NTTS 2017

Despite the explosion of knowledge concerning the genomics of melanoma, accurate prediction of prognosis at the time of diagnosis remains a challenge for practitioners. Conventional staging systems such as the AJCC classification, which use pathologic features of the primary tumor and regional nodal status, are most widely used but there is still significant heterogeneity among patients of the same stage. Thus, there is opportunity for improved predictive tools, and in fact a number of other models have been developed for melanoma. These include web-based prediction tools, mostly incorporating primary and nodal tumor pathology characteristics, and models using other data such as serum LDH. An assay of primary melanoma tumor tissue, DecisionDx-Melanoma, has recently been developed and externally validated. Validation studies have indicated that it can significantly predict metastasis and survival independent of AJCC stage. This session will discuss the ideal development of a prognostic tool for melanoma, compare the current tools, and briefly discuss additional emerging prognostic factors that may represent improvements of our current methods.