Histopathologic regression in patients with primary cutaneous melanoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy is associated with favorable survival and, after metastasis, with improved progression-free survival on immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy: A single-institutional cohort study

• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2023.11.040
• Publication Date: 2023-12-01T17:05:53Z
• Authors: Nikolaus B. Wagner; Sarah M. Knierim; Felix Luttermann; Gisela Metzler; Amir S. Yazdi; Jürgen Bauer; Maximilian Gassen...; Andrea Forschner; Ulrike Leiter; Teresa Amaral; Claus Garbe; Thomas K. Eigentler; Stephan Forchhammer; Lukas Flatz
• Keywords: Cohort Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy; Humans; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local; Sentinel Lymph Node; Prognosis; Melanoma; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Progression-Free Survival; Retrospective Studies

BackgroundHistopathologic regression of cutaneous melanoma is considered a favorable prognostic factor, but its significance in clinical practice remains controversial.ObjectiveTo investigate the importance patients with primary undergoing sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy and to assess progressing an unresectable stage requiring systemic therapy.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed newly diagnosed SLN between 2010 2015 available information on histopathologic (n = 1179). Survival data associations variables status were assessed.ResultsPatients regressive showed relapse-free (hazard ratio [HR], 0.52; P .00013), distant metastasis–free (HR, 0.56; .0020), melanoma-specific survival 0.35; .00053). Regression was associated negative (odds ratio, 0.48; .0077). In who progressed stage, progression-free under immune checkpoint inhibition 0.43; .031) not targeted therapy 1.14; .73) or chemotherapy 3.65; .0095).LimitationsRetrospective, single-institutional design.ConclusionsRegression improved prognosis eligible for as well disease receiving inhibitors. Histopathologic controversial. To therapy. We assessed. Patients .0095). Retrospective, design.