Reconsidering the surgical approach in cutaneous melanoma: does wide local excision after a complete diagnostic excision reduce the risk of recurrence?

OBJECTIVES: This study examines whether wide local excision (WLE) after complete diagnostic excision improves recurrence-free survival (RFS) in clinical stage I/II primary cutaneous melanoma.

BACKGROUND: Since the 1950s, melanoma treatment has included a two-step surgical approach, involving diagnostic excision followed by WLE. WLE aims to achieve locoregional disease control by eliminating potential microsatellites and, thus, minimising the risk of locoregional recurrence and melanoma-related death. However, its impact on RFS is unclear, while it adds morbidity and costs.

METHODS: This retrospective nationwide cohort study analysed pathology reports of a Dutch population-based cohort of newly diagnosed invasive cutaneous melanoma patients who underwent a complete diagnostic excision between January 1st, 2012, and December 31st, 2013. Data were obtained from the Dutch Nationwide Pathology Database (PALGA). Patients with completely excised superficial spreading and nodular melanoma located on the trunk and upper and lower extremities were included. Cox regression showed no significant RFS benefit from WLE.

RESULTS: A total of 6189 eligible patients were included. WLE was not performed in 271 patients (4.4 %). Of those undergoing WLE (n = 5918), residual dermal invasive tumour cells were identified in 0.7 % (n = 44/5918). The overall recurrence rate was 7.7 % (n = 477/6189). Recurrence rates were 7.6 % for WLE cases (local: 2.5 %, nodal: 4.0 %, distant: 1.2 %) and 10.3 % when WLE was omitted. Cox regression showed no significant RFS benefit from WLE.

CONCLUSION: WLE does not significantly improve RFS in patients with completely excised cutaneous superficial spreading and nodular melanoma on the trunk or extremities.