Highlights from the

2018 AAD Annual Meeting

Melanoma Update 2018

Infomedica Conference Coverage*

From: Allan C. Halpern, MD, FAAD. of 76th Annual Meeting of the
American Academy of Dermatology
AAD 2018, S048: Hot Topics San Diego, California, February 16-20, 2018

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Changes in AJCC Staging

 A new AJCC staging manual is now available

 Changes specific to melanoma include:
Topic Changes
Definition of primary tumor (T)  Tumor thickness to nearest 0.1 mm
 T1a <0.8 mm without ulceration
 T1b melanomas include those 0.8-1 mm with or without
ulceration and those <0.8mm with ulceration
 Mitotic rate no longer a T1 category criterion
Loco/Regional Metastasis  Microsatellites, satellites, or in-transit = IIC
 N-category criterion based upon the number of tumor-
involved regional lymph nodes
AJCC Prognostic stage groups  Stage IIIA better prognosis (93%) than Stage IID (32%)
Definition of distant metastasis  M1a non-visceral (distant cutaneous, subcutaneous, nodal)
(M)  M1b lung
 M1c visceral, non-central nervous system
 M1d central nervous system
Highlights from the
2018 AAD Annual Meeting | San Diego, California, February 16-20, 2018
Dermoscopy

 Dermoscopy is gaining more traction in the United States

 Mobile dermatoscopes are becoming more available
 Artificial intelligence and computer technology are
revolutionizing the way melanoma is diagnosed and will help to
usher in patients as they learn more about skin abnormalities

Highlights from the

2018 AAD Annual Meeting | San Diego, California, February 16-20, 2018
Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma

 BRAK and MEK inhibitors have demonstrated effectiveness in

mutant metastatic melanoma
– More than 40% of mutant melanomas have the same BRAF
mutation
 The use of nivolumab with ipilimumab has shown considerable
progression-free survival in patients with metastatic melanoma
 Durable responses have been seen in extended periods (15-18
months)
 Nivolumab was recently awarded adjuvant treatment status for
melanoma

Highlights from the

2018 AAD Annual Meeting | San Diego, California, February 16-20, 2018