Course: Early Detection and Prognostic Assessment of Cutaneous Melanoma: Consensus on Optimal Practice and the Role of Gene Expression Profile Testing
CME Credits: 1.00
Released: 2023-03-15
Key Points
Question What are the recommended methods for early detection and prognostic assessment of cutaneous melanoma?Findings In this consensus statement, via a modified Delphi method, melanoma experts supported a risk-stratified approach to various aspects of melanoma screening as well as the use of visual and dermoscopic examination, the interpretation of reflectance confocal microscopy, and some uses of epidermal tape stripping. They did not, based on available evidence, reach consensus on the role for gene expression profile testing in clinical decision-making.
Meaning The study results suggest that a risk-stratified approach to melanoma screening may be most appropriate; the role of molecular-based diagnostic and prognostic tests in cutaneous melanoma is evolving.
Abstract
Importance Therapy for advanced melanoma has transformed during the past decade, but early detection and prognostic assessment of cutaneous melanoma (CM) remain paramount goals. Best practices for screening and use of pigmented lesion evaluation tools and gene expression profile (GEP) testing in CM remain to be defined.Objective To provide consensus recommendations on optimal screening practices and prebiopsy diagnostic, postbiopsy diagnostic, and prognostic assessment of CM.
Evidence Review Case scenarios were interrogated using a modified Delphi consensus method. Melanoma panelists (n?=-60) were invited to vote on hypothetical scenarios via an emailed survey (n?=-42), which was followed by a consensus conference (n?=-51) that reviewed the literature and the rationale for survey answers. Panelists participated in a follow-up survey for final recommendations on the scenarios (n?=-45).
Findings The panelists reached consensus (-70% agreement) in supporting a risk-stratified approach to melanoma screening in clinical settings and public screening events, screening personnel recommendations (self/partner, primary care provider, general dermatologist, and pigmented lesion expert), screening intervals, and acceptable appointment wait times. Participants also reached consensus that visual and dermoscopic examination are sufficient for evaluation and follow-up of melanocytic skin lesions deemed innocuous. The panelists reached consensus on interpreting reflectance confocal microscopy and some but not all results from epidermal tape stripping, but they did not reach consensus on use of certain pigmented lesion evaluation tools, such as electrical impedance spectroscopy. Regarding GEP scores, the panelists reached consensus that a low-risk prognostic GEP score should not outweigh concerning histologic features when selecting patients to undergo sentinel lymph node biopsy but did not reach consensus on imaging recommendations in the setting of a high-risk prognostic GEP score and low-risk histology and/or negative nodal status.
Conclusions and Relevance For this consensus statement, panelists reached consensus on aspects of a risk-stratified approach to melanoma screening and follow-up as well as use of visual examination and dermoscopy. These findings support a practical approach to diagnosing and evaluating CM. Panelists did not reach consensus on a clearly defined role for GEP testing in clinical decision-making, citing the need for additional studies to establish the clinical use of existing GEP assays.
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