In vivo reflectance confocal microscopy can detect the invasive component of lentigo maligna melanoma: Prospective analysis and case-control study.
Abstract Background: Lentigo maligna (LM), a form of melanoma in situ, has no risk of causing metastasis unless dermal invasive melanoma (LMM) supervenes. Furthermore, the detection of invasion impacts prognosis and management. Objective: To assess the accuracy of RCM for the detection of invasion component on LM/LMM lesions. Methods: In the initial case-control study, the performance of one expert in detecting LMM at the time of initial RCM assessment of LM/LMM lesions was recorded prospectively (n = 229). The cases were assessed on RCM-histopathology correlation sessions and a panel with nine RCM features was proposed to identify LMM, which [...]
Clinical Features Associated with Outcomes and Biomarker Analysis of Dabrafenib plus Trametinib Treatment in Patients with BRAF-Mutant Melanoma Brain Metastases.
Abstract Purpose: This study aimed to identify baseline clinical features associated with the outcomes of patients enrolled in the COMBI-MB phase II study of dabrafenib and trametinib treatment in patients with V600 BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma with melanoma brain metastases (MBM). Exploratory biomarker analysis was also conducted as part of the synergistic COMBI-BRV trial (BRV116521), to identify molecular and immunologic changes associated with dabrafenib in MBMs and extracranial metastases (ECM). Patients and Methods: Post hoc analysis was performed for baseline features of patients (n = 125) enrolled in COMBI-MB. Analyses were performed to identify baseline clinical features associated with intracranial [...]
Comparative genomics provides etiological and biological insights into melanoma subtypes
Abstract Background: Metastasectomy for selected patients with melanoma was associated with improved survival in the era before effective systemic therapy. Emerging evidence shows that these benefits persist even in this era of BRAF-targeted therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of salvage metastasectomy after failure of systemic therapy. Methods: Stage 3 or 4 melanoma patients with extracranial disease progression after at least 4 weeks of systemic treatment between 2009 and 2020 were identified and categorized as resected to no evidence of disease (NED), non-progressive residual disease (NPRD), or progressive residual disease (PRD). Systemic [...]
Complex melanoma of the scalp: Diagnosis and management aided by confocal microscopy.
Abstract Melanomas of lentigo maligna subtype are a steadily growing problem and frequently represent a clinical challenge. A case is reported of a complex melanoma of the scalp illustrating the critical role of confocal microscopy for optimal diagnosis and management. Read Full Paper