Are the MIA and MSKCC nomograms useful in selecting patients with melanoma for sentinel lymph node biopsy?

BACKGROUND AND METHODS: The Melanoma Institute of Australia (MIA) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) nomograms were developed to help guide sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) decisions. Although statistically validated, whether these prediction models provide clinical benefit at National Comprehensive Cancer Network guideline-endorsed thresholds is unknown. We conducted a net benefit analysis to quantify the clinical utility of these nomograms at risk thresholds of 5%-10% compared to the alternative strategy of biopsying all patients. External validation data for MIA and MSKCC nomograms were extracted from respective published studies. RESULTS: The MIA nomogram provided added net benefit at a risk threshold of 9% but net harm at 5%-8% and 10%. The MSKCC nomogram provided added net benefit at risk thresholds of 5% and 9%-10% but net harm at 6%-8%. When present, the magnitude of net benefit was small (1-3 net avoidable biopsies per 100 patients). CONCLUSION: Neither model consistently provided added net benefit compared to performing SLNB for all patients. DISCUSSION: Based on published data, use of the MIA or MSKCC nomograms as decision-making tools for SLNB at risk thresholds of 5%-10% does not clearly provide clinical benefit to patients.

Inflammatory dermatoses, infections, and drug eruptions are the most common skin conditions in hospitalized cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Dermatologic conditions cause morbidity and mortality among hospitalized cancer patients. An improved understanding is critical for implementing clinical and research programs in inpatient oncodermatology. OBJECTIVE: To characterize inpatient dermatology consultations at a large comprehensive cancer center. METHODS: Retrospective database query of new admissions and medical record review of initial inpatient dermatology consultations comparing inpatients consulted and not consulted during January-December 2015. RESULTS: In total, 412 of 11,533 inpatients received 471 dermatology consultations (54% male, median age 59.5 years). Patients with hematologic cancers were 6 times more likely to receive dermatologic consultations compared with nonhematologic cancers (odds ratio 6.56, 95% confidence interval 5.35-8.05, P < .0001). Patients consulted by a dermatologist had a significantly longer length of stay than inpatients not consulted by dermatology (median 11 vs 5 days, P < .0001). Among the 645 dermatologic conditions diagnosed, the most common categories were inflammatory diseases, infections, and drug reactions; the most frequent conditions were contact dermatitis, herpes zoster, and chemotherapy-induced drug eruptions. LIMITATIONS: The study's retrospective nature and single-institution setting are potential limitations. CONCLUSION: Hematologic malignancies are a significant risk factor for dermatology inpatient consultations. A significantly longer length of stay was associated with dermatology consultations, suggesting high comorbidities in these patients. Increased dermatologic care of these inpatients might improve quality of life, dermatologic health, and ability to receive anticancer agents.