Surgical excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Cutaneous melanoma accounts for 75% of skin cancer deaths. Standard treatment is surgical excision with a safety margin some distance from the borders of the primary tumour. The purpose of the safety margin is to remove both the complete primary tumour and any melanoma cells that might have spread into the surrounding skin.Excision margins are important because there could be trade-off between a better cosmetic result but poorer long-term survival if margins become too narrow. The optimal width of excision margins remains unclear. This uncertainty warrants systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effects of different excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma. SEARCH STRATEGY: In August 2009 we searched for relevant randomised trials in the Cochrane Skin Group Specialised Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) in The Cochrane Library (Issue 3, 2009), MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS, and other databases including Ongoing Trials Registers. SELECTION CRITERIA: We considered all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of surgical excision of melanoma comparing different width excision margins. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We assessed trial quality, and extracted and analysed data on survival and recurrence. We collected adverse effects information from included trials. MAIN RESULTS: We identified five trials. There were 1633 participants in the narrow excision margin group and 1664 in the wide excision margin group. Narrow margin definition ranged from 1 to 2 cm; wide margins ranged from 3 to 5 cm. Median follow-up ranged from 5 to 16 years. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review summarises the evidence regarding width of excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma. None of the five published trials, nor our meta-analysis, showed a statistically significant difference in overall survival between narrow or wide excision.The summary estimate for overall survival favoured wide excision by a small degree [Hazard Ratio 1.04; 95% confidence interval 0.95 to 1.15; P = 0.40], but the result was not significantly different. This result is compatible with both a 5% relative reduction in overall mortality favouring narrower excision and a 15% relative reduction in overall mortality favouring wider excision. Therefore, a small (but potentially important) difference in overall survival between wide and narrow excision margins cannot be confidently ruled out.The summary estimate for recurrence free survival favoured wide excision [Hazard Ratio 1.13; P = 0.06; 95% confidence interval 0.99 to 1.28] but again the result did not reach statistical significance (P < 0.05 level).Current randomised trial evidence is insufficient to address optimal excision margins for primary cutaneous melanoma.

Practicing evidence-based dermatology: a short guide.

Evidence-based medicine (EBM) is a paradigm for systematically collecting, evaluating, and applying the best information currently available to improve patient outcomes. Effective evidence-based practice requires defining an answerable, well-built question, systematically searching for the best current evidence, and appraising that evidence for validity. Essential components of EBM also require using our clinical expertise to integrate these data with our patients' characteristics, values, and circumstances; archiving the results of our EBM search; and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of the EBM process. Incorporating EBM to bring the best current evidence into our field can be mastered with practice and a commitment to apply the process daily.

National appraisal of dermatology residency training: a Canadian study.

OBJECTIVES: To provide the first comprehensive assessment of dermatology residency training in Canada based on the residents' perspective; to examine and elucidate trends in current residents' envisioned career paths and aspirations. DESIGN: A national survey conducted in June 2004. PARTICIPANTS: All Canadian dermatology residents. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Cross-sectional analysis of (1) satisfaction with and importance placed by the trainees on the various curriculum components as measured by a 5-point Likert-type scale and (2) current residents' career and practice plans. RESULTS: One hundred percent of dermatology residents across the country (n = 48) responded to the survey. The greatest discrepancies between ranked importance and corresponding satisfaction were observed for the teaching from faculty (both didactic and clinic based) and for the practice management exposure and training. Residents were most satisfied with dermatopathology education (score, 4.4 of 5.0) and least satisfied with cosmetic dermatology (2.7 of 5.0) and dermoscopy training (2.8 of 5.0). Men indicated more interest than women in academics (71% [n = 12] vs 45% [n = 14]), research (41% [n = 7] vs 16% [n = 5]), and teaching (71% [n = 12] vs 42% [n = 13]), while female residents were more inclined toward pediatric dermatology (42% [n = 13] vs 29% [n = 5]) and cosmetic dermatology (48% [n = 15] vs 29% [n = 5]). An overall trend of decreased interest in academic and hospital-based practice was noted with progression through residency training. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a current picture of dermatology postgraduate education in Canada from the residents' perspective. Above all, dermatology residents desire more teaching (clinic, didactic, and practice management) and mentorship from their faculty. Recruitment and retention of women in academic dermatology may benefit from early intervention during residency. The data are intended to assist dermatology programs with development, evaluation, and improvement of their curricula and can serve as a reference point to gauge future trends.

Dermatoepidemiology.

Dermatoepidemiology is an important emerging discipline in dermatology. This article reviews clinical and analytic epidemiology pertinent to reading, interpreting, and critically examining the literature, and presents an overview of evidence-based dermatology as a starting point for further study.

The potential impact on melanoma mortality of reducing rates of suboptimal excision margins.

We estimated the potential benefit of reducing rates of inadequate excision margins in the treatment of localized invasive melanoma. A computer-simulated Markov decision analytic model was created to follow until death a hypothetical cohort of 55 y old Caucasians, newly diagnosed in a community setting with localized invasive melanoma. We considered two scenarios: usual care, and a hypothetical intervention. Markov states included well without local recurrence, local recurrence, cured, and dead. Published population-based data were used for rates of optimal excision margins, local recurrence, and mortality. Two outcome measures were employed: melanoma-related mortality and life expectancy. Major assumptions included: local recurrence occurs within 10 y of diagnosis, and patients revert to general population mortality rates 10 y following melanoma excision or subsequent local recurrence. For usual care, the model estimated 8.17% melanoma-related mortality. Modeling intervention with 100% optimal excision margins reduced this rate to 6.15%, a 25% relative reduction in mortality. This increased average life expectancy by 0.437 y, which equates to approximately 11 additional years in the 4% who would not experience a local recurrence due to improved excision margins. Increasing the percentage of optimal excision margins to 80% would still yield substantial improvement, with 6.83% melanoma-related mortality, saving 0.29 life-years compared with baseline. Results were insensitive to moderate changes in the parameter values. Suboptimal excision margins may account for approximately one-fourth of all melanoma-related mortality for localized invasive melanoma. If intervention can achieve even modest adherence to optimal excision margins, it might substantially reduce mortality.

Geographic and patient variation in receipt of surveillance procedures after local excision of cutaneous melanoma.

Little is known about variation in surveillance practices following the diagnosis of invasive melanoma. The objective of this study was to characterize geographic, patient, and tumor variation in the use of follow-up surveillance testing in patients with local or regional stage melanoma. A cohort of Medicare beneficiaries > or =65 y diagnosed with invasive melanoma during 1992 to 1996 living in a Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry area was studied. Outpatient and inpatient Medicare claims 3 mo following diagnosis were examined for up to 2 y for surveillance procedures of interest. Use of chest X-ray, chest computed tomography scan, abdominal and/or pelvic computed tomography scan, abdominal ultrasound, head computed tomography scan, head magnetic resonance imaging, laboratory testing, and skin examinations were compared between patient groups and geographic regions. A total of 3389 patients were identified for the analysis. Surveillance testing was relatively common, ranging from 13% for abdominal ultrasound to 80% for laboratory testing. Follow-up skin examinations were performed in 70% to 90% of patients. The use of most surveillance procedures was associated (p<0.01) with younger age, male gender, regional stage tumors, and geographical area, with up to 2-fold differences observed. In contrast, there was much less variability in the receipt of skin examinations. Further studies are needed to determine the etiology and impact of such disparities, and the influence of surveillance procedures on morbidity and mortality.

Implementation of dermato-epidemiology curriculum at Case Western Reserve University dermatology program.

Dermato-epidemiology curriculum has been identified by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) as an important foundation for dermatology residency training. However, no one has yet reported implementation of dermato-epidemiology curriculum. To evaluate and relate our experience carrying out a dermato-epidemiology resident education initiative, based on recommendations by the AAD Epidemiology Committee. Monthly lectures based on topics suggested by the AAD Epidemiology Curriculum. Pre- and post-test multiple choice and free-form question measures were employed to examine performance, assess resident enthusiasm, and solicit feedback from the initiative. Quantitative achievement on multiple-choice items improved slightly, but insignificantly, from 53 percent to 58 percent. Resident level of enthusiasm and perceived efficacy for the intervention varied from 3.3 to 4.0 on a 5-point Likert scale where "1" indicates strongly disagree and "5" indicates strongly agree with measures of effectiveness. Dermato-epidemiology curriculum is desirable and achievable even in dermatology programs without full-time epidemiologists. A successful epidemiology curriculum should be clinically and board-examination relevant, incorporating aspects of problem-based, interactive learning.

US dermatology residents' satisfaction with training and mentoring: survey results from the 2005 and 2006 Las Vegas Dermatology Seminars.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate residents' satisfaction with dermatology training and mentorship. DESIGN: Written survey. SETTING: The Las Vegas Dermatology Seminar in 2005 and 2006. PARTICIPANTS: Graduating dermatology residents in the United States. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Satisfaction with and importance of 26 training components, overall training satisfaction, satisfaction with availability and quality of mentors, and time spent outside the clinics and classroom with mentors. RESULTS: Of dermatology residents attending the 2005 and 2006 seminars, 57 (50%) and 49 (54%), respectively, completed the survey. In 2006, 38 more surveys were received by mail, for a combined total of 144 respondents. In 2005 and 2006, respectively, 44 (77%) and 66 (76%) residents scored training at or above 7 on a 10-point rating scale. Residents were most satisfied with peer teaching, medical dermatology training, pathology slide sessions, and live patient conferences and least satisfied with business management and dermoscopy training. Discrepancies between perceived importance and satisfaction were greatest for business management, time for independent study, and responsiveness to resident input. Residents spending 30 minutes (the median) or more per month outside of clinics and the classroom with someone they defined as a mentor reported higher training satisfaction (8.0 vs 7.2; P = .02). Resident-perceived program mentor availability (P = .001 in 2005, P=.002 in 2006) and quality (P =.002 in 2005, P < or = .001 in 2006) were also associated with increased overall training satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Of 26 training components, residents were most dissatisfied with business management training. Resident training satisfaction was associated with program mentor availability and quality, as well as time spent with mentors.

Confidence intervals in procedural dermatology: an intuitive approach to interpreting data.

BACKGROUND: Significant differences observed in therapeutic trials in procedural dermatology are typically denoted by p values of less than .05. Alternatively, significance can be conveyed by use of confidence intervals. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to clarify how confidence intervals convey the same information about outcomes as p values, albeit in a slightly different manner. METHODS: (1) Selective review of textbooks and other relevant literature and (2) presentation of a brief tutorial describing confidence interval determination for therapeutic clinical trials comparing differences between means of two groups. RESULTS: Routine use of confidence intervals is an intuitively satisfying means for conveying the statistical significance of results and can be used in combination with p values for understanding these results. Specifically, confidence intervals are a useful tool for indicating the size, spread, and direction of the observed differences. Unfortunately, dermatologic surgery trials tend to have low sample sizes, which frequently result in outcomes below the threshold of statistical significance (p > .05, or confidence intervals including 1.00). In the absence of statistical significance, neither p values nor confidence intervals yield definitive results. CONCLUSION: Confidence intervals can complement p values as a means for explaining statistical significant differences. When differences are not statistically significant but are clinically significant and approach statistical significance, neither p values nor confidence intervals can definitively establish whether the observed trends are indicative of an underlying difference. In these cases, common in procedural dermatology, larger, better designed, randomized prospective trials are needed.

Power and sample size of therapeutic trials in procedural dermatology: how many patients are enough?

BACKGROUND: Many new devices and therapeutic interventions are continually introduced in cutaneous surgery. The efficacy of these new techniques must be compared with that of preexisting standards so that patients can be appropriately counseled. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to (1) review methods for estimating sample size and power, (2) estimate the range of sample sizes sufficient to ensure that true differences are not missed in clinical trials of new procedural dermatologic therapies, and (3) consider the reasons why the sample size may be too small in procedural dermatology trials and how this problem can be addressed. METHODS: (1) Selective review of textbooks and other relevant literature, presentation of a brief tutorial describing sample size and power determination for therapeutic clinical trials comparing two groups with continuous outcomes variables; (2) implementation of standard formulae and assumptions to estimate sample size in cutaneous surgery therapeutic trials. RESULTS: Assuming that one group receives a standard surgical intervention and another group undergoes a new technique, to identify a moderate difference in efficacy between groups, at least 50 to 200 subjects will need to be enrolled if conventional strategies are used to reduce the likelihood of finding a difference that does not really exist (Type I error), as well as the likelihood of missing a true difference (Type II error). CONCLUSION: By face validity, it is apparent that most efficacy comparisons in procedural dermatology have low sample size and a concomitant risk of failing to detect actual differences between therapeutic arms. Owing to the limitations that restrict surgeons from frequently performing large randomized controlled trials in procedural dermatology, meta-analyses may be needed to pool the results of smaller studies. When it is critically important that differences between groups be accurately identified, dermatologic surgeons may consider eschewing smaller trials in favor of collaborating on larger trials with an adequate sample size.

The sensitivity of Medicare data for identifying incident cases of invasive melanoma (United States).

BACKGROUND: The completeness of Medicare claims for identifying patients with melanoma for purposes of conducting population-based studies of melanoma is unknown. METHODS: Using a linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Result (SEER) tumor registry-Medicare database, the sensitivity of Medicare claims for identifying 5372 patients age > or =65 years diagnosed with invasive melanoma between 1992 and 1996 was determined. Sensitivity was calculated as the proportion of incident cases of melanoma reported by SEER that was also captured by Medicare claim diagnostic codes. RESULTS: The overall sensitivity of combined Part A and Part B Medicare for incident cases of melanoma was 90.1%. Part B Medicare and Part A Medicare alone had 89.5% and 16.5% sensitivity respectively. Sensitivity was lower for patients with unrecorded Breslow depth and for patients with unstaged or distant stage melanoma. CONCLUSIONS: Medicare Part B claims have a high sensitivity for detecting melanoma incidence; Medicare Part A has low sensitivity. This sharply contrasts with published studies of other cancers, for whom Part A rather than Part B Medicare captures the predominant portion of incident cases. Medicare Part B or combined Part A and Part B administrative data is a potentially valuable resource for population-based melanoma research in the elderly. Further research characterizing the specificity and predictive value of Medicare data is needed to assess the potential implications of false positive melanoma diagnostic codes.

Evaluating invasive cutaneous melanoma: is the initial biopsy representative of the final depth?

BACKGROUND: An accurate initial biopsy of the deepest portion of the melanoma is vital to the management of patients with melanomas. OBJECTIVE: Our goal was to evaluate the accuracy of preliminary biopsies performed by a group of predominantly experienced dermatologists (n = 46/72). METHODS: A total of 145 cases of cutaneous melanoma were examined retrospectively. We compared Breslow depth on preliminary biopsy with Breslow depth on subsequent excision. Was the initial diagnostic biopsy performed on the deepest part of the melanoma? RESULTS: Of nonexcisional initial shave and punch biopsies, 88% were accurate, with Breslow depth greater than or equal to subsequent excision Breslow depth. Both superficial and deep shave biopsies were more accurate than punch biopsy for melanomas less than 1 mm. Excisional biopsy was found to be the most accurate method of biopsy. CONCLUSIONS: Deep shave biopsy is preferable to superficial shave or punch biopsy for thin and intermediate depth (<2 mm) melanomas when an initial sample is taken for diagnosis instead of complete excision. We found that a group of predominantly experienced dermatologists accurately assessed the depth of invasive melanoma by use of a variety of initial biopsy types.