Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2019-04-17eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2019/1628247
O Obadofin, K Badmos, N Orsi, M Bipin, O Rotimi, A Banjo
{"title":"Immunohistochemical Analysis of BRAF (V600E) Mutation and P16 Expression in Malignant Melanoma in Lagos, Nigeria: A 10-Year Retrospective Study.","authors":"O Obadofin, K Badmos, N Orsi, M Bipin, O Rotimi, A Banjo","doi":"10.1155/2019/1628247","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/1628247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In Blacks, malignant melanoma (MM) is associated with greater morbidity and mortality compared to Caucasians. MMs with BRAF V600E mutation as well as those with loss of p16 protein expression are associated with aggressive behavior and worse prognosis.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>We determined BRAF (V600E) mutation status and loss of p16 expression in MM cases in Lagos, Nigeria, and correlated these with histopathologic parameters and patients' age.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-five cases of MM received between January 2005 and December 2014 in the Anatomic and Molecular Pathology Department of Lagos University Teaching Hospital were subjected to immunohistochemical studies to determine BRAF V600E mutation and p16 protein expression. These included cutaneous (<i>n</i>=37), musosal (<i>n</i>=3), and ocular MM (<i>n</i>=2) as well as lymph node metastatases (<i>n</i>=3).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>BRAF (V600E) mutations were detected in 5/45 (11%) while 31/45 (69%) of the cases had loss of p16 expression. No statistically significant association was found between the BRAF (V600E) mutation, loss of p16 expression, and histologic parameters such as histologic variant, Clark level, Breslow thickness, and ulceration.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BRAF (V600E) mutation was detected only in a small proportion of cases while loss of p16 expression occurred in most cases which also had high Clark level, high Breslow thickness, and ulceration.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2019 ","pages":"1628247"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2019-04-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2019/1628247","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37281440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2019-03-10eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2019/7089482
Nikolai Gräger, Mareike Leffler, Jens Gottlieb, Jan Fuge, Gregor Warnecke, Ralf Gutzmer, Imke Satzger
{"title":"Risk Factors for Developing Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer after Lung Transplantation.","authors":"Nikolai Gräger, Mareike Leffler, Jens Gottlieb, Jan Fuge, Gregor Warnecke, Ralf Gutzmer, Imke Satzger","doi":"10.1155/2019/7089482","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7089482","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NSMC) is the most common malignancy after organ transplantation. Lung transplant recipients (LTRs) are particularly prone to develop NMSC as compared to renal or hepatic transplant recipients due to higher dosages of immunosuppression needed. Everolimus, an immunosuppressant used in organ transplant recipients, is thought to inherit a lower risk for NMSC than calcineurin inhibitors, especially in renal transplant recipients. It is currently unknown whether this also applies to LTRs.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To determine risk factors for NMSC and precancerous lesions after lung transplantation (LTx) and to characterize the effect of everolimus-based regimens regarding this risk.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>90 LTRs and former participants of the interventional trial \"Immunosuppressive Therapy with Everolimus after Lung Transplantation\", who were randomized to receive either an everolimus- or mycophenolate mofetil- (MMF-) based regimen, were enrolled and screened in this retrospective, single-center cohort study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After a median follow-up of 101 months, we observed a prevalence of 38% for NMSC or precancerous lesions. 33% of the patients continuously receiving everolimus from LTx to dermatologic examination compared to 39% of all other patients, predominantly receiving an MMF-based regimen, were diagnosed with at least one NMSC or precancerous lesion (<i>P=</i>.66). Independent risk factors for NMSC or precancerous lesions after LTx were male sex and duration of voriconazole therapy.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>NMSC or precancerous lesions were very common after LTx, and risk factors were similar to previous reports on LTRs. Everolimus did not decrease this risk under the given circumstances of this study. Patients should be counseled regarding their risk, perform vigorous sunscreen, and undergo regular dermatological controls, regardless of their immunosuppressive regimen.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2019 ","pages":"7089482"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2019-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2019/7089482","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"37328347","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2019-01-03eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2019/4876309
Firas Al-Qarqaz, Khaldon Bodoor, Awad Al-Tarawneh, Haytham Eloqayli, Wisam Al Gargaz, Diala Alshiyab, Jihan Muhaidat, Mohammad Alqudah, Rowida Almomani, Maha Marji
{"title":"Basal Cell Carcinoma Pathology Requests and Reports Are Lacking Important Information.","authors":"Firas Al-Qarqaz, Khaldon Bodoor, Awad Al-Tarawneh, Haytham Eloqayli, Wisam Al Gargaz, Diala Alshiyab, Jihan Muhaidat, Mohammad Alqudah, Rowida Almomani, Maha Marji","doi":"10.1155/2019/4876309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/4876309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting humans. Luckily it has negligible risk for metastasis; however it can be locally destructive to surrounding tissue. The diagnosis of this tumor relies on clinical and dermoscopic features; however confirmation requires biopsy and histologic examination. Based on clinical and pathologic findings, BCC is classified as low or high risk subtype. The clinician requesting pathology examination for BCC should provide the pathologist with detailed information including patient details, relevant clinical and medical history, site and type of the biopsy, and whether this is a primary or recurrent lesion. The pathologist on the other hand should write an adequate report containing a minimum of core set of parameters including type of BCC, depth of invasion, presence of lymphovascular or perineural invasion, and the excision margins.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The objective of this study is to evaluate whether requests by clinicians and pathology reports of BCC are adequate.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This is a retrospective analysis done at the dermatology department, faculty of medicine at Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan. Reports for the period from January 2003 to December 2017 were retrieved and analyzed for data completeness.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Most clinical request forms of BCC provided by clinicians are inadequate and lack important relevant information especially in regard to lesion history, patient medical history, and whether BCC is a primary or a recurrent one. Pathology reports for BCC cases also have significant deficiency especially in describing the histologic subtype, depth of invasion, and presence of lymphovascular and perineural invasion. However, the tumor excision margins are adequately described in almost all reports.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The study shows that clinicians do not provide adequate clinical information when submitting a request for histopathologic examination of BCC. Similarly, pathologists write incomplete reports that lack important pathologic features. Having pre-set forms (electronic proforma) can help overcome missing information.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2019 ","pages":"4876309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2019-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2019/4876309","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36977203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2018-10-04eCollection Date: 2018-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2018/2624054
Firas Al-Qarqaz, Maha Marji, Khaldon Bodoor, Rowida Almomani, Wisam Al Gargaz, Diala Alshiyab, Jihan Muhaidat, Mohammad Alqudah
{"title":"Clinical and Demographic Features of Basal Cell Carcinoma in North Jordan.","authors":"Firas Al-Qarqaz, Maha Marji, Khaldon Bodoor, Rowida Almomani, Wisam Al Gargaz, Diala Alshiyab, Jihan Muhaidat, Mohammad Alqudah","doi":"10.1155/2018/2624054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/2624054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cancer affecting humans. It almost has no tendency for metastasis; however it can be destructive to surrounding tissue. Patients with darker skin colors have lower risk of developing skin cancers and the clinical characteristics may differ from populations with lighter skin colors. <i>Methods</i>. This is a retrospective clinical study (2003-2017). Data on age, gender, and location of tumor were collected and analyzed. <i>Results</i>. 335 cases were identified. Males tend to get BCC at a younger age than females. Face was the most common site in both males and females. Cheeks and nose were the most likely areas of the face to be involved. Scalp was the most common extrafacial site to be involved in males; however in females scalp was much less likely to be involved. <i>Conclusion</i>. BCC is less common in populations with darker skin. Males were more affected and at an earlier age compared to females. Facial skin followed by scalp was the most common site affected. Skin phototype, cultural and religious dress type, and different sun exposure behavior may explain many of the clinical and demographic findings related to BCC in patients with darker skin tones.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2018 ","pages":"2624054"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-10-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2018/2624054","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36737637","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2018-06-03eCollection Date: 2018-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2018/6061395
Jordan W Oldbury, Richard A J Wain, Sameera Abas, Christopher M Dobson, Srinivasan S Iyer
{"title":"Basosquamous Carcinoma: A Single Centre Clinicopathological Evaluation and Proposal of an Evidence-Based Protocol.","authors":"Jordan W Oldbury, Richard A J Wain, Sameera Abas, Christopher M Dobson, Srinivasan S Iyer","doi":"10.1155/2018/6061395","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/6061395","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Basosquamous carcinoma (BSC) is an uncommon skin malignancy with significant invasive and metastatic potential. There are currently no clear management guidelines. This study evaluates the management and outcomes of patients diagnosed with BSC over a 7-year period. We present an evidence-based unit protocol for the management of BSC. All patients treated for BSC between 2009 and 2015 were reviewed. Data collected included patient demographics, tumour-specific information, management strategy, presence of recurrence or metastasis, and details of follow-up. 74 patients were identified, making this one of the largest cohorts of BSC patients reported. Mean age at diagnosis was 75.4 years, with a male:female ratio of 1.6:1. The most common tumour site was the head and neck (n=43, 58.1%). All tumours were graded at pT1 (n=51) or pT2 (n=23). Inadequate excision occurred in 17 patients (23%). Mean excision margins were >4mm peripherally and deep. Inadequately excised BSCs were further treated with wide local excision (n=6) or radiotherapy (n=5), or both (n=1). There were no cases of local recurrence or metastatic disease. This study demonstrates a cohort of patients with BSCs that appear less aggressive than previously reported. Current management with surgical excision appears to produce adequate results. However, an evidence-based guideline is still lacking.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2018 ","pages":"6061395"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2018/6061395","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36285518","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2018-05-02eCollection Date: 2018-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2018/9838410
Vinka Nurdjaja, Masato Yozu, Jon A Mathy
{"title":"Essential Components of Melanoma Histopathological Reporting: The Surgical Oncologist's Perspective.","authors":"Vinka Nurdjaja, Masato Yozu, Jon A Mathy","doi":"10.1155/2018/9838410","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2018/9838410","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Histopathological reporting plays a critical role in guiding the surgical oncologist's management plan in treatment of primary cutaneous melanoma. The International Collaboration on Cancer Reporting (ICCR) espouses various components of structured histopathological reporting as \"essential\" or \"recommended.\" From a surgical oncologist's perspective, we discuss the clinical relevance of each essential component, as well as prognostic and treatment implications with regard to treatment planning.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2018 ","pages":"9838410"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2018/9838410","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"36181906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2018-01-28eCollection Date: 2018-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2018/3454309
Javier F Boyas, Vinayak K Nahar
{"title":"Predictors of Sun Protective Behaviors among Latino Day Laborers.","authors":"Javier F Boyas, Vinayak K Nahar","doi":"10.1155/2018/3454309","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/3454309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Despite the substantial solar ultraviolet radiation experienced by Latino day laborers, little attention has been given to factors that are associated with sun protective behaviors. The purpose of this study was to examine psychological and nonpsychological predictors of sun protective behaviors among Latino day laborers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study included a nonrandom sample of 137 Latino day laborers recruited from Mississippi and Illinois. Participants completed a self-report survey instrument, available in English and Spanish, on sun protective behaviors.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Multivariate regression results showed that sun protective behaviors were significantly greater among Latino day laborers: (a) who had greater perceptions that their supervisor also engaged in sun protective behaviors (<i>β</i> = 0.25, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01); (b) who reported higher levels of health literacy (<i>β</i> = 0.23, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.001); (c) who have greater knowledge of skin cancer risk factors (<i>β</i> = 0.21, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01); and (d) who have skin tone that was self-perceived to be more prone to sunburns (<i>β</i> = 0.19, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Latino day laborers possess marginal levels of skin cancer knowledge and engage minimally in sun protective behaviors. Skin cancer prevention interventions are warranted for this high-risk group, particularly in the locations in which Latino day laborers work.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2018 ","pages":"3454309"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2018/3454309","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"35981716","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2018-01-21eCollection Date: 2018-01-01DOI: 10.1155/2018/9602540
Anna J Lomax, Jennifer Lim, Robert Cheng, Arianne Sweeting, Patricia Lowe, Neil McGill, Nicholas Shackel, Elizabeth L Chua, Catriona McNeil
{"title":"Immune Toxicity with Checkpoint Inhibition for Metastatic Melanoma: Case Series and Clinical Management.","authors":"Anna J Lomax, Jennifer Lim, Robert Cheng, Arianne Sweeting, Patricia Lowe, Neil McGill, Nicholas Shackel, Elizabeth L Chua, Catriona McNeil","doi":"10.1155/2018/9602540","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2018/9602540","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immune checkpoint inhibitors (anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 antibodies) are a standard of care for advanced melanoma. Novel toxicities comprise immune-related adverse events (irAE). With increasing use, irAE require recognition, practical management strategies, and multidisciplinary care. We retrospectively evaluated the incidence, kinetics, and management of irAE in 41 patients receiving anti-PD-1 antibody therapy (pembrolizumab) for advanced melanoma. 63% received prior anti-CTLA-4 antibody therapy (ipilimumab). IrAE occurred in 54%, most commonly dermatological (24%), rheumatological (22%), and thyroid dysfunction (12%). Thyroiditis was characterised by a brief asymptomatic hyperthyroid phase followed by a symptomatic hypothyroid phase requiring thyroxine replacement. Transplant rejection doses of methylprednisolone were necessary to manage refractory hepatotoxicity. A bullous pemphigoid-like skin reaction with refractory pruritus responded to corticosteroids and neuropathic analgesia. Disabling grade 3-4 oligoarthritis required sulfasalazine therapy in combination with steroids. The median interval between the last dose of anti-CTLA-4 antibody and the first dose of anti-PD-1 therapy was 2.0 months (range: 0.4 to 22.4). Toxicities may occur late; this requires vigilance and multidisciplinary management which may allow effective anticancer therapy to continue. Management algorithms for thyroiditis, hypophysitis, arthralgia/arthritis, colitis, steroid-refractory hepatitis, and skin toxicity are discussed.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2018 ","pages":"9602540"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2018-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2018/9602540","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"35970102","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Journal of Skin CancerPub Date : 2017-01-01Epub Date: 2017-04-03DOI: 10.1155/2017/6902942
Geraldine F H McLeod, Anthony I Reeder, Andrew R Gray, Rob McGee
{"title":"Unintended Sunburn: A Potential Target for Sun Protection Messages.","authors":"Geraldine F H McLeod, Anthony I Reeder, Andrew R Gray, Rob McGee","doi":"10.1155/2017/6902942","DOIUrl":"10.1155/2017/6902942","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>New Zealand (NZ) has the highest melanoma incidence rate in the world. Primary prevention efforts focus on reducing sunburn incidence and increasing sun protective practices in the population. However, sunburn from excessive ultraviolet radiation (UVR) remains common. To reduce sunburn incidence, it is important to examine those individuals who experience unintended sunburn. This study aims to use data from the NZ Triennial Sun Protection Survey to describe respondents who were not intending to tan but were sunburnt after outdoor UVR exposure. Information on sociodemographics, concurrent weather conditions, sun protection attitudes and knowledge, and outdoor behaviour was also collected. The results showed 13.5% of respondents' experienced unintended sunburn during the survey weekend but had not attempted to obtain a tan that summer. Respondents who reported unintended sunburn were more likely than others to have been near water and in unshaded areas, used sunscreen, had higher SunSmart knowledge scores, had lower positive attitudes towards tanning, and were outdoors for a longer duration with less body coverage. As sunburn was unintended these respondents' outdoor sun protective behaviours may be amenable to change. Future public health initiatives should focus on increasing sun protection (clothing and shade) and reducing potential barriers to sun protection.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2017 ","pages":"6902942"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5394386/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"34969009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Microvessel Density in Patients with Cutaneous Melanoma: An Up-to-Date Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Konstantinos Perivoliotis, Panagiotis Ntellas, Katerina Dadouli, Prodromos Koutoukoglou, Maria Ioannou, Konstantinos Tepetes","doi":"10.1155/2017/2049140","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/2049140","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We conducted a meta-analysis, in order to appraise the effect of microvessel density (MVD) on the survival of patients with cutaneous melanoma.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. A systematic literature search in electronic databases (MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials) was performed. Fixed Effects or Random Effects model was used, based on the Cochran <i>Q</i> test.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total 9 studies (903 patients) were included. Pooled HR for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were 2.62 (95% CI: 0.71-9.60, <i>p</i> = 0.15) and 2.64 (95% CI: 0.82-8.47, <i>p</i> = 0.10), respectively. Odds ratios of overall survival between high and low MVD groups, at 12 (1.45, 95% CI: 0.16-13.24), 36 (2.93, 95% CI: 0.63-13.59), and 60 (4.09, 95% CI: 0.85-19.77) months did not reach statistical significance. Significant superiority of low MVD group, in terms of DFS, at all time intervals (OR: 4.69, <i>p</i> < 0.0001; OR: 2.18, <i>p</i> = 0.004; OR: 7.46, <i>p</i> = 0.01, resp.) was documented.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>MVD does not affect the HR of OS and DFS. A strong correlation with DFS rates at 12, 36, and 60 months was recorded.</p>","PeriodicalId":17172,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Skin Cancer","volume":"2017 ","pages":"2049140"},"PeriodicalIF":1.1,"publicationDate":"2017-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1155/2017/2049140","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"35828878","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}