The benefit of sentinel lymph node biopsy in elderly patients with melanoma: A retrospective analysis of SEER Medicare data (2010-2018).

Background: Sentinel lymph node status is critical for melanoma staging and treatment. However, the factors influencing SLNB and its oncologic benefits in elderly patients are unclear.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients aged ≥65 with clinically node-negative melanoma and Breslow depth ≥1 ​mm, using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Medicare database (2010-2018). Multivariable logistic regression assessed SLNB likelihood by demographic and clinical factors, and Cox-proportional hazard models evaluated overall and melanoma-specific mortality (MSM) for SLNB recipients versus non-recipients.
Results: Of 13,160 melanoma patients, 62.29 ​% underwent SLNB. SLNB was linked to reduced all-cause mortality (HR: 0.65 [95%CI 0.61-0.70]) and MSM (HR: 0.76 [95%CI 0.67-0.85]). Older age, non-White race, male sex, and unmarried status was associated with decreased SLNB likelihood, while cardiopulmonary, neurologic, and secondary cancer comorbidities were associated with increased SLNB likelihood.
Conclusions: Though less frequently performed, SLNB is associated with lower mortality in elderly melanoma patients. Advanced age alone should not contraindicate SLNB.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this manuscript.
(Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)