Melanoma treatment delays associated with increased mortality

Over the summer, Healio reported on delays in melanoma treatment that are associated with overall and melanoma-specific mortality. Delays as small as even 1 month may be associated with significantly worsened overall mortality with increasing delays being associated with melanoma-specific mortality. Read more.

Q&A: Dermatologist talks ‘safe sun practices’ during Skin Cancer Awareness Month

During Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May, the Skin Cancer Foundation reported that skin cancer is more prevalent in the U.S. than all other cancers combined, with more than 9,500 Americans diagnosed and more than two reported deaths every day. Healio spoke with Carolyn Jacob, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, about the evolution of skin cancer treatment, the most important steps in prevention and lesser-known symptoms that can aid diagnosis. Read more.

Merkel cell carcinoma sees recurrence rate of 40% at 5 years

In March, Healio covered a study about the recurrence rates of Merkel cell carcinoma in patients. The study found that recurrence occurs in 40% of patients within the first 5 years and 90% within the first 3 years. However, the study authors told Healio that dermatologists can reassure their patients that their risk is much less once they pass the 3- to 4-year threshold. Read more.

mRNA cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda promising in adjuvant treatment of melanoma

As the year drew to a close, Moderna introduced its mRNA-4157/V940 investigational, personalized cancer vaccine. Moderna’s trials found that the vaccine along with Keytruda met the primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival for the adjuvant treatment of stage III/IV melanoma after surgical resection. Read more.

Skin screenings may lead to increased biopsy rates, melanoma overdiagnosis

A study published in October found that individuals who undergo skin screenings experience higher rates of biopsies and melanoma. This study confirmed the growing concern that increased diagnostic scrutiny, including frequent skin examinations and biopsies, is leading to the detection of indolent melanomas that otherwise would have never become lethal. Read more.

Viruses, ultraviolet sunlight increase skin cancer risk in posttransplant patients

Once again in March, Healio’s final top 10 cutaneous oncology article detailed the skin cancer risk among individuals who have undergone solid organ transplantation and are exposed to viral infections or ultraviolet sunlight. The study found that these patients experience a much higher risk of developing melanoma or cancers associated with viruses. Read more.