6533b871fe1ef96bd12d23b8

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Melanoma of unknown primary: New perspectives for an old story

Michele MoschettaAlejandro Pérez-fidalgoEleftherios P. SamartzisElie El RassyStergios BoussiosNicholas PavlidisMatin Sheriff

subject

0301 basic medicineOncologymedicine.medical_specialtymedicine.medical_treatment2720 Hematology610 Medicine & healthTargeted therapy03 medical and health sciences0302 clinical medicineInternal medicineEpidemiologymedicineHumansMelanomaSurvival rateHematologybusiness.industryIncidenceMelanomaIncidence (epidemiology)General MedicineHematologyImmunotherapymedicine.disease10174 Clinic for GynecologyImmune checkpointSurvival Rate030104 developmental biologyOncology030220 oncology & carcinogenesisNeoplasms Unknown Primary2730 OncologyLymph NodesGeriatrics and Gerontologybusiness

description

Melanoma of unknown primary site (MUP) comprises 3-4 % of all melanomas. It mostly presents in lymph nodes (LNs), followed by subcutaneous sites, and visceral organs; nevertheless, there is a trend of increase in the relative incidence of visceral counterpart in recent years. Spontaneous regression of the primary lesion is a well-established theory, based on the evidence that melanoma can undergo regression at the primary site. MUP and stage-matched melanoma of known primary site (MKP) share similar prognostic factors. The survival rate of patients with MUP has been compared to those with stage-matched MKP. Multiple studies conducted before the era of novel therapy with immune checkpoint or BRAF/MEK inhibitors found improved survival in favor of MUP, whereas others reported equivalent or poorer outcomes. Here, we discuss the genetic and molecular features, epidemiology, diagnosis, prognostic factors, survival, and treatment of MUP in comparison with MKP, in the pre- and post-novel therapy era.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2021-02-01Critical Reviews in Oncology/Hematology
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103208