Epidemiology of cutaneous melanoma in Sweden - stage specific survival and rate of recurrence

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) incidence is increasing globally, making a thorough understanding of the disease and its outcomes essential for optimizing care. In this population-based, retrospective study, we investigated stage-specific survival and recurrence/progression rates of CMM among patients diagnosed in Stockholm County Council during 2005-2012, before the wide introduction of targeted therapy. A total of 3554 CMM patients from the Stockholm Melanoma Register were included. Information on comorbidities, progression, death, and treatments was obtained from nationwide registers and hospital electronic medical records. Unadjusted five-year survival varied from 91.4% for stage I to 24.6% for stage IV patients. Stage, age and gender were predictors of survival, with gender an independent predictor of survival for stages IA and IIA. 74.6% of patients remained recurrence/progression-free during follow-up, with five-year recurrence/progression-free survival rates varying from 85.3% to 12.9% among stage I and IV patients, respectively. In addition to stage, male gender, age, and circulatory system comorbidities increased the risk for recurrence/progression. No statistically significant differences in progression rate for operated and non-operated patients could be detected, possibly due to high rate (98.9%) of surgery. Our estimates of survival and recurrence rates are consistent with historical and global expectations and can serve as a baseline to gauge population-level improvements with use of novel melanoma treatments. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

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