A Meta-Analysis on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Cutaneous Melanoma Diagnosis in Europe

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has been the epicenter of healthcare attention globally for the past two years, and large-scale adaptations in healthcare provision have been required. This study aimed to investigate the impact of the pandemic and the resulting lockdowns on cutaneous melanoma diagnosis and tumor burdens in Europe. A relevant literature search in electronic databases was conducted from inception to September 2022. The inclusion criteria were: controlled studies published in a peer-reviewed journal evaluating cutaneous melanoma in Europe and reporting data on melanoma characteristics from diagnoses. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Cochrane ROBINS-I tool for assessing bias in non-randomized studies. Meta-analysis was conducted utilizing a random effects model to synthesize the data. A total of 25 studies involving 32,231 patients were included in the data analysis models. Statistically significant increases in mean Breslow thickness (0.29 mm (0.03–0.55 mm)), ulceration rates (OR = 1.66 (1.29–2.13)), and resultant tumor staging were observed in the PostCovid group, with subgroup analysis revealing that lockdown-derived data were responsible for this trend. This meta-analysis reported on the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on melanoma diagnosis in Europe, emphasizing the higher tumor burden and disease progression state provoked by healthcare adaptations in the pandemic period.