26 July 2019This recent study reviews the development of the SkinVision smartphone app (October 2018) which was shown to have a 95% sensitivity (78% specificity) for detection of skin cancer. The study suggests the current accuracy of the algorithm may warrant the use of this app as an aid by lay users or general practitioners however further research is needed on their health impact on the health system and the user population.
25 July 2019Melanoma incidence in Australia continues to increase, however the rate at which the incidence is increasing appears to be decreasing, according to this recent study.
11 July 2019This recent observational study suggests that three levels is the optimum number of levels required to assess Breslow thickness in cutaneous invasive melanoma. No benefit was seen in further levels up to ten.
30 June 2019In this recent cohort study of 54 645 patients with a single primary melanoma and 2284 patients with multiple primary melanomas in the Netherlands, Breslow thickness was significantly decreased for second primary melanomas, but the likelihood of dying was 31% higher among patients with multiple primary melanomas, a statistically significant finding.
29 June 2019This recent American study assesses the pricing plans of sunbed use across six US cities. The data suggests that access to sunbeds can be very cheap or free in some cases. Policies that can influence prices may be effective in reducing demand however more research is required.
29 June 2019Ireland has recently launched its first national Skin Cancer Prevention Plan, designed to increase awareness and adoption of skin cancer prevention behaviours.
29 June 2019Preoperative ultrasound assessment of regional lymph nodes in melanoma patients does not provide reliable nodal staging, according to this recent multi-centre study.
29 June 2019Anti-PD1 immunotherapy KEYTRUDA (pembrolizumab) is now registered in New Zealand for the adjuvant treatment of patients with melanoma with lymph node involvement who have undergone complete resection.
13 June 2019This recent study assessed the diagnostic accuracy of four imaging studies for the initial staging of melanoma patients. It concluded that performing ultrasound for assessing lymph node metastasis in patients with AJCC T2b stage and above is advisable and CT or PET-CT are suitable for the detection of metastasis in patients with stage T4b.
13 June 2019This recent Australian study looked at bereaved carers’ experiences in advanced melanoma. Findings showed medical specialists need to recognise and address carer understanding of and need for information about prognosis as early as possible following diagnosis and communicate the uncertain benefit of new therapies in order to help patients and carers make decisions about treatment preference and care planning.
