This recent observational study suggests that three levels is the optimum number of levels required to assess Breslow thickness in cutaneous invasive melanoma. No benefit was seen in further levels up to ten.
In this recent cohort study of 54 645 patients with a single primary melanoma and 2284 patients with multiple primary melanomas in the Netherlands, Breslow thickness was significantly decreased for second primary melanomas, but the likelihood of dying was 31% higher among patients with multiple primary melanomas, a statistically significant finding.
This recent American study assesses the pricing plans of sunbed use across six US cities. The data suggests that access to sunbeds can be very cheap or free in some cases. Policies that can influence prices may be effective in reducing demand however more research is required.
Ireland has recently launched its first national Skin Cancer Prevention Plan, designed to increase awareness and adoption of skin cancer prevention behaviours.
Preoperative ultrasound assessment of regional lymph nodes in melanoma patients does not provide reliable nodal staging, according to this recent multi-centre study.
Anti-PD1 immunotherapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is now registered in New Zealand for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with lymph node involvement who have undergone complete resection.
This recent study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of four imaging studies for the initial staging of melanoma patients. It concluded that performing ultrasound for assessing lymph node metastasis in patients with AJCC T2b stage and above is advisable and CT or PET-CT are suitable for the detection of metastasis in patients with stage T4b.
This recent Australian study looked at bereaved carers’ experiences in advanced melanoma. Findings showed medical specialists need to recognise and address carer understanding of and need for information about prognosis as early as possible following diagnosis and communicate the uncertain benefit of new therapies in order to help patients and carers make decisions about treatment preference and care planning.
This recent Australian study assessed emotional and behavioural responses to melanoma genetic risk information. According to the study, there were many positive responses, with a number of participants reporting that it helped improve their sun-protective behaviour.
Farmers in NSW practice sun-protective behaviours less than half the time, although the majority of farmers rank these behaviours as very or extremely important, according to this recent Australian study. The study suggests a need for targeted interventions to encourage farmers to improve sun-protection practices and undertake annual skin checks.