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Soo Park, MD
Soo Park, MD
Posted: Tuesday, July 30, 2024
Many challenges exist when treating advanced-stage melanoma during pregnancy, since few data exist on treatment guidelines and outcomes. In a study presented at the 2024 American Society of Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting (Abstract 9540), researchers assessed data on the real-world management of pregnant patients with advanced-stage melanoma and reported on treatment selections, overall survival, and pregnancy outcomes. Jessica S.W. Borgers, MD, PhD, of the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, and colleagues reported that the 5-year overall survival rate was 49% in patients diagnosed while pregnant and 78% in patients who conceived while receiving cancer treatment.
A total of 68 patients were included in this international, retrospective study. Patients were split into two groups: Group 1 included those who were diagnosed with advanced melanoma (new or recurrent) during pregnancy, and group 2 included those who conceived while already receiving systemic treatment for melanoma. Factors including primary tumor and characteristics of advanced disease, intervention and treatment during pregnancy, as well as outcomes of the mother and the fetus were assessed. Data were collected using a standardized, de-identified form.
Overall findings revealed that in group 1, 2% of patients had stage II melanoma, 48% had stage III melanoma, and 50% had stage IV melanoma. The types of melanomas prevalent in group 1 included cutaneous (70%), mucosal (7%), and other (17%). Systemic treatment was initiated during pregnancy in eight patients, which included targeted therapy (63%) and immunotherapy (37%). Additionally, 90% of patients switched or initiated new systemic treatment after pregnancy (immunotherapy, 65%; targeted, 27%; chemotherapy, 8%). In group 2, 82% of patients had cutaneous melanoma, and 18% had an unknown type. Additionally, 42% of patients received systemic treatment for stage III melanoma and 58%, for stage IV melanoma (immunotherapy, 75%; targeted therapy, 27%).
Disclosure: Dr. Borgers reported no conflicts of interest. For full disclosures of other study authors, visit coi.asco.org.
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