Melanoma: Planet Earth

Coit DG, Andtbacka R, Bichakjian CK, Dilawari RA, Dimaio D, Guild V, Halpern AC, Hodi FS, Kashani-Sabet M, Lange JR, Lind A, Martin L, Martini MC, Pruitt SK, Ross MI, Sener SF, Swetter SM, Tanabe KK, Thompson JA, Trisal V, Urist MM, Weber J, Wong MK, Anonymous00048. · No affiliation provided · J Natl Compr Canc Netw. · Pubmed #19401060 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Bensadoun RJ, Dassonville O, Rousmans S. · Oncologue radiothérapeute, Centre Antoine-Lacassagne, Nice, Boulogne-Billancourt Cedex, France. · Bull Cancer. · Pubmed #18755651 No free full text.

Abstract: The << Standards, Options : Recommendations >> (SOR) project has been undertaken by the French National Federation of Cancer Centers (FNCLCC) is now part of the French National Cancer Institute. The project involves the development and updating of evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) in oncology. This paper is a summary version of the full clinical practice guideline presenting the updated recommendations for management of patients with salivary gland malignant tumours. Recommendations on radiotherapy have been updated to underline new Options on more and more accessible emerging techniques including intensity-modulated radiotherapy, 3D conformational radiotherapy, Cyberknife, tomotherapy, protontherapy and particle accelerators producing carbon ions (e.g. last generation hadrontherapy).

Dummer R, Hauschild A, Jost L, Anonymous00147. · Department of Dermatology, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany. · Ann Oncol. · Pubmed #18456782 links to  free full text

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Garbe C, Hauschild A, Volkenandt M, Schadendorf D, Stolz W, Reinhold U, Kortmann RD, Kettelhack C, Frerich B, Keilholz U, Dummer R, Sebastian G, Tilgen W, Schuler G, Mackensen A, Kaufmann R. · University Department of Dermatology, Tübingen, Germany. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #18337653 No free full text.

Abstract: Systemic medical treatment of melanoma is administered in the adjuvant and palliative setting. Adjuvant therapy may be considered in patients with primary melanoma with more than 1.5 mm tumor thickness and with regional node metastasis. Presently no indication for systemic adjuvant chemotherapy or for adjuvant therapy with nonspecific immune-stimulatory agents outside controlled studies is seen. Interferon-alpha is the first substance in the adjuvant therapy of melanoma, which has shown to present a significant advantage to the patients in some prospective randomized studies. Good arguments for using adjuvant interferon-alpha therapy in high-risk melanoma patients exist. Both high-dose and low-dose interferon-alpha show promise. The major indications for systemic chemotherapy and chemoimmunotherapy are inoperable recurrent tumors, inoperable regional metastases and distant metastases (stage IV). As treatment in such situations is primarily palliative, the effect of any regimen on the quality of life must be carefully weighed. As a first line treatment, single agent therapy is recommended, as polychemotherapy or biochemotherapy did not show significant advantages for prolongation of survival; hence they are more toxic. An urgent need for development of new treatment modalities is necessary and general principles of experimental immunotherapy are outlined.

Garbe C, Hauschild A, Volkenandt M, Schadendorf D, Stolz W, Reinhold U, Kortmann RD, Kettelhack C, Frerich B, Keilholz U, Dummer R, Sebastian G, Tilgen W, Schuler G, Mackensen A, Kaufmann R. · University Department of Dermatology, Tübingen, Germany. · Melanoma Res. · Pubmed #18227710 No free full text.

Abstract: The primary treatment of a melanoma is surgical excision. An excisional biopsy is preferred, and safety margins of 1 cm for tumor thickness up to 2 mm and 2 cm for higher tumor thickness should be applied either at primary excision or in a two-step procedure. When dealing with facial, acral or anogenital melanomas, micrographic control of the surgical margins may be preferable to allow reduced safety margins and conservation of tissue. The sentinel lymph node biopsy should be performed in patients whose primary melanoma is thicker than 1.0 mm and this operation should be performed in centers where both the operative and nuclear medicine teams are experienced. In clinically identified lymph node metastases, radical lymph node dissection is considered standard therapy. If distant metastases involve just one internal organ and operative removal is feasible, then surgery should be seen as therapy of choice. Radiation therapy for the primary treatment of melanoma is indicated only in those cases in which surgery is impossible or not reasonable. In regional lymph nodes, radiation therapy is usually recommended when excision is not complete (R1 resection) or if the nodes are inoperable. In distant metastases, radiation therapy is particularly indicated in bone metastases, brain metastases and soft tissue metastases.

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.

Anonymous00101, Jost L. · No affiliation provided · Ann Oncol. · Pubmed #17491056 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Houghton AN, Coit DG, Daud A, Dilawari RA, Dimaio D, Gollob JA, Haas NB, Halpern A, Johnson TM, Kashani-Sabet M, Kraybill WG, Lange JR, Martini M, Ross MI, Samlowski WE, Sener SF, Tanabe KK, Thompson JA, Trisal V, Urist MM, Walker MJ, Anonymous00370. · No affiliation provided · J Natl Compr Canc Netw. · Pubmed #16884669 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Lääkäriseuran S, Anonymous00180. · Chirurgi Plastici Fennianen Asettama Työryhmä. · Duodecim. · Pubmed #16869061 No 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.

van Everdingen JJ, van der Rhee HJ, Koning CC, Nieweg OE, Kruit WH, Coebergh JW, Ruiter DJ, Anonymous00197. · Kwaliteitsinstituut voor de Gezondheidszorg CBO, Postbus 20.064, 3502 LB Utrecht. · Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. · Pubmed #16128181 No free full text.

Abstract: The guidelines 'Melanoma' (3rd revision) are evidence-based in nature. A number of outcomes are summarised in this article. Dermatoscopy deserves a standard role in the clinical diagnosis of pigmented skin abnormalities. Pathological findings from a diagnostic excision should be recorded meticulously to include anatomical localisation, type of intervention used, excision margin, diagnosis, Breslow thickness, and the completeness of the removal. The sentinel node procedure should be reserved for patients who want to be as informed as possible about their prognosis. The procedure is not considered a part of standard diagnosis. Sentinel node assessment should include stains for specific markers and should be conducted in multiple sections. The following margins of non-affected skin are recommended for therapeutic re-excision of melanoma: in situ melanoma, 0.5 cm; Breslow thickness < or = 2 mm, 1 cm; Breslow thickness > 2 mm, 2 cm. Pathological assessment of a re-excised specimen depends on the completeness of the first excision. Systematic adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma is not recommended outside the context of a clinical study. Patients with metastatic melanoma are preferably treated within a clinical study. Outside of a clinical study, these patients should be treated with dacarbazine. There is no evidence to suggest that survival is improved by frequent follow-up. However, follow-up can be a useful way to meet the information needs of patients and care requirements for physicians.

Anonymous00144, Anonymous00145. · No affiliation provided · Dermatol Nurs. · Pubmed #16035420 No free full text.

Abstract: The mutual goal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and the American Cancer Society partnership is to provide patients and the generalpublic with state of the art cancer treatment information in understandable language. This treatment information is based on the professional guidelines developed by the NCCN. It is intended to assist patients in a discussion with their doctor about the treatment that is best for their specific situation. Part I of these guidelines addressed melanoma risk factors, prevention, diagnosis, stages, prevention, and clinical trials (Vol. 17, No 2, pp. 119-131). Part II describes decision trees for evaluation and treatment.

Jost LM, Jelic S, Purkalne G, Anonymous00193. · Oncology, Kantonsspital, CH-4101 Bruderholz/BL, Switzerland. · Ann Oncol. · Pubmed #15888761 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Dummer R, Panizzon R, Bloch PH, Burg G, Anonymous00029. · Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland. · Dermatology. · Pubmed #15604544 No free full text.

Abstract: Melanoma is the most common lethal cutaneous neoplasm. In order to harmonize treatment and follow-up of melanoma patients, guidelines for the management of melanoma in Switzerland have been inaugurated in 2001. These have been approved by all Swiss medical societies involved in the care of melanoma patients. New data necessitated changes concerning the safety margins (reduction to maximally 2 cm) and modifications of the recommendations of follow-up.

Whitaker DK, Sinclair W, Anonymous00318. · · S Afr Med J. · Pubmed #15344606 links to  free full text

Abstract: OBJECTIVE: 1. The Guideline for the Management of Melanoma has been developed in an attempt to improve management through the process of locating the best available evidence on which to base decisions. It is expected to help to improve the quality of care. 2. Melanoma remains a common cancer in South Africa. Despite the achievement of earlier diagnosis, it would appear from current statistics that at least 850 people continue to die of melanoma each year. Many of these deaths occur at a younger age than for other solid tumours, so the number of years of life lost due to melanoma exceeds that of many other cancers. It is seen as imperative to maximise effective management of melanoma. 3. Prevention of melanoma has not yet been achieved, and there are no conclusive data to show that current promotion of sun avoidance has substantially altered its incidence. 4. Early detection is an important factor in melanoma management, with diagnosis based mainly on changes in colour, diameter, elevation and border (irregularity of outline) of a skin lesion, asymmetry of a lesion, or a lesion different from other naevi. People at high risk of melanoma should be offered a surveillance programme. RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. All clinicians should be trained in the recognition of early melanoma. 2. If there is doubt about a lesion, the patient should be referred for specialist opinion (if readily available) or a biopsy should be undertaken. Biopsy of a pigmented lesion should be done only on the basis of suspicion of melanoma. Excision with a 2 mm margin is adequate. 3. Prophylactic excision of benign naevi is not recommended. In general, elective lymph node dissection is not indicated. 4. People with high-risk primary melanoma, lymph node involvement and melanoma in unusual sites (e.g. mucosal and disseminated melanoma) should be managed with support from a melanoma centre. VALIDATION: Melanoma management involves many medical specialties. Guidelines should therefore be developed through a multidisciplinary consensus. The Melanoma Advisory Board consists of a forum of dermatologists, oncologists, plastic surgeons and pathologists.

Anonymous00132. · No affiliation provided · Bull Cancer. · Pubmed #15045829 links to  free full text

Abstract: CONTEXT: The Standards, Options and Recommendations (SOR) project, which started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Regional Cancer Centers, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines for practitioners to improve the quality of health care for patients with cancer. OBJECTIVES: To update clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with salivary gland malignant tumors previously validated in 1997. These recommendations cover diagnosis, classification, treatment and follow-up of patients with these tumors. 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 has been defined, the document is submitted for review by independent reviewers. RESULTS: This document presents the full report of the updated clinical practice guidelines with algorithms. The main questions addressed by the expert group in this update concern the place of fine needle aspiration biopsy in preoperative diagnosis, the place of cervical lymph node area surgical treatment, the place of postoperative irradiation and neutron therapy in the treatment of unresectable tumors and also the place of medical imaging, especially RMI, for the diagnosis of these tumors.

Fraser MC, Goldstein AM, Tucker MA, Anonymous00128. · Genetic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Department of Health and Human Services, Rockville, Maryland, USA. · J Drugs Dermatol. · Pubmed #14964756 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Lesimple T, Voigt JJ, Bataillard A, Coindre JM, Culine S, Lortholary A, Merrouche Y, Ganem G, Kaminsky MC, Negrier S, Perol M, Bedossa P, Bertrand G, Bugat R, Fizazi K, Anonymous00330. · Oncologue médical, Centre Eugène Marquis, Rennes. · Bull Cancer. · Pubmed #14715428 links to  free full text

Abstract: CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, which started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Regional Cancer Centers, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: To define Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) for the diagnosis of carcinomas of unknown primary site. 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 has been defined, the document is submitted for review by independent reviewers. RESULTS: The main recommendations for the diagnosis of carcinomas of unknown primary site are: 1) Diagnostic strategy should aim to identify anatomoclinical entities of carcinomas of unknown primary site for which there is a specific treatment. For other anatomoclinical entities, identification of the primary tumour has no impact on the prognostic or therapeutic consequences, thus a systematic complete assessment is unnecessary. 2) An immunohistochemical investigation for the diagnosis should be performed using an appropriate panel of specific antibodies. This should enable the diagnosis of lymphoma, melanoma, germ cell tumour and sarcoma to be eliminated and the diagnosis of prostate, breast, ovary, thyroid or neuroendocrine tumours to be positively identified. 3) A sample can be frozen to enable typing, cytogenetic and, particularly, molecular biological studies to be performed later. 4) The clinician and pathologist should compare their opinions before and after the pathological diagnosis.

Bensadoun RJ, Allavena C, Chauvel P, Dassonville O, Demard F, Dieu-Bosquet L, Lacau St Guily J, Ettore F, Gory-Delabaere G, Marcy PY, Reyt E, Anonymous00028, Anonymous00029, Anonymous00030, Anonymous00031, Anonymous00032, Anonymous00033. · Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice, France. · Bull Cancer. · Pubmed #12957805 links to  free full text

Abstract: CONTEXT: The "Standards, Options and Recommendations" (SOR) project, which started in 1993, is a collaboration between the Federation of French Cancer Centers (FNCLCC), the 20 French Regional Cancer Centers, and specialists from French public universities, general hospitals and private clinics. The main objective is the development of clinical practice guidelines to improve the quality of health care and the outcome of cancer patients. OBJECTIVES: To update clinical practice guidelines for the management of patients with salivary gland malignant tumors previously validated in 1997. These recommendations cover diagnosis, classification, treatment and follow-up of patients with these tumors. METHODS: The methodology is based on a literature review and critical appraisal by a multidisciplinary group of experts who define the CPG s according to the definitions of the Standards, Options and Recommendations project. Once the guidelines has been defined, the document is submitted for review by independent reviewers. RESULTS: This article is a summary version of the full document presenting the updated clinical practice guidelines with algorithms. The main questions addressed by the expert group in this update concern the place of fine needle aspiration biopsy in preoperative diagnosis, the place of cervical lymph node area surgical treatment, the place of postoperative irradiation and neutron therapy in the treatment of unresectable tumors and also the place of medical imaging, especially RMI, for the diagnosis of these tumors.

Nag S, Quivey JM, Earle JD, Followill D, Fontanesi J, Finger PT, Anonymous00040. · Department of Radiation Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA. · Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. · Pubmed #12738332 No free full text.

Abstract: PURPOSE: This article presents the American Brachytherapy Society (ABS) guidelines for the use of brachytherapy for patients with choroidal melanomas. METHODS: Members of the ABS with expertise in choroidal melanoma formulated brachytherapy guidelines based upon their clinical experience and a review of the literature. The Board of Directors of the ABS approved the final report. RESULTS: Episcleral plaque brachytherapy is a complex procedure and should only be undertaken in specialized medical centers with expertise in this sophisticated treatment program. Recommendations were made for patient selection, techniques, dose rates, and dosages. Most patients with very small uveal melanomas (<2.5 mm height and <10 mm in largest basal dimension) should be observed for tumor growth before treatment. Patients with a clinical diagnosis of medium-sized choroidal melanoma (between 2.5 and 10 mm in height and <16 mm basal diameter) are candidates for episcleral plaques if the patient is otherwise healthy and without metastatic disease. A histopathologic verification is not required. Small melanomas may be candidates if there is documented growth; some patients with large melanomas (>10 mm height or >16 mm basal diameter) may also be candidates. Patients with large tumors or with tumors at peripapillary and macular locations have a poorer visual outcome and lower local control that must be taken into account in the patient decision-making process. Patients with gross extrascleral extension, ring melanoma, and tumor involvement of more than half of the ciliary body are not suitable for plaque therapy. For plaque fabrication, the ophthalmologist must provide the tumor size (including basal diameters and tumor height) and a detailed fundus diagram. The ABS recommends a minimum tumor (125)I dose of 85 Gy at a dose rate of 0.60-1.05 Gy/h using AAPM TG-43 formalism for the calculation of dose. NRC or state licensing guidelines regarding procedures for handling of radioisotopes must be followed. CONCLUSIONS: Brachytherapy represents an effective means of treating patients with choroidal melanomas. Guidelines are established for the use of brachytherapy in the treatment of choroidal melanomas. Practitioners and cooperative groups are encouraged to use these guidelines to formulate their treatment and dose reporting policies. These guidelines will be modified as further clinical results become available.

Folberg R, Salomao D, Grossniklaus HE, Proia AD, Rao NA, Cameron JD, Anonymous00355. · Department of Ophthalmology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, 60612, USA. · Hum Pathol. · Pubmed #12612878 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.

Alazraki N, Glass EC, Castronovo F, Olmos RA, Podoloff D, Anonymous00207. · Division of Nuclear Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Atlanta, Georgia 30033, USA. · J Nucl Med. · Pubmed #12368382 links to  free full text

This publication has no abstract.

Morton CA, Brown SB, Collins S, Ibbotson S, Jenkinson H, Kurwa H, Langmack K, McKenna K, Moseley H, Pearse AD, Stringer M, Taylor DK, Wong G, Rhodes LE. · Department of Dermatology, Falkirk Royal Infirmary, Falkirk FK1 5QE, U.K. · Br J Dermatol. · Pubmed #11966684 No free full text.

Abstract: Topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective in the treatment of certain non-melanoma skin cancers and is under evaluation in other dermatoses. Its development has been enhanced by a low rate of adverse events and good cosmesis. 5-Aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) is the main agent used, converted within cells into the photosensitizer protoporphyrin IX, with surface illumination then triggering the photodynamic reaction. Despite the relative simplicity of the technique, accurate dosimetry in PDT is complicated by multiple variables in drug formulation, delivery and duration of application, in addition to light-specific parameters. Several non-coherent and coherent light sources are effective in PDT. Optimal disease-specific irradiance, wavelength and total dose characteristics have yet to be established, and are compounded by difficulties comparing light sources. The carcinogenic risk of ALA-PDT appears to be low. Current evidence indicates topical PDT to be effective in actinic keratoses on the face and scalp, Bowen's disease and superficial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). PDT may prove advantageous where size, site or number of lesions limits the efficacy and/or acceptability of conventional therapies. Topical ALA-PDT alone is a relatively poor option for both nodular BCCs and squamous cell carcinomas. Experience of the modality in other skin diseases remains limited; areas where there is potential benefit include viral warts, acne, psoriasis and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. A recent British Photodermatology Group workshop considered published evidence on topical PDT in order to establish guidelines to promote the efficacy and safety of this increasingly practised treatment modality.

Guggisberg D, Cerottini JP, Krischer J, Braun R, Dietrich PY, Liénard D, Anonymous00229. · Département hospitalo-universitaire romand de dermatologie et vénéréologie, Lausanne et Genève. · Rev Med Suisse Romande. · Pubmed #11887568 No free full text.

This publication has no abstract.