Reply to Pennington, T.E.; Thompson, J.F. Sentinel Node Biopsy in Melanoma Remains a Valuable Clinical Tool. Comment on "Dixon et al. Primary Cutaneous Melanoma-Management in 2024. 2024, , 1607".

We note with interest the commentary by Pennington and Thompson (P&T) regarding our detailed update on the management of primary cutaneous melanoma in 2024 [...

BAUSSS biomarker improves melanoma survival risk assessment.

Background: The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) method of staging melanoma is dated and inaccurate. It ignores important prognostic melanoma features, especially the patient's age. BAUSSS is more accurate in determining survival risk for primary cutaneous melanoma patients who have no clinical or imaging evidence of nodal or distant metastases.

Primary Cutaneous Melanoma-Management in 2024.

: Maximizing survival for patients with primary cutaneous melanomas (melanomas) depends on an early diagnosis and appropriate management. Several new drugs have been shown to improve survival in high-risk melanoma patients. Despite well-documented guidelines, many patients do not receive optimal management, particularly when considering patient age.

Sentinel lymph node biopsy is unreliable in predicting melanoma mortality for both younger and older patients.

Background: Melanoma disease patterns vary with patient age.

Aim: To evaluate sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in managing melanoma at differing patient ages.

Methods: Online prediction tools were applied to compare SLNB positivity (SLNB) and survival risk at patient ages 20-80.

Online prediction tools for melanoma survival: A comparison.

Background: Breslow thickness, patient age and ulceration are the three most valuable clinical and pathological predictors of melanoma survival. A readily available reliable online tool that accurately considers these and other predictors could be valuable for clinicians managing melanoma patients.

Objective: To compare online melanoma survival prediction tools that request user input on clinical and pathological features.

Keratoacanthoma: Update on the Debate.

Keratoacanthoma (KA) is a cutaneous tumor with a biphasic pattern of growth. A rapidly growing phase is usually followed by involution. KA occurs on sun-damaged skin.

Merkel cell carcinoma update: the case for two tumours.

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive tumour with neuroendocrine differentiation. Clinically significant differences within the entity we know as MCC are apparent. This review aims to evaluate the evidence for differences in tumours within Merkel cell carcinoma and to stratify these.

Cutaneous melanoma: Latest developments.

Background: Several new medications have shown improved survival rates in high-risk patients with melanoma.

Objective: The aim of this article is to discuss the new medications and outline their roles, the expected benefit from each and the risk of adverse events. We explain the place of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) and ultrasonography with fine needle aspiration (US-FNA) in assessing and treating patients with melanoma.

Management of invasive melanoma.

Background: Maximising survival for patients with invasive melanoma hinges on early diagnosis of primary melanoma and appropriate management. Despite well-documented guidelines, many patients with melanoma have not been managed ideally.

Objective: The aim of this paper is to identify suboptimal aspects of melanoma management.

Uncovering the Role of RNA-Binding Protein hnRNP K in B-Cell Lymphomas.

Background: Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) is an RNA-binding protein that is aberrantly expressed in cancers. We and others have previously shown that reduced hnRNP K expression downmodulates tumor-suppressive programs. However, overexpression of hnRNP K is the more commonly observed clinical phenomenon, yet its functional consequences and clinical significance remain unknown.

Revised Mohs surgery care guidelines for squamous cell carcinoma in-situ are overdue.

The treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in situ by Mohs micrographic surgery is currently deemed as appropriate by the Mohs Appropriate Use Criteria. However, squamous cell carcinoma in situ is a very superficial, indolent, low-risk tumor amenable to destructive and non-surgical treatments. It is uncommon for squamous cell carcinoma in situ to have progressed to invasive malignancy subsequent to definitive management.

An Aggressive Microcystic Adnexal Carcinoma Infiltrating the Sternum.

Microcystic adnexal carcinoma is a rare cutaneous tumor that is often misdiagnosed and has the potential to be aggressive. Mohs surgery is the treatment of choice to prevent recurrences. We present a case of a large recurrent microcystic adnexal carcinoma on the sternum, initially diagnosed as a basal cell carcinoma.