Surveillance for melanoma (MEL): Results of a database study of stage I-III MEL.

9586Background: Optimal surveillance for MEL recurrence is elusive. While consensus guidelines agree on surveillance imaging for high-risk MEL, there is no consensus regarding optimal modality for surveillance and routine imaging surveillance is not recommended for stage IA-IIA MEL. We examined the utility of surveillance in stage I-III MEL. Methods: Patients (pts) at the University of Pittsburgh's Melanoma Program 1991-2011 were queried using a clinical database. Eligible pts had stage I-III MEL and underwent routine surveillance with clinical examination, chest x-rays (CXR). Minimum follow-up was 9 months (mos). CXR positivity was determined by primary review of attending radiologist report. Pt documentation was queried for information pertaining to relapse, details of advanced imaging, pathology and treatment. Primary endpoints were the incidence of pulmonary (pulm) and extra-pulm metastases. Results: 324 pts with 2,700 CXRs were identified, of whom 114 (35%) had stage I, 63 (20%) stage II, and 147 (45...