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Absence of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes in primary biopsy and ulceration are associated with worse progression free survival in early stage cutaneous melanoma: a single center retrospective analysis
  • +4
  • Kyle McGrath,
  • Tyler Elliott,
  • Vincent Archibald,
  • Erica Matich,
  • Zhanna Galochkina,
  • Ji-Hyun Lee,
  • Bently Doonan
Kyle McGrath
University of Florida
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Tyler Elliott
University of Florida College of Medicine
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Vincent Archibald
University of Florida College of Medicine
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Erica Matich
University of Florida College of Medicine
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Zhanna Galochkina
UF Health Cancer Center
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Ji-Hyun Lee
UF Health Cancer Center
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Bently Doonan
University of Florida Division of Hematology & Oncology

Corresponding Author:bently.doonan@medicine.ufl.edu

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Abstract

Background: Recent data suggest that a subset of early stage melanoma patients may benefit from adjuvant immunotherapy. Objective: To identify findings in biopsy or surgical pathology reports associated with poor prognosis in patients diagnosed with stage I and II cutaneous melanoma. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study of 68 stage I and II cutaneous melanoma patients treated at our institution from 2010 to 2022. Inclusion criteria were patients with stage I or II melanoma with both a biopsy and surgical pathology report. The primary outcome of the study was the prognostic value of biopsy findings on progression free survival (PFS). Kaplan-Meier and Cox-proportional hazards models were used to evaluate risk factors for progression. Results: Patients with ulceration on biopsy had a 16.1x greater risk of progression than those without ulceration [HR 16.1, 95% CI: 2.60-99.5]. Patients with absent lymphocytes on biopsy had a 9.5x greater risk of progressing compared to those with lymphocytes present [HR 9.45, 95% CI: 1.99-44.8]. Ulceration or absent TILs were associated with significantly worse PFS. Conclusions: Ulceration and absence of TILs on biopsy are associated with increased risk of progression in stage I and II melanoma patients.
04 Nov 2023Submitted to Cancer Reports
06 Nov 2023Submission Checks Completed
06 Nov 2023Assigned to Editor
06 Nov 2023Review(s) Completed, Editorial Evaluation Pending
11 Nov 2023Reviewer(s) Assigned