What is the term for a patient who has undergone excision of melanoma and has been completely cleared of all signs of cancer, also known as (malignant melanoma)?

From the Guidelines

A patient who has had melanoma excised and has been completely cleared of all signs of cancer is referred to as a melanoma survivor or a patient with a history of melanoma in remission, with the term "no evidence of disease" (NED) also commonly used in clinical settings to describe this status. When considering the management of such patients, it is crucial to prioritize their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study, 1, published in 2019 in the Annals of Oncology, provides guidelines for the follow-up and management of melanoma patients. According to these guidelines, patients should be instructed in the avoidance of sunburns, extended unprotected solar or artificial UV exposure, and in lifelong regular self-examinations of the skin and peripheral lymph nodes. Key points to consider in the management of melanoma survivors include:

• The importance of regular skin examinations, typically every 3-6 months for the first few years after treatment, then annually thereafter, as recommended by 1.
• The potential use of imaging studies such as CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs for patients who had higher-stage melanoma, although there is no consensus on the optimal schedule for follow-up or the utility of these tests, as noted in 1.
• The need for patients to perform monthly self-skin examinations and practice sun protection measures, including daily sunscreen use, protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV exposure times, as emphasized in 1.
• The increased risk of recurrence and development of new primary melanomas in melanoma survivors, particularly in the first 3-5 years after diagnosis, which correlates with the original tumor's characteristics, as discussed in 1. Overall, the management of melanoma survivors requires a comprehensive approach that prioritizes their morbidity, mortality, and quality of life, with a focus on regular surveillance, sun protection, and education on self-examinations and risk factors.

From the Research

Definition of a Patient with No Signs of Cancer

• A patient who has had melanoma excised and has been completely cleared of all signs of cancer can be referred to as a patient with no evidence of disease (NED) 2, 3.
• This term is used to describe patients who have undergone treatment for melanoma and have shown no signs of cancer recurrence or metastasis.

Factors Associated with Residual Melanoma

• Studies have identified several factors associated with residual melanoma after excision, including:
  • Lentigo maligna (LM)/LM melanoma (LMM) subtype 2
  • Nodular melanoma (NM) subtype 2
  • Higher tumor mitotic rate 2
  • Breslow thickness >4 mm 2, 3
  • Larger lesion diameter 2
  • Amelanosis 2

Prognosis and Treatment

• Residual melanoma after an excisional biopsy is an independent prognostic factor for local recurrence and overall survival 3.
• Treatment options for patients with melanoma may include interferon (IFN) alpha-2b therapy, which has been shown to be effective in reducing the risk of recurrence and improving overall survival 4, 5.
• Topical IFNα-2b eye drops may be a useful adjunctive treatment for patients with conjunctival melanoma following surgical resection 6.