Surgical resection for stage IV melanoma: A Southwest Oncology Group trial (S9430)

Abstract

8019 Background: Surgery is the treatment of choice for isolated distant metastases of melanoma. Based on a number of retrospective reports, patients (pts) who have undergone complete resection of metastatic disease can have an excellent survival. Methods: In SWOG, we prospectively evaluated surgical resection for stage IV melanoma. Pts enrolled prior to surgery; treatment following resection was at the discretion of the treating physician. Resected specimens were collected, whenever possible, for future molecular analyses. Results: Over a 9 year period from 1996 to 2005, 77 pts were enrolled from 18 centers, with 7 centers accruing ≥4 pts. Of 77 pts, 10 were incompletely resected and 5 had no evidence of stage IV disease. Therefore, 62 pts (81%) felt to have resectable stage IV actually did, and were included in the analysis. Pts characteristics were: median age 54 yrs (range 23–81); M:F 69%:31%; PS 0–1 100%; prior adjuvant IFN 45%. Resected sites included skin/soft tissue 40%; distant LN 21%; lung 13%; liver 8%; CNS 5%; bone 2%; other visceral sites 27%. Post-surgical complications included 1 grade IV pulmonary embolus and 1 grade III liver toxicity. Following surgery but prior to any further recurrence, 18 pts received adjuvant treatment including 8 with IFN and 7 with radiotherapy. After surgery, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 6 mos (95% CI 3–7 mos) with 9 patients (15%) remaining progression-free. Median overall survival (OS) was 21 mos (95% CI 15–28 mos); 3- and 4-yr OS was 33% and 29%, respectively. Conclusions: These results provide an estimate of prognosis for resected stage IV disease from a diverse patient base. They illustrate the potential for prolonged OS even with a short PFS. In some cases, pts can be repeatedly resected for long-term control of their disease. Pts with resectable stage IV melanoma are appropriate candidates for inclusion in adjuvant therapy trials. No significant financial relationships to disclose.