Sentinel-node biopsy crucial for proper management and extended survival

This study evaluated the significance of sentinel-node biopsy in the outcome of melanoma patients.

In order to estimate melanoma spread, the risk of disease progression after surgery, and the aggressiveness of treatment necessary, a biopsy of the sentinel-node (the first lymph node draining the melanoma lesion) is often performed. If melanoma cells are found within the sentinel-node, a lymphadenectomy (surgical removal of regional lymph nodes) is performed, and additional therapies may be considered. However, not all patients undergo sentinel-node biopsy in addition to surgical excision of the lesion, and are rather simply observed to detect possible recurrence of the disease. This phase 3 study assessed whether sentinel-node biopsy directly affects survival of melanoma patients.

1661 were randomly assigned to undergo excision of the melanoma and observation, or excision and a sentinel-node biopsy. 10-year disease-free survival rates were significantly improved among patients with intermediate-sized melanomas undergoing a biopsy (71.3%), compared to those in the observation group (64.7%). Among those with thick melanomas undergoing a biopsy, the 10-year disease-free survival rate was 50.7%, compared to 40.5% in the observation group.

This study concluded that biopsy-based management of melanoma prolongs disease-free survival for all patients.

Consult with your physician regarding the importance of undergoing a sentinel-node biopsy in order to determine disease recurrence risk and plan treatment.