Melanoma Research最新文献

{"title":"Melanoma risk following fertility treatment in infertile women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Maria Lúcia Brito de Araujo Paysano, Michele Kreuz, Thiago Gorayeb Rebelo, Barbara Antonia Dups Talah, Artur de Oliveira Macena Lôbo, Emanuele Rocha da Silva, Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001090","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infertility treatments, particularly ovulation-inducing medications, have raised concerns regarding their potential association with melanoma development. Although theoretical mechanisms suggest that hormonal stimulation during these therapies could influence melanoma risk, current evidence remains inconclusive. This meta-analysis aims to determine whether women undergoing fertility treatments have a higher incidence of melanoma compared with untreated infertile women. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. A random-effects model with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to estimate the pooled hazard ratios and risk ratios. Statistical analyses were performed using R software (version 4.4.3). A total of eight cohort studies were included, reporting 11 061 cases of melanoma, with follow-up periods ranging from 8.8 to 21 years. The pooled hazard ratio analysis demonstrated a statistically significant modest increase in melanoma risk among women exposed to any fertility treatment compared with untreated controls (hazard ratio: 1.16; 95% CI: 1.04-1.29). Clomiphene use showed a nonsignificant trend toward increased risk (hazard ratio: 1.75; 95% CI: 0.93-3.33). Similarly, no significant associations were found for assisted reproductive technology (hazard ratio: 1.10; 95% CI: 0.81-1.36) or gonadotropins (hazard ratio: 1.03; 95% CI: 0.49-2.16). The risk ratio analysis across all fertility treatments also did not demonstrate statistical significance (risk ratio: 1.45; 95% CI: 0.76-2.78). This meta-analysis suggests a modest, statistically significant increase in melanoma risk among infertile women treated with fertility-inducing medications overall. Future large‑scale, prospective cohort studies are needed to clarify the association between fertility treatments and melanoma development.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"158-165"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147633301","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasonographic and histopathological correlation in choroidal melanoma: survival outcomes from a single-center study in Serbia.","authors":"Dolika D Vasović, Dejan M Rašić, Bojana Dačić-Krnjaja, Tanja Kalezić, Jovana Kuzmanović Pfićer, Jelena Simonović, Jelena Vasilijević, Igor Kovačević, Sanja Petrović-Pajić, Ivan Marjanović","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001092","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To compare ultrasonographic and histopathological measurements of tumor size in enucleated eyes with choroidal melanoma and to evaluate the prognostic significance of tumor dimensions and morphological characteristics in a Serbian cohort. This retrospective study included 59 consecutive patients with histopathologically confirmed choroidal melanoma who underwent enucleation at the University Eye Hospital, Clinical Centre of Serbia. All ultrasonographic examinations, surgical procedures, and histopathological assessments were performed by single dedicated subspecialists. Preoperative B-scan ultrasonography was used to measure tumor base diameter and thickness, which were compared with postoperative macroscopic histopathological dimensions using paired statistical tests, Bland-Altman analysis, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Survival outcomes were assessed using Pearson and Spearman correlations and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Patients were followed for a minimum of 1 year, with some monitored for up to 5 years. Data are presented as mean ± SD. The mean ultrasonographic base diameter and thickness were 14.63 ± 3.98 and 10.34 ± 3.54 mm, respectively, compared with 18.04 ± 6.54 and 10.55 ± 3.72 mm on pathology. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement for tumor thickness (mean difference 0.2 mm; limits of agreement -5.5 to +5.5 mm) and acceptable agreement for base diameter (mean difference 3.4 mm; limits -8.2 to +15.1 mm). ICC indicated moderate agreement for base diameter (0.501) and excellent agreement for thickness (0.843). Pathological thickness correlated significantly with shorter metastasis-free survival ( r = -0.293, P  = 0.024). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significantly poorer survival for patients with T3-T4 tumors. Ultrasonography provides a reliable preoperative estimation of choroidal melanoma size, particularly for tumor thickness, although histopathology remains essential for prognostication. Survival patterns in this cohort align with international data, highlighting the relevance of tumor thickness and morphology and emphasizing the value of data from an underrepresented region.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"182-188"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326656","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Reversal of rare paraneoplastic syndromes in melanoma: fever and cutaneous melanosis.","authors":"Jasper J L van Geel, Ndidi J Obihara, Dirk H van Rens, Marye J Boers-Sonderen, Johannes J Bonenkamp, Kalijn F Bol","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001091","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Paraneoplastic syndromes (PNS), manifestations of systemic effects of a tumor, are rare in patients with melanoma. We describe two cases of patients who presented with rare PNS, fever, and cutaneous melanosis, that resolved after treatment of melanoma. The first patient, a 64-year-old woman, presented with high fever. After diagnostic evaluation, infectious causes were excluded and the patient was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma. The fever was attributed as a PNS. After surgical removal of a large necrotic intramuscular metastasis in her leg, her fever dissolved completely, allowing continuation of immunotherapy. The second patient, a 76-year-old man, presented with a grayish skin pigmentation and dark urine and referred to the gastroenterologist. He was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma and his symptoms were recognized as cutaneous melanosis. After initiation of immunotherapy, the pigmentation gradually faded. This case series show two distinct and rare paraneoplastic phenomena in melanoma. Early recognition and tailored management of PNS is crucial, as these syndromes may obscure underlying malignancy or influence patient's overall condition. In our cases, PNS resolved after tumor-directed treatment.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"229-232"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124267/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390602","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immune-related cholecystitis following combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab in a patient with metastatic melanoma: a case report and literature review.","authors":"Aikaterini Gkoufa, Amalia Anastasopoulou, Georgia Sypsa, Helen Gogas, Panagiotis T Diamantopoulos","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001097","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer treatment but are associated with a range of immune-related adverse events (irAEs). While gastrointestinal irAEs are well-recognized, cholecystitis remains an exceedingly rare and poorly understood complication. We present a rare case of ir-cholecystitis in a patient with melanoma following combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab. The patient developed acute gastrointestinal symptoms and fever shortly after the second dose, leading to hospitalization. Laboratory evaluation and imaging studies confirmed cholecystitis without gallstones, while given the timing, clinical context, and imaging findings, immune-related cholecystitis was suspected. Initial conservative management with intravenous hydration, antibiotics, and bowel rest was insufficient, necessitating corticosteroid therapy, which led to rapid clinical improvement. This case underscores the importance of considering rare irAEs, such as ir-cholecystitis, in patients receiving ICIs - even in the absence of classical symptoms. Due to the scarcity of reported cases and the absence of established treatment guidelines, management remains empirical. Our experience, together with a review of the available literature, supports the potential role of corticosteroids in refractory cases, though further research is needed to guide standardized therapeutic approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"166-170"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147513460","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"FGD1 guanine nucleotide exchange factor drives secondary resistance to BRAF inhibition in melanoma.","authors":"Guy Namir, Mounib Elchebly, Andreas I Papadakis, Alan Spatz","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001095","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>FGD1 is an X-linked gene and acts as a guanine nucleotide exchange factor that activates guanosine triphosphatase Cdc42 and influences cell cycle progression, cell morphology, motility, and extracellular matrix degradation. In this study, we aim to understand FGD1 function in melanoma to better understand the correlation between poor survival and high FGD1 expression identified in The Cancer Genome Atlas messenger RNA data, especially in patients with BRAF mutations. FGD1 knockdown in BRAF V600E-mutated melanoma cell lines reduces cell proliferation and induces secondary resistance to BRAF inhibition, while increasing sensitivity to p21-activated kinase inhibition. Markedly, when FGD1 knockdown becomes ineffective, resistant cells not only restore endogenous FGD1 expression but also exhibit upregulation of epidermal growth factor receptor and phospho-p21-activated kinase, both known markers of BRAF inhibition resistance, highlighting a shift toward an adaptive resistance phenotype. Furthermore, we show that secondary resistance induced by prolonged exposure of melanoma cells to BRAF inhibitor is associated with reduced FGD1 levels. These findings highlight the importance of FGD1 in melanoma progression and the acquisition of secondary resistance, positioning the FGD1 -mediated signaling pathway as a putative therapeutic target.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"171-181"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147390631","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prediction of progression of hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma using gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.","authors":"Ji Eun Lee, Sunyoung Lee, Jeong Ah Hwang, Seo-Youn Choi, Ji Eun Moon","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001096","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>MRI is the preferred method for evaluating hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma. This study was aimed to predict the progression of hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma using gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI findings. This retrospective study included patients (≥18 years) with uveal melanoma who underwent gadoxetic acid-enhanced liver MRI for evaluation of hepatic metastasis between 2010 and 2023 at two tertiary referral centers. Radiologists retrospectively evaluated the baseline MRI findings of the included patients and assessed tumor responses on follow-up studies according to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1. Independent prognostic factors for the time to progression of hepatic metastases were identified using Cox proportional regression analysis. A nomogram based on the multivariable analysis was created and internally validated. A total of 65 patients (mean age, 61.5 ± 14.0 years; 36 men and 29 women) were included. Multivariable analysis revealed that the size of the largest tumor [hazard ratio (HR): 1.028, P  = 0.005], precontrast T1 hypointensity (HR: 3.033, P  = 0.016), mild to moderate T2 hyperintensity (HR: 3.680, P  = 0.001), and hepatobiliary phase hypointensity (HR: 3.370, P  = 0.020) were significantly associated with shorter time to progressions of hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma. An internally validated nomogram developed using these MRI findings demonstrated excellent agreement between the predicted probabilities and actual rates of tumor progression, as shown by the calibration plots, with a Harrell's c-index of 0.807. Gadoxetic acid-enhanced MRI findings may be useful in predicting the progression of hepatic metastases from uveal melanoma.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"211-218"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147499229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Rapid hyperacute intracranial deterioration following initiation of ipilimumab/nivolumab in BRAF V600E-mutant melanoma of unknown primary with brain metastases after BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy: a case series.","authors":"Maja Ivanova, Igor Stojkovski, Violeta Klisarovska","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001098","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Therapeutic sequencing in BRAF-mutant melanoma with active brain metastases remains clinically challenging. Limited data exist regarding outcomes following transition from BRAF/MEK inhibition to combined immune checkpoint inhibition in patients with melanoma of unknown primary (MUP). We retrospectively reviewed three patients with BRAF V600E-mutant MUP treated at a single tertiary oncology center. All patients had previously received BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy for 7-12 months before developing brain metastases. Ipilimumab/nivolumab was initiated following disease progression after a washout interval exceeding 7 days. Clinical course, imaging findings, and laboratory parameters were analyzed. Patients were aged 41-64 years and had preserved performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group: 0) prior to intracranial progression. Brain metastases (2-3 lesions per patient) were confirmed on MRI without evidence of hemorrhage prior to immunotherapy initiation. All patients had elevated lactate dehydrogenase at the time of transition. Neurological symptoms developed rapidly within 2-5 days after initiation of immunotherapy. All required high-dose corticosteroids (dexamethasone: 16 mg intravenously daily). No overt immune-related laboratory toxicities were observed. All three patients died within 2 weeks of starting combined immune checkpoint inhibition. Patients with BRAF V600E-mutant MUP and active brain metastases with elevated lactate dehydrogenase may represent a particularly high-risk subgroup in whom immediate transition from targeted therapy to dual immune checkpoint inhibition can be followed by hyperacute intracranial clinical deterioration. These observations underscore the importance of therapeutic sequencing.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"233-235"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147628045","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recent advances in the molecular genetic mechanisms and immune microenvironment of uveal melanoma.","authors":"Kaidi Yang, Di Wu","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001089","DOIUrl":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Given the therapeutic challenges posed by the unique molecular genetic mechanisms and immune-privileged microenvironment of uveal melanoma, this review aims to systematically evaluate the latest research on the molecular genetics and immune microenvironment of uveal melanoma, providing insights for translational research and the development of clinical treatment strategies. In gene therapy, a recombinant adeno-associated viral vector engineered to target the oncogenic GNAQ Q209L mutation achieved single-base-pair precision knockdown, offering a novel approach to overcoming the complex therapeutic challenges posed by downstream signaling in this pathway. Regarding tumor metastasis, BAP1 inactivation induces a low-metabolic state by inhibiting the mTORC1/p70S6K1 pathway, enabling tumor cells to adapt to nutritional stress during metastasis. Concurrently, BAP1 mutations regulate cell adhesion molecules and suppress the nuclear factor-κB pathway, collectively establishing an immunosuppressive microenvironment that drives the highly metastatic nature of uveal melanoma. The predictive value of chromosome 8q amplification was shown to be context-dependent, with high-risk subgroups exhibiting extremely poor prognosis, particularly in BAP1-mutant cases. At the epigenetic level, miR-181a-5p demonstrates therapeutic potential by inducing uveal melanoma apoptosis through targeting GNAQ and AKT3. Clinically, the bispecific T-cell redirection drug Tebentafusp has achieved a major breakthrough in metastatic uveal melanoma immunotherapy. This review systematically elucidates key driver gene mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, epigenetic alterations, and the unique immunosuppressive microenvironment of uveal melanoma, providing new insights into mechanisms of treatment resistance and guiding the development of innovative therapeutic strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":"145-157"},"PeriodicalIF":1.8,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13124269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147326591","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ultrasound imaging features of cervical lymph nodes with melanoma metastasis compared with benign cervical nodes.","authors":"Sahar Alizada, Heba Al Qudah, Thinh Vu, John Stewart, Komal Shah, James Matthew Debnam, Soumya Sahu, Hamza A Salim, Ahmed Msherghi, Anastasios Maniakas, Mark E Zafereo, Ryan P Goepfert, Max Wintermark, Salmaan Ahmed","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001107","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CMR.0000000000001107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Cutaneous melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer, accounting for a small fraction of global cancers but a disproportionate share of skin cancer deaths. Accurate detection of lymph node involvement is critical, as nodal metastasis reduces long-term survival in patients with melanoma. This study aimed to highlight the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound in distinguishing cervical lymph nodes with melanoma metastasis from benign cervical lymph nodes. A retrospective review of 115 cervical lymph nodes from 87 patients who underwent fine needle aspiration biopsy for suspected melanoma metastasis was conducted. Sonographic images were independently assessed by two neuroradiologists for nodal margin, cortical echogenicity, hilum, vascular flow pattern, posterior acoustic enhancement, cystic change, calcification, and anteroposterior (AP) and transverse diameters. Of 115 nodes, 48 were metastatic, and 67 were benign. Cervical lymph nodes with melanoma metastasis more frequently exhibited irregular margins (P < 0.001), hypoechoic cortex (P = 0.02), obscured or absent hilum (P = 0.001), abnormal vascular flow (P < 0.001), posterior acoustic enhancement (P < 0.001), larger AP diameter (P < 0.001), and larger transverse diameter (P < 0.001) than benign nodes. Multivariate logistic regression incorporating age and sex into the model identified irregular margins [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.79, odds ratio (OR) = 7.63, P = 0.02], absent or disorganized vascular flow (aRR = 1.82, OR = 5.05, P = 0.01), and posterior acoustic enhancement (aRR = 1.90, OR = 6.61, P < 0.001) as independent predictors of malignancy.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147988124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Divergent pathways of melanoma development: evidence from a Southern European cohort.","authors":"Ioannis A Stratigos, Clio Dessinioti, Vasiliki Nikolaou, Angeliki Befon, Mihaella Plaka, Irene Stefanaki, Katerina Kypreou, Gregorios Champsas, Michalis Sofopoulos, Evangelia Papadavid, Pagona Lagiou, Electra Nicolaidou, Alexander J Stratigos","doi":"10.1097/CMR.0000000000001075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1097/CMR.0000000000001075","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Nevus counts in the divergent pathway model of melanoma development have been studied mainly in patients in Australia. Our aim was to compare nevus counts and the melanoma subtype for melanomas arising on chronically sun-exposed body versus non-chronically sun-exposed body locations in Southern European patients. This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data from 2013 to 2023 at a melanoma referral center in Athens, Greece, in patients diagnosed with invasive melanoma of the superficial spreading melanoma (SSM) or nodular melanoma subtype. Multivariate multinomial logistic regression analysis was performed. In 1252 patients with SSM or nodular melanoma, the median age (interquartile range) was 57 (46, 67) years old and 51% were males. Regarding nevus counts, 57.9% of patients had 0-25 nevi (low), while the remaining 42.1% had greater than 25 nevi (high). In multivariate analysis, those with greater than 25 nevi (versus ≤25) were significantly less likely to have melanoma developing on the head/neck (chronically sun exposed body site) [odds ratio (OR): 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.38-0.93] or on the lower extremity (OR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44--0.87), compared with having melanoma on the trunk (non-chronically sun exposed). Regarding the melanoma subtype, those with SSM versus nodular melanoma subtype were 53% less likely to have melanoma developing on the head/neck (OR: 0.47, 95% CI: 0.30-0.75), compared with the trunk. The melanoma subtype (SSM or nodular melanoma) did not significantly differ across upper extremity (OR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.59-1.51) or lower extremity (OR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.66-1.62) locations of melanoma development compared with the trunk. In conclusion, the association of higher nevus counts with melanomas developing on the trunk supports the divergent pathways of melanoma development in Southern European patients. Melanomas on the head/neck were significantly associated with lower numbers of nevi and were more likely to be nodular melanoma subtype.</p>","PeriodicalId":18550,"journal":{"name":"Melanoma Research","volume":"36 2","pages":"122-128"},"PeriodicalIF":1.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147290527","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}