Prognostic factors for stage 3b melanoma outcomes

This study investigated the predictive factors for the outcomes of stage 3b melanoma. Researchers suggested that patients older than 50 years old, with tumors thicker than 2 mm and positive pelvic lymph nodes are more at risk of death by stage 3b melanoma. 

The incidence of melanoma has been rising worldwide. When detected early, is a highly curable disease. However survival decreases significantly in advanced stages of the disease. To identify the risk of disease progression in melanoma patients and to determine the best course of treatment, prognostic factors to predict the outcomes of the disease are necessary.     

This study examined ways to predict prognosis in patients with stage 3b (spread to local lymph nodes) melanoma. 

This study included information from the records of 250 stage 3b melanoma patients who underwent surgery. The average follow-up period was 52 months.

The average melanoma-specific survival (MSS; time from treatment to death by melanoma) time was 141 months. 5-year MSS was 59%. The average disease-free survival (DFS; time from treatment to disease progression) time was 36 months. 5-year DFS was 47%.

Patients more than 50 years old were 70% more at risk of a poorer outcome compared to those under 50 years old. Another factor for a worse prognosis was tumor thickness of more than 2 mm (two times the risk) and positive pelvic lymph nodes (93% more at risk).

This study determined that older age, tumor thickness of more than 2 mm and positive pelvic lymph nodes are predictive factors of a poor survival in stage 3b melanoma. These factors can be used to predict cancer outcomes and better plan the treatment of these patients.