Online prediction tools for melanoma survival: A comparison.

BACKGROUND: Breslow thickness, patient age and ulceration are the three most valuable clinical and pathological predictors of melanoma survival. A readily available reliable online tool that accurately considers these and other predictors could be valuable for clinicians managing melanoma patients. OBJECTIVE: To compare online melanoma survival prediction tools that request user input on clinical and pathological features. METHODS: Search engines were used to identify available predictive nomograms. For each, clinical and pathological predictors were compared. RESULTS: Three tools were identified. The American Joint Committee on Cancer tool inappropriately rated thin tumours as higher risk than intermediate tumours. The University of Louisville tool was found to have six shortcomings: a requirement for sentinel node biopsy, unavailable input of thin melanoma or patients over 70 years of age and less reliable hazard ratio calculations for age, ulceration and tumour thickness. The LifeMath.net tool was found to appropriately consider tumour thickness, ulceration, age, sex, site and tumour subtype in predicting survival. LIMITATIONS: The authors did not have access to the base data used to compile various prediction tools. CONCLUSION: The LifeMath.net prediction tool is the most reliable for clinicians in counselling patients with newly diagnosed primary cutaneous melanoma regarding their survival prospects.

No survival benefit for patients with melanoma undergoing sentinel lymph node biopsy: critical appraisal of the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial-I final report.

BACKGROUND: Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) was developed in the hope that it would improve outcomes for patients with melanoma. SLNB is an area of discussion and controversy in melanoma medicine. The final trial results of the Multicenter Selective Lymphadenectomy Trial (MSLT-I) have now been published and the authors suggest their long-term results 'clearly validate the use of sentinel-node biopsy in patients with intermediate-thickness or thick primary melanomas'. An accompanying editorial states that MSLT-I is a practice-changing trial. CONCLUSIONS: However, critical appraisal of MSLT-I data does not support the claims of the final report. On the contrary, MSLT-I failed to demonstrate that there is a significant treatment-related difference in the 10-year melanoma-specific survival rate in the overall study population. Furthermore, there was no improvement in overall or melanoma-specific survival of the intermediate-thickness group (1·2-3·5 mm). Completion lymphadenectomy can result in complications in about a third of patients, with a rate of clinically significant lymphoedema following axillary or groin dissection of 5-10%. Unnecessary lymphadenectomy can therefore have a major effect on patient quality of life. The evidence provided by Morton et al. does not support the claim that sentinel lymph node biopsy followed by lymphadenectomy in patients with positive sentinel nodes should be the standard of care in patients with melanoma. Readers are encouraged to check with registration sites to make sure declared primary outcomes are fairly reported. Post-hoc analyses are at best exploratory and cannot be used to form the principal conclusions of a trial.

A novel monilethrix mutation in coil 2A of KRT86 causing autosomal dominant monilethrix with incomplete penetrance.

BACKGROUND: Monilethrix is a genetic hair shaft disorder that causes a dystrophic alopecia. Mutations causing autosomal dominant monilethrix have been found in the helix initiation and helix termination motifs of the type II hair keratins KRT81, KRT83 and KRT86. Mutations in DSG4 are linked to recessive transmission. OBJECTIVES: We investigated a large Tasmanian family demonstrating autosomal dominant monilethrix with incomplete penetrance in order to identify the responsible genetic mutation. As only some affected hairs were moniliform, analysis was undertaken to demonstrate a deficit in the tensile strength of nonmoniliform hairs. METHODS: One hundred and twenty family members were examined. Light microscopy of hair samples was used to support clinical diagnoses. Linkage and gene sequencing studies were then undertaken. Nonbeaded fibres were analysed using the Single Fibre Analyser 3 (SIFAN 3). RESULTS: We identified a novel A280V (c.839C > T substitution) mutation in the coil 2A region of KRT86. This is the first mutation located in a region other than the helix initiation or termination motifs. The A280V mutation was identified in both affected and clinically unaffected family members. Nonmoniliform hairs demonstrated reduced elasticity among both affected and unaffected individuals carrying the A280V mutation. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first mutation located in a region other than the helix initiation or termination motifs, thus expanding the spectrum of mutations and highlighting the importance of molecular diagnosis in monilethrix.

Regional nerve blockade prior to direct injection to achieve anaesthesia of the nasal ala.

BACKGROUND: Dermatological surgical procedures involving the nasal alae are commonplace in clinical practice. Direct infiltration of local anaesthetic into the nasal ala is extremely uncomfortable. OBJECTIVES: In this prospective clinical study, we investigate the effectiveness of alar anaesthesia provided by an infraorbital nerve block (IOB). METHODS: We recruited 100 consecutive patients requiring dermatological surgical procedures involving the nasal ala (or other sites necessitating an IOB). Following topical mucosal anaesthesia, an IOB was administered via the intraoral route. Effectiveness of anaesthesia was assessed after 10 min by testing the perception of a sharp stimulus at five standardized reference points on the nasal ala. If the ala was not completely anaesthetized, blockade of the external nasal branch of the anterior ethmoidal nerve (external nerve block, ENB) was performed. Sensation of the nasal ala was re-assessed after 10 min using the above method. RESULTS: Complete anaesthesia of the nasal ala was achieved with an IOB in 66 of 100 (66%) patients. Of the remaining 34 patients, the addition of an ENB achieved complete anaesthesia in 15 (44%). CONCLUSIONS: An IOB provides effective alar anaesthesia in the majority of patients. In those where it is ineffective for complete anaesthesia, an ENB is a useful adjunct. We recommend using an IOB (and ENB if required) prior to direct infiltration of local anaesthetic into the nasal ala to reduce patient discomfort.

Interventions for alopecia areata.

BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata is a disorder in which there is loss of hair causing patches of baldness but with no scarring of the affected area. It can affect the entire scalp (alopecia totalis) or cause loss of all body hair (alopecia universalis). It is a relatively common condition affecting 0.15% of the population. Although in many cases it can be a self-limiting condition, nevertheless hair loss can often have a severe social and emotional impact. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of interventions used in the management of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis. SEARCH STRATEGY: We searched the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register in February 2006, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 1, 2006), MEDLINE (from 2003 to February 2006), EMBASE (from 2005 to February 2006), PsycINFO (from 1806 to February 2006), AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine, from 1985 to February 2006), LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Science Information database, from 1982 to February 2006), and reference lists of articles. We also searched online trials registries for ongoing trials. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of both topical and systemic interventions for alopecia areata, alopecia totalis, and alopecia universalis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two authors assessed trial quality and extracted the data. We contacted trial authors for more information. We collected adverse effects information from the included trials. MAIN RESULTS: Seventeen trials were included with a total of 540 participants. Each trial included from 6 to 85 participants and they assessed a range of interventions that included topical and oral corticosteroids, topical ciclosporin, photodynamic therapy and topical minoxidil. Overall, none of the interventions showed significant treatment benefit in terms of hair growth when compared with placebo. We did not find any studies where the participants self-assessed their hair growth or quality of life. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Few treatments for alopecia areata have been well evaluated in randomised trials. We found no RCTs on the use of diphencyprone, dinitrochlorobenzene, intralesional corticosteroids or dithranol although they are commonly used for the treatment of alopecia areata. Similarly although topical steroids and minoxidil are widely prescribed and appear to be safe, there is no convincing evidence that they are beneficial in the long-term. Most trials have been reported poorly and are so small that any important clinical benefits are inconclusive. There is a desperate need for large well conducted studies that evaluate long-term effects of therapies on quality of life. Considering the possibility of spontaneous remission especially for those in the early stages of the disease, the options of not being treated therapeutically or, depending on individual preference wearing a wig may be alternative ways of dealing with this condition.

Do Australian family physicians screen smokers for lung cancer?

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To determine family physicians' perceptions of the effectiveness of chest radiographs (CXRs) in reducing premature mortality from lung cancer and their self-reported levels of screening asymptomatic heavy smokers. DESIGN: National postal survey of 1,271 family physicians, obtaining 855 completed questionnaires (67% response rate). SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of Australian family physicians. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: One in five (n = 169, 20%) indicated that an annual CXR was an effective screening test. Older physicians were significantly more likely to hold this view (p < 0.0001). Nearly 25% (n = 190, 22.5%) reported that they recommend an annual CXR as a screening test for asymptomatic heavy smokers. Three variables independently predicted such a practice: increasing physician age (p = 0.0085), being in solo practice (p = 0.0068), and the aforementioned belief in its effectiveness (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: A substantial minority of family physicians recommends an annual CXR as a screening test despite contradictory evidence from randomized controlled trials. These significant variations in the absence of epidemiologic evidence invite further research to develop effective, efficient, and affordable preventive care in family practice.

Skin cancer screening by Australian family physicians: variation with physician beliefs and geographic locality.

INTRODUCTION: Australian national policies do not recommend skin cancer screening. We measured family physicians' beliefs, self-reported practices, and predictors of using clinical skin examination for skin cancer screening. METHOD: Random self-administered postal survey of 1271 Australian family physicians (FPs) performed during 1996, obtaining 855 completed questionnaires (67% response rate). RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of FPs surveyed indicated that they thought clinical skin examination was effective in reducing premature death from skin cancer; 72% indicated that they should be performed annually; and 60% indicated that all adults should be screened. Only 3% indicated correctly that screening has not been tested to determine its effectiveness. Although most FPs were unlikely to adopt an opportunistic approach to screening, 64% indicated that they would recommend clinical skin examination during a health check-up. FPs in northern (high incidence) latitudes were 3 to 4 times more likely to adopt opportunistic screening, and twice as likely to discuss clinical skin examination in a dedicated check-up. FPs were more likely to advocate screening in male rather than female patients. Half of respondents were unaware of relevant guidelines. CONCLUSION: Although Australian policies do not recommend clinical skin examination because of insufficient evidence as yet of effectiveness, FPs show considerable support for screening. Geographic location, patient gender, and physician beliefs predict the self-reported provision of clinical skin examination by family physicians, suggesting that factors other than published guidelines affect clinical practice.

Do the beliefs of Australian general practitioners about the effectiveness of cancer screening accord with the evidence?

A national random sample of 855 Australian general practitioners was surveyed about their belief in the effectiveness of cancer screening tests in reducing premature mortality. Responses were then compared with scientific evidence of effectiveness for each test. 92% of respondents believed mammography to be effective compared with only 38% for faecal occult blood testing, despite comparable evidence of effectiveness from randomised controlled trials. Seven tests outranked their belief in faecal occult blood testing, despite weaker evidence. Further efforts are required to align general practitioners' beliefs better with the evidence.

Australian general practitioners' views and use of tests to detect early prostate cancer.

To describe general practitioners' current beliefs, knowledge and self-reported practices in prostate cancer screening, we conducted a national survey of 1,271 general practitioners, obtaining 855 completed questionnaires (67% response rate). Available tests for prostate cancer screening, namely DRE and PSA alone and in combination, were indicated to be effective by 49%, 43% and 68% of respondents respectively, with older GPs significantly more likely to hold these views. The effect of guidelines was mixed. Less than 8% of respondents indicated they did not recommend screening. Although the majority of GPs were unlikely to adopt an opportunistic approach to prostate cancer screening, 63%, 57% and 46% indicated they would recommend DRE, PSA or both respectively during a dedicated health check up. Awareness of relevant guidelines was low, with nearly half of respondents unable to recall publications from the RACGP or ACS. Counter-intuitively, awareness of ACS guidelines for prostate cancer screening (which advise against screening) was significantly associated with the converse behaviour. Findings from this first national study behove proactive and highly targeted dissemination in general practice of the AHTAC policy announced by the Commonwealth Health Minister in August 1996.

Labour-saving strategies to maintain survey response rates: a randomised trial.

To evaluate response-aiding strategies feasible in large surveys, we randomly allocated general practitioners (GPs) to one of four intervention groups: Group 1 received 'exhaustive' telephone prompts by a medical peer in advance of a questionnaire; Group 2, inclusion of an embossed pen with the questionnaire; Group 3, an advance letter prompt; and Group 4, a 'single attempt' advance telephone prompt by a non-medical research assistant. Follow-up procedures were identical. Response rates by group were not significantly different overall (chi 2 = 4.59, df = 3, p = 0.20) although advance prompts by a medical peer were significantly more effective than other strategies for male GPs. The difference in overall response rates between males (63%) and females (74%) was significant (chi 2 = 15.40, df = 1, p < 0.01). No other response bias was evident. Our demonstration of a significant interaction between respondent sex and response-aiding strategy invites further research.

How many GP referrals to dermatology outpatients are really necessary?

In a survey of patients referred to the dermatology outpatients department of a British teaching hospital, 26% of referrals were considered unnecessary by a senior house officer with three months practical dermatological experience. We conclude that better undergraduate and postgraduate education in dermatology is essential. A period spent in dermatology should be included in all vocational training schemes for general practice.

Effectiveness of screening for prostate cancer.

In this, our second article, we assess the value of screening for prostate cancer. There is insufficient evidence to recommend for or against routine digital rectal examination as an effective screening test for prostate cancer in asymptomatic men. It is recommended that tumour markers, such as prostate specific antigen, and transrectal ultrasound are not used for routine screening purposes.

Testicular cancer. How effective is screening?

This article appraises the value of screening for testicular cancer using rigorous criteria. Testicular cancer is very rare and no benefit from self-examination has been demonstrated. There is insufficient evidence for routine screening in asymptomatic men or for educating patients to perform periodic testicular self-examination. A further article by Dr Sladden and Dr Dickinson will examine the value of screening for cancer of the prostate.

How do general practitioners manage rectal bleeding?

OBJECTIVE: To determine how general practitioners (GPs) in northern Tasmania manage rectal bleeding in terms of examination, referral, and patient investigation and estimate the value of early diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHOD: Self reported postal questionnaire survey sent to 100 randomly selected GPs in northern Tasmania. RESULTS: Sixty-eight per cent of GPs responded. The clinical action proposed by GPs varied considerably according to patient age and type of rectal bleeding. The proportion of GPs who would refer a patient to a specialist varied from 15 to 100% depending on the specific scenario. Responses were not consistent with the available consensus guidelines and evidence. Most GPs believed that early diagnosis of CRC through screening and the early detection of rectal bleeding improved outcomes. However, fewer than half the respondents believed that there were clear guidelines about the management of a patient with rectal bleeding, emphasising the need for evidence-based guidelines which are effectively disseminated and clinically evaluated. Rural GPs indicated that distance from specialist investigation and referral centres would influence patient management. CONCLUSIONS: There is a wide variation in the way GPs manage rectal bleeding and inconsistent knowledge about the existence of guidelines for managing rectal bleeding. Evidence-based education about the management of this common clinical problem, which is effectively disseminated and clinically evaluated, would seem appropriate.