Dermatology Practical & Conceptual
Decision-Making for Performing Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy in T1b Melanoma
By Claire Baptiste, PETER W. CALLAS, Conor O’Neill and 2 others.
Abstract
Introduction
Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) provides prognostic value in melanoma and guides management.
Objective
To evaluate factors associated with SLNB utilization in patients with cT1b melanoma, including clinicopathologic features, gene expression profiling (GEP), and available predictive risk models.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with cT1b melanoma from 2010 to 2024 using the University of Vermont Cancer Center registry. Demographic and clinicopathologic data were analyzed. Bivariate tests identified associations; logistic regression determined predictors of SLNB. Among patients who underwent SLNB, predicted SLN positivity was calculated using Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) risk calculators. Model discrimination was assessed using area under receiver operating characteristic curve.