Melanoma: Guillot B

Saiag P, Bosquet L, Guillot B, Verola O, Avril MF, Bailly C, Cupissol D, Dalac S, Danino A, Dréno B, Grob JJ, Leccia MT, Renaud-Vilmer C, Négrier S, Anonymous00110. · Hôpital Ambroise Paré, 92104 Boulogne, Université Versailles-Saint Quentin, France. · Eur J Dermatol. · Pubmed #17540641 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Négrier S, Saiag P, Guillot B, Verola O, Avril MF, Bailly C, Cupissol D, Dalac S, Danino A, Dreno B, Grob JJ, Leccia MT, Renaud-Vilmer C, Bosquet L, Anonymous00209, Anonymous00210, Anonymous00211, Anonymous00212, Anonymous00213, Anonymous00214, Anonymous00215, Anonymous00216. · Centre Léon-Bérard, Lyon. · Bull Cancer. · Pubmed #16714227 links to  free full text

Abstract: CONTEXT: The National French federation of comprehensive cancer centres (FNCLCC) and the French society of dermatology (SFD) initiated together the update of clinical practice guideline for the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma in collaboration with the French national cancer institute and with specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. This work is based on the methodology developed in the "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project. OBJECTIVES: To update SOR guidelines for the management of patients with cutaneous melanoma previously validated in 1998 and French melanoma consensus conference published by SFD and ANAES in 1995. METHODS: The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts who define the CPGs according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project. Once the guidelines have been developed, they are reviewed by independent reviewers. RESULTS: This article is a summary version of the updated clinical practice guidelines with algorithms. The main questions addressed by the expert group in this update concerned (1) The new AJCC-UICC classification (2) Excision margins (3) Sentinel node biopsy (4) Adjuvant treatments (5) Initial staging and follow up of operated patients.

Négrier S, Saiag P, Guillot B, Verola O, Avril MF, Bailly C, Cupissol D, Dalac S, Danino A, Dreno B, Grob JJ, Leccia MT, Renaud-Vilmer C, Bosquet L, Anonymous00273, Anonymous00274. · Centre Léon-Bérard, Lyon. · Ann Dermatol Venereol. · Pubmed #16521904 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Guillot B, Bernard A. · No affiliation provided · Ann Dermatol Venereol. · Pubmed #17384536 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Stoebner-Delbarre A, Defez C, Borrel E, Sancho-Garnier H, Guillot B, Anonymous00108. · Epidaure, Département de prévention, CRLC Val d'Aurelle, Montpellier. · Ann Dermatol Venereol. · Pubmed #16230913 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Exposure to ultraviolet sun rays is an important risk factor for the development of skin cancer. Confronted with the increase in the incidence of severe forms (melanoma), primary prevention plays a major part, together with the development of campaigns promoting individual and collective protection against ultraviolet rays. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this trial was to identify the factors of success or failure of skin cancer prevention programs and to analyze their impact. METHOD: Articles published in the literature from 1982 to 2002 were selected from the Medline databank using the following key words: "skin cancer, melanoma, evaluation, prevention and education, review, program, campaign and randomized controlled trial". For the final analysis, only the randomized trials with control group were retained. RESULTS: All the prevention programs increased short, median or long term knowledge. Conversely, the trials were sometimes contradicting with regard to the change in attitude. No methodologically correct trial clearly reported any change in behavior, the majority of them only collected intent behavior. CONCLUSION: Despite the methodological weaknesses of most of the trials published, this review of the literature underlined certain points. The most efficient programs appear to be those targeting children, the training sessions of which are long and/or repeated, with active individual participation. Programs based on the deleterious consequences of sun exposure on physical appearance appeared to produce better results in terms of any change in attitude and intent behavior.

Guillot B, Khamari A, Cupissol D, Delaunay M, Bedane C, Dreno B, Picot MC, Dereure O. · Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, University of Montpellier I, Montpellier, France. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #18337651 No free full text.

Abstract: Metastatic melanoma treatment remains disappointing, and a combined approach by chemotherapy and immunotherapy might increase the response rates through a synergistic action. Accordingly, a clinical trial using oral temozolomide (TMZ) and subcutaneous PEG-interferon alpha-2b (PEG) in patients with metastatic melanoma was designed to determine the maximal tolerated dosage of both drugs and the antitumoral response. A multicenter, prospective, phase I/II study was conducted in 31 metastatic melanoma patients, without cerebral metastasis. Dose escalation was performed according to the modified continual reassessment method scale and resulted in four cohorts of patients: TMZ 150 mg/m2 5 days/week each 4 weeks and PEG 0.5 microg/kg/week - TMZ 150 mg/m2 5 days/week and PEG 1.0 microg/kg/week - TMZ 200 mg/m2 5 days/week and PEG 0.5 microg/kg/week - TMZ 200 mg/m2 5 days/week and PEG 1.0 microg/kg/week. Patients received a maximum of six cycles. Thirty-three patients were enrolled in this study: one in the first dose level, one in the second one, 18 in the third one and 11 in the fourth one. At level 4, four of 11 patients experienced dose-limiting toxicity and four nondose-limiting toxicity; toxicity was mainly hematologic (grade IV thrombocytopenia). An objective response was observed in five patients (two complete response and three partial response) receiving level 3 or 4 of treatment. The disease remained stable in three patients, and six of 31 patients were alive 24 months after enrollment. The association of oral TMZ with subcutaneous PEG in metastatic melanoma displayed an unacceptable hematological toxicity with the dosages of 200 mg/m2 5 days/week and 1 microg/week, respectively. At a lower level, this treatment was effective and deserves further investigations to define its indications in metastatic melanoma patients.

Mornex F, Thomas L, Mohr P, Hauschild A, Delaunay MM, Lesimple T, Tilgen W, Nguyen BB, Guillot B, Ulrich J, Bourdin S, Mousseau M, Cupissol D, Bonneterre J, de Gislain C, Bensadoun JR, Clavel M. · Centre hospitalier Lyon-Sud, service de radiothérapie-oncologie, EA 643, 69495 cedex, Pierre-Bénite, France. · Cancer Radiother. · Pubmed #12648711 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: The main objective of this prospective multicenter randomised phase III study was to compare a combined regimen of fotemustine plus whole brain irradiation versus fotemustine alone in terms of cerebral response and time to cerebral progression in patients with melanoma brain metastases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Seventy-six patients (instead of the 106 planned patients; study was stopped after the interim analysis) were randomised receiving either fotemustine (arm A, n = 39) or fotemustine and whole brain irradiation (arm B, n = 37). Fotemustine was administered intravenously at 100 mg m(-2) on day 1, 8 and 15, followed by a 5-week rest period, then every 3 weeks in non-progressive patients. In arm B, a concomitant whole brain irradiation was performed at the total dose of 37.5 Gy (2.5 Gy/d(-1), days 1-5, 3 consecutive weeks). RESULTS: Although patients who received fotemustine alone had worse prognostic factors, there was no significant difference in brain response (arm A: 7.4%, B: 10.0%) or control rates (objective response plus stable disease) after seven weeks (arm A: 30%, B: 47%) and overall survival (arm A: 86d, B: 105d). However, there was a significant difference in favour of arm B for the time to brain progression (p = 0.028, Wilcoxon test). CONCLUSION: Fotemustine plus whole brain irradiation delayed the time to brain progression of melanoma cerebral metastases compared to fotemustine alone but without a significant improvement in terms of objective control or overall survival.

Mornex F, Thomas L, Mohr P, Hauschild A, Delaunay MM, Lesimple T, Tilgen W, Bui BN, Guillot B, Ulrich J, Bourdin S, Mousseau M, Cupissol D, Bonneterre ME, De Gislain C, Bensadoun RJ, Clavel M. · Centre Hospitalier Lyon Sud, Service de Radiothérapie-Oncologie, Pierre-Benite Cedex, France. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #12569292 No free full text.

Abstract: The main objective of this prospective multicentre randomized phase III study was to compare a combined regimen of fotemustine plus whole brain irradiation with fotemustine alone in terms of cerebral response and time to cerebral progression in patients with melanoma cerebral metastases. Seventy-six patients were randomized to receive either fotemustine (arm A, n = 39) or fotemustine plus whole brain irradiation (arm B, n = 37). Fotemustine was administered intravenously at 100 mg/m(2) on days 1, 8 and 15, followed by a 5 week rest period, then every 3 weeks in non-progressive patients. In arm B, concomitant whole brain irradiation was performed at a total dose of 37.5 Gy (2.5 Gy/day on days 1-5 for three consecutive weeks). Although patients who received fotemustine alone had worse prognostic factors, there was no significant difference in cerebral response (arm A, 7.4%, arm B, 10.0%) or control rates (objective responses plus stable disease) after 7 weeks (arm A, 30%; arm B, 47%) or in overall survival (arm A, 86 days; arm B, 105 days). However, there was a significant difference in favour of arm B for the time to cerebral progression (P = 0.028, Wilcoxon test). In conclusion, fotemustine plus whole brain irradiation delayed the time to cerebral progression of melanoma cerebral metastases compared with fotemustine alone but without a significant improvement in terms of objective control or overall survival.

Gaudy-Marqueste C, Madjlessi N, Guillot B, Avril MF, Grob JJ. · Department of Dermatology, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, 270 Blvd de Sainte Marguerite, Marseille 13009, France. · Arch Dermatol. · Pubmed #19380663 No free full text.

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To assess lentigo maligna (LM) as an epidemiological entity separate from other melanomas (OMs) in elderly people. DESIGN: Double age- and sex-matched case-control study to compare the risk factors for LMs and OMs. SETTING: General community. Patients A total of 76 patients with LM were paired by age and sex with 76 patients with OMs and 152 controls. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The association of melanoma risk with the following potential risk factors: sun exposure history by 10-year periods, frequency of sunburns, phenotypic traits, density of freckles and sun sensitivity at age 20 years, counts of nevi larger than 2 mm in diameter on the face and forearm, skin aging features (as assessed using a photographic scale), and history of basal and/or squamous cell carcinomas. RESULTS: Risk of LMs and OMs were similarly associated with history of sunburns, light skin type, and freckling. Cumulative chronic outdoor and occupational sun exposures were not risk factors in any of the 2 groups of melanomas. Lentigo maligna differed from OMs by the absence of a detectable association with the number of nevi and a greater association with nonmelanoma skin cancers. CONCLUSIONS: Although chronically sun-exposed skin is a prerequisite for LM, risk of LM does not increase with the cumulative dose of sun exposure, but LM is associated with sunburn history, like all other types of melanomas. The main epidemiological characteristic of LM is the absence of an apparent relation with the genetic propensity to develop nevi. This epidemiological profile is in accordance with recent molecular findings and may also account for the histoclinical and evolutive characteristics of LM.

Kluger N, Riviére S, Coupier I, Bessis D, Guillot B. · Dermatiology Unit, Saint Eloi Hospital, Montpellier, France. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #17505266 No free full text.

Abstract: Hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia is a rare autosomal-dominant vascular dysplasia characterized by telangiectasia, recurrent epistaxis, visceral arteriovenous manifestations and inheritance. Several reports have pointed out that hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia could be associated with various neoplasm development. Malignant melanoma has occasionally been reported. We herein describe two cases of fatal malignant melanoma that developed in patients with hereditary haemorrhagic telangiectasia. The potential pathogenetic relationship between those two diseases is discussed.

Dadban A, Luong MS, Téot L, Dereure O, Guillot B. · Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Montpellier, France. · J Wound Care. · Pubmed #17044357 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Dereure O, Blatiere V, Guillot B. · Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80 avenue A. Fliche, 34295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France. · Eur J Dermatol. · Pubmed #16172056 links to  free full text

Abstract: Cutaneous metastasis of malignant melanoma usually presents as pigmented or non-pigmented, sometimes angiomatous nodules of various sizes. However, we recently observed a further example of haemorrhagic-like cutaneous metastasis, a quite infrequent clinical pattern, remarkable for the multiplicity of lesions.

Guillot B, Portalès P, Thanh AD, Merlet S, Dereure O, Clot J, Corbeau P. · Service de Dermatologie and Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Hôpital Saint Eloi, 2 avenue Bertin Sans, F 34.295, Montpellier Cedex 01, France. · Br J Dermatol. · Pubmed #15840100 No free full text.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The role of cytotoxic cells in the control of cancer is now well established. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the expression of perforin and granzyme A in cytotoxic cells of patients with melanoma and to look for a link between this expression and natural tumour progression; to check if interferon (IFN)-alpha administration increased expression of cytotoxic mediators; and to evaluate if this increase was correlated with the antitumoral effect of IFN-alpha. METHODS: To determine in patients with melanoma the expression of the cytotoxic mediators perforin and granzyme A in peripheral blood natural killer (NK) and T cells, we used flow cytometry before and after IFN-alpha administration. RESULTS: Compared with healthy volunteers, we observed in 82 patients a low percentage of NK cells harbouring perforin [75% (95% confidence interval (CI) 70-79) vs. 92% (95% CI 89-95), P < 0.001] and granzyme A [48% (95% CI 41-55) vs. 73% (95% CI 66-81), P < 0.001]. By contrast, a high percentage of T cells, and particularly of CD56+ T cells, expressed perforin [56% (95% CI 41-71) vs. 28% (95% CI 18-38), P < 0.001], whereas a low percentage of CD56+ T cells expressed granzyme A [30% (95% CI 24-36) vs. 54% (95% CI 43-65), P < 0.001]. In untreated patients, the percentage of CD56+ T cells expressing granzyme A was higher in progressors than in nonprogressors [49% (95% CI 39-58) vs. 16% (95% CI 0-33), P = 0.003]. We followed cytotoxic mediator expression in 17 patients treated with IFN-alpha. IFN-alpha administration increased granzyme A expression in NK cells [44% (95% CI 27-61) and 65% (95% CI 54-76) before and after treatment, respectively, P = 0.010], rather than perforin expression, whereas expression of both perforin [46% (95% CI 30-62), and 58% (95% CI 44-73), P = 0.112] and especially granzyme A [27% (95% CI 14-40) vs. 45% (95% CI 26-64), P = 0.016] was increased in CD56+ T cells after IFN-alpha administration. Yet, this effect was not correlated with the clinical response to IFN-alpha. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, the expression of cytotoxic mediators is altered in cytotoxic cells of patients with melanoma, and increased under IFN-alpha administration.

Michot C, Dereure O, Baurain JF, Brichard V, Guillot B. · Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Montpellier, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, 80 avenue A. Fliche, 34295 Montpellier, France. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #15457104 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Guillot B, Dalac S, Delaunay M, Baccard M, Chevrant-Breton J, Dereure O, Machet L, Sassolas B, Zeller J, Bernard P, Bedane C, Wolkenstein P, Anonymous00231. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, F 34 295 Montpellier Cedex 5, France. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #15057048 No free full text.

Abstract: Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) is a genetically transmitted disease occurring approximately once in 3000 live births and resulting from mutations of the NF1 gene that encodes a protein named neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the ras-dependent pathway. An excess of neoplasia especially tumours of neuroectodermal origin is classically observed. The occurrence of malignant melanoma in patients with NF1 has already been described in scattered clinical reports but little is known as to the characteristics of melanoma arising in NF1 patients. A multicentric retrospective study was conducted on a panel of French referring centres for a period of 13 years to identify patients with both melanoma and NF1. Patients with mucosal or ocular melanoma were excluded. The diagnosis of malignant melanoma was based on specific histology whereas NF1 was identified according to the criteria proposed by the NIH Consensus Conference. All patient fulfilling criteria for both melanoma and NF1 were investigated using a common procedure recording clinical and histological data along with prognostic factors for the two diseases. Eleven patients were identified with both diseases. The clinical pattern of NF1 was quite similar to the classical form of the disease, but some unusual features were present as regards to the melanoma: a sex-ratio of 10 women for one man and an average age lower than expected (median age=33 years) for melanoma occurrence. Among prognostic factors, median thickness was high compared to large series of melanoma in the literature (3.20 versus 1.5 mm). Another neoplasia occurred in three patients. An increase in melanoma incidence in patients with NF1 remains hypothetical but our small series of malignant melanoma arising in NF1 patients displays a large female preponderance, a higher thickness than expected and a frequent association with a second neoplasia. The peculiar female proneness for cancer whatever its localization and the risk of multiple neoplasias have already been reported in NF1 patients and could be true for malignant melanoma as well.

Guillot B, Blazquez L, Bessis D, Dereure O, Guilhou JJ. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU de Montpellier, Montpellier, France. · Dermatology. · Pubmed #14730237 No free full text.

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: alpha-Interferon is associated with numerous cutaneous side effects, but the accurate incidence of these complications is not clearly known. OBJECTIVES: A prospective study was designed to evaluate the incidence and clinical pattern of cutaneous side effects in a cohort of patients receiving adjuvant therapy with low-dose interferon for malignant melanoma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 33 patients with stage IIA and IIB melanoma treated with low-dose alpha-interferon (3 MIU 3 times a week for 18 months) were prospectively enrolled in a single-center study. The patients responded to a questionnaire on their medical history and were systematically examined for any cutaneous lesions before treatment and every 3 months afterwards. RESULTS: 29/33 patients (87%) experienced 1 or more cutaneous side effects. The most frequent was hair loss and occurred in 16 cases (48.4%). Hair discoloration was noted in 6 cases (18%). Eczematous reactions at injection sites or at remote sites were observed in 13 patients (39%). Pruritus occurred in 10 cases (30%). Xerostomia, Raynaud's phenomenon or livedo reticularis were observed in 10 patients, associated with an increase in circulating autoantibody titer in 2 cases. Some rare side effects were observed: urticaria (1 case) or angioedema (1 case), worsening of preexisting seborrheic dermatitis (3 cases), herpetic recurrence (2 cases), pityriasis versicolor (1 case), worsening of recurrent buccal aphthous ulcer (1 case) and vitiligo (1 case). CONCLUSION: Cutaneous adverse events during adjuvant immunotherapy of melanoma with low-dose alpha-interferon seem to be frequent but do not result in treatment discontinuation. A good awareness of these side effects may be useful for a more accurate survey and clinical management of patients receiving this treatment.

Grob JJ, Richard MA, Gouvernet J, Avril MF, Delaunay M, Wolkenstein P, Souteyrand P, Bonerandi JJ, Machet L, Guillaume JC, Chevrant-Breton J, Vilmer C, Aubin F, Guillot B, Beylot-Barry M, Lok C, Raison-Peyron N, Chemaly P. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite Faculté de Médecine Universite de la Mediterranée, Marseille, France. · Int J Cancer. · Pubmed #12353231 No free full text.

Abstract: Primary melanoma (MM) could be a good model to test an intuitive concept: a cancer that is growing fast in its early phase is likely to have a high aggressiveness. Since MMs are visible tumors, many patients can provide information to indirectly assess the kinetics of their lesion. A prospective study was designed to assess if the kinetics of the visible growth of a primary MM, as described by the patient, could be a noninvasive prognostic marker. The ratio of MM thickness to delay between MM appearance and MM removal was used as a surrogate value for the kinetics of the MM growth. To assess the delay between MM appearance and removal, 362 patients with self-detected invasive MM fulfilled a detailed questionnaire, which provided 2 types of estimations of this delay and thus 2 melanoma kinetics indexes (MKI and MKI*). After a median follow-up of 4 years, univariate and multivariate analyses assessed whether relapse-free survival was linked to MKI or MKI*. MKI was significantly predictive of relapse-free survival (HR = 1.84 [1.51-2.25]) and relapse at 1 year (RR = 2.93 [1.84-4.69]), independently from Breslow thickness. MKI was retained in multivariate prognostic models, just after thickness and before other usual markers. MKI* was also a significant independent risk marker, although less predictive. In this model, the initial growth kinetics of a cancer reflects its aggressiveness and a high index predicts a short-term relapse. The "subjective" data obtained from patients about their MM history, although usually neglected, can thus provide a better prognostic marker than many "objective" tests.

Laveau F, Picot MC, Dereure O, Guilhou JJ, Guillot B. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Saint-Eloi, CHU, Montpellier. · Ann Dermatol Venereol. · Pubmed #11590340 links to  free full text

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Melanomas of unknown primary site are rare. To establish their diagnosis the metastatic nature of the lesion must be confirmed clinically and histologically, the melanoid nature by histology and immunohistochemistry. Any primary melanoma must be eliminated by careful examination of the skin and mucosa, and the absence of past surgical excision of skin lesions must be confirmed. We studied the epidemiological, clinic and prognostic characteristics of 19 melanomas of unknown primary site in a series of 646 melanomas.MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective study was conducted on a series of 646 melanomas recruited over a period of 14 years. The epidemiological (age, gender, phototype and family history of melanoma), clinical and prognostic parameters (relapse and global survival rate) were analyzed in 19 patients. Clinical and epidemiological data were compared with the 646 melanomas of the series. The prognostic parameters were compared with the melanomas of the series at the same stage.RESULTS: The melanomas with unknown primary site represented 2.94 p. 100 of our series and concerned 10 men and 9 women with a median age of 60 years. Eight patients presented stage III melanomas, according to MD Anderson's classification and 11 stage IV. Relapse after surgery was observed in 63 p. 100 of patients and 9 deceased during the observation period. In stage III patients the probability of survival after 2 years was of 51 p. 100 and for stage IV 34 p. 100.DISCUSSION: In our series the frequency of melanomas of unknown primary site is comparable to that observed in other studies. Compared to melanomas of known primary site, there was a preponderance in men and in slightly older patients. There was a majority of single glandular localizations and no particular site was preponderant. Survival of Stage III patients was comparable to that of melanomas of know primary site. However, for stage IV patients it appeared better, as has been noted in other series. Treatment of metastatic melanomas of unknown primary site should therefore be the same as that of classical forms. Whenever possible, surgery remains the first indication. Search for the primary site must be orientated by clinical examination including complete examination of the skin and mucosa (ENT, ophthalmologic and genito-urinary), eventually associated with paraclinical investigations, depending on the symptoms.

Richard MA, Grob JJ, Avril MF, Delaunay M, Gouvernet J, Wolkenstein P, Souteyrand P, Dreno B, Bonerandi JJ, Dalac S, Machet L, Guillaume JC, Chevrant-Breton J, Vilmer C, Aubin F, Guillot B, Beylot-Barry M, Lok C, Raison-Peyron N, Chemaly P. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France. · Int J Cancer. · Pubmed #10861505 No free full text.

Abstract: A prospective survey was conducted to assess physician responsibility in melanoma prognosis. Consecutive patients with primary melanoma were interviewed and examined using a standardized questionnaire. Main outcome measures were medical components of the delay before tumor resection and tumor thickness. Of 590 melanomas, 29.1% were coincidentally detected by physicians and their tumor depth was lower than in melanomas detected by patients (p < 0.001). Physician sensitivity for melanoma diagnosis was evaluated at 86%. Median time intervals to propose resection and to perform removal of melanoma were short: 0 (mean 103) and 7 (mean 68) days, respectively. Melanomas were managed in an inappropriate way in 14.2% of cases. Location on acral areas and absence of pigmentation were associated with longer medical delays and more frequent inappropriate medical attitudes. Melanomas located on hardly visible areas were less frequently detected by physicians than those on visible areas. Medical delays were shorter, doctor's attitude was more frequently appropriate, and melanoma thickness was lower (p < 0.001) when the patient visited a dermatologist (54.7%) than when he or she visited a general practitioner (33.4%). Our study shows that doctor responsibility accounts for only a small part of the total delay before melanoma removal. However, systematic total examination and better training of doctors, especially about unusual forms of melanoma, could still improve melanoma detection.

Richard MA, Grob JJ, Avril MF, Delaunay M, Gouvernet J, Wolkenstein P, Souteyrand P, Dreno B, Bonerandi JJ, Dalac S, Machet L, Guillaume JC, Chevrant-Breton J, Vilmer C, Aubin F, Guillot B, Beylot-Barry M, Lok C, Raison-Peyron N, Chemaly P. · Service de Dermatologie, H¿opital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France. · Int J Cancer. · Pubmed #10861504 No free full text.

Abstract: A prospective survey was conducted to assess the role of patients in the melanoma prognosis. Consecutive patients with primary melanoma were interviewed and examined using a comprehensive questionnaire including a psychological instrument. Main outcome measures were the delay before medical intervention and the tumor thickness. Of 590 melanomas, 70.8% were detected by patients and this proportion was higher in females. Relatives were involved in the detection of half of the cases. Median delays before the patient realized he had a suspicious lesion, before this lesion was seen by a doctor, and before the melanoma was removed were 4 months, 2 months, and 1 week, respectively. Delays up to several years were observed in some cases. The rate of self-detection tended to be lower, the delays before seeking medical advice to be longer, and the tumor thickness to be higher in old people, in males, in lower-educated individuals, in those living out of towns, and in people with a low awareness about melanocytic tumors than in other cases. Conversely, individuals with a high number of atypical nevi, those who were aware to be at risk, and those who regularly visited a dermatologist tended to detect their melanoma more rapidly. No specific psychological traits were associated with a late reaction, although negligence and anxiety tended to prolong the delays. Knowledge about melanoma was poor in many patients, especially in males, and wrong beliefs were widespread. This study provides the targets of future education programs.

Tournillac I, Picot MC, Dereure O, Guilhou JJ, Guillot B. · Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital Caremeau, CHU, Nîmes. · Ann Dermatol Venereol. · Pubmed #10604003 links to  free full text

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lentigo maligna melanoma is a specific histoclinical type of melanoma. We studied the epidemiologic features of lentigo maligna melanoma (Dubreuilh's melanoma) and compared prognosis with other types of melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of 516 cases of cutaneous melanomas, seen from 1985 to 1997, identified 29 cases of lentigo maligna melanoma. Epidemiologic, clinical and prognostic data were collected using a common scoring system for all patients. The chi-squared test, univariate log rank analysis, Cox multiple regression model for multivariate analysis, and actuarial survival curves were applied. RESULTS: The 29 cases of lentigo maligna melanoma (16 women, 13 men) accounted for 5.9 p. 100 of all melanomas. Mean age at diagnosis was 73 years compared with 54 years for others melanomas. Predominant localization was head and neck. There was no prior history of nevi compared with 50 p. 100. Mean delay to diagnosis was 4 years versus 1 year. All patients have had an occupation with to sun exposure. Mean tumoral thickness was 2 mm. Survival was the same as for extensive superficial melanomas and better than for nodular melanomas. Multivariate analysis showed that prognosis was not better in case of lentigo maligna melanoma. Tumoral thickness was the main prognosis factor. DISCUSSION: Our findings confirmed the specific nature of lentigo maligna melanoma and suggested that sun exposure plays an important role. Multivariate analysis did not show that prognosis was any better in case of lentigo maligna melanoma than in other types of melanoma. The thickness of the tumor must be taken into account as for other melanomas.

Richard MA, Grob JJ, Avril MF, Delaunay M, Thirion X, Wolkenstein P, Souteyrand P, Dreno B, Bonerandi JJ, Dalac S, Machet L, Guillaume JC, Chevrant-Breton J, Vilmer C, Aubin F, Guillot B, Beylot-Barry M, Lok C, Raison-Peyron N, Chemaly P. · Dermatology Services, Hôpital Sainte Marguerite, Marseille, France. · Arch Dermatol. · Pubmed #10086447 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To test the basic assumption of campaigns for early diagnosis of melanoma, ie, prognosis is correlated with the delay in the diagnosis. DESIGN: Prospective study of the correlation between delays to diagnosis, assessed using a questionnaire, and the Breslow thickness as a prognosis marker. SETTING: Dermatology departments in France. PATIENTS: Five hundred ninety consecutive patients, referred within 12 weeks after resection of cutaneous melanoma. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Assessment of 5 successive time intervals from the first time the patients realized that they had a lesion until the resection of the melanoma, and results of the correlation between each time interval and tumor thickness (Breslow). RESULTS: There is a positive but weak correlation between tumor thickness and the delay to identify a lesion as suspicious (r = 0.17; P = .009). However, this delay tends to be short for the thickest tumors. There is a negative correlation between tumor thickness and the delay to seek medical attention (r = -0.20; P<.001). This delay was shorter for nodular melanoma. No correlation is found between melanoma thickness and physicians' delays. CONCLUSIONS: Poor prognosis can be accounted for by aggressive rapidly growing tumors rather than by delays. In well-informed populations, campaigns for early diagnosis of melanoma may thus no longer have a major impact on prognosis, unless they are focused on subgroups less accessible to information and medical care.

Khalil Z, Pageot N, Carlander B, Guillot B. · No affiliation provided · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #16314745 No free full text.

Abstract: Fotemustine is a cytotoxic drug belonging to the group of nitrosourea derivatives, and is used in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, particularly when secondary brain lesions are present. We report the case of a female patient in partial response following 10 courses of fotemustine and featuring a rapidly progressing mental impairment. The clinical and radiological patterns were consistent with a fotemustine-related toxic encephalopathy, as described previously in a recent report. The physician should be aware of this neurological complication of fotemustine, so that it may be recognized early and not attributed erroneously to tumour evolution.

Ligeron-Esbrayat C, Guillot B. · No affiliation provided · Presse Med. · Pubmed #12579082 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.