1. Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy vs. Observation in Thin Melanoma: A Multicenter Propensity Score Matching Study
- Author
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Antonio Tejera-Vaquerizo, Aram Boada, Simone Ribero, Susana Puig, Sabela Paradela, David Moreno-Ramírez, Javier Cañueto, Blanca de Unamuno-Bustos, Ana Brinca, Miguel A. Descalzo-Gallego, Simona Osella-Abate, Paola Cassoni, Sebastian Podlipnik, Cristina Carrera, Sergi Vidal-Sicart, Ramón Pigem, Agustí Toll, Ramón Rull, Llucìa Alos, Celia Requena, Isidro Bolumar, Víctor Traves, Ángel Pla, Almudena Fernández-Orland, Ane Jaka, María Teresa Fernández-Figueras, Nina Anika Richarz, Ricardo Vieira, Rafael Botella-Estrada, Concepción Román-Curto, Lara Ferrándiz-Pulido, Nicolás Iglesias-Pena, Carlos Ferrándiz, Josep Malvehy, Pietro Quaglino, and Eduardo Nagore
- Subjects
melanoma ,sentinel lymph node biopsy ,survival ,Medicine ,General Medicine ,Article ,digestive system diseases - Abstract
The therapeutic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in thin melanoma remains controversial. The aim of this study is to determine the role of SLNB in the survival of thin melanomas (≤1 mm). A multicenter retrospective observational study was designed. A propensity score matching was performed to compare patients who underwent SLNB vs. observation. A multivariate Cox regression was used. A total of 1438 patients were matched by propensity score. There were no significant differences in melanoma-specific survival (MSS) between the SLNB and observation groups. Predictors of MSS in the multivariate model were age, tumor thickness, ulceration, and interferon treatment. Results were similar for disease-free survival and overall survival. The 5- and 10-year MSS rates for SLN-negative and -positive patients were 98.5% vs. 77.3% (p < 0.001) and 97.3% vs. 68.7% (p < 0.001), respectively. SLNB does not improve MSS in patients with thin melanoma. It also had no impact on DSF or OS. However, a considerable difference in MSS, DFS, and OS between SLN-positive and -negative patients exists, confirming its value as a prognostic procedure and therefore we recommend discussing the option of SLNB with patients.
- Published
- 2021