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A narrative review on the outcome of primary cutaneous melanomas arising in solid organ transplant recipients

  • Clinical Report
  • Published:
European Journal of Dermatology Aims and scope

Abstract

Background

Chronic immunosuppression is a risk factor for cutaneous melanoma, as indicated by the increased incidence among solid organ transplant recipients (OTRs). The outcome of post-transplant melanomas has not frequently been investigated.

Objectives

The aim of this narrative review was to investigate overall survival (OS) and melanoma-specific mortality (MSM) of primary cutaneous melanomas (CM) among OTRs compared to the outcome of cutaneous melanomas arising in immuno-competent patients.

Materials & Methods

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed to identify studies reporting on primary CM among OTRs and their outcome. The search was restricted to the English language and included investigations through to April 1st, 2019.

Results

Of the seven articles included, all except one reported a lower OS for primary CM among OTRs compared to immunocompetent patients. In these six investigations, MSM was increased, but not relative to Clark level, Breslow thickness or American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage.

Conclusion

A lower OS can be expected among OTRs with primary CM. There is still much heterogeneity in MSM adjusted for Breslow thickness, AJCC staging and Clark level, with no conclusive answers. Prospective studies are needed to clarify MSM for this specific patient group.

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Acknowledgements and disclosures

Acknowledgements: We would like to thank Thomas Vandendriessche, Magdalena Jans and Krizia Tuand, the biomedical reference librarians of the KU Leuven Libraries-2Bergen-learning Centre Désiré Collen (Leuven, Belgium), for their help in setting up the search terms. Financial support: none. Conflicts of interest: none

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium

    Vrysen Arne, Güvenç Canan & Garmyn Marjan

Authors
  1. Vrysen Arne
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  2. Güvenç Canan
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  3. Garmyn Marjan
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Correspondence to Garmyn Marjan.

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Arne, V., Canan, G. & Marjan, G. A narrative review on the outcome of primary cutaneous melanomas arising in solid organ transplant recipients. Eur J Dermatol 31, 364–371 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2021.4067

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1684/ejd.2021.4067

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