SURVIVORS of cutaneous melanoma (CM) face a 57% increased risk of developing second primary malignancies (SPMs) compared to the general population, according to groundbreaking research from a recent analysis of SEER database data spanning two decades. This extensive study included over 283,000 melanoma patients, revealing a significant burden of secondary cancers across diverse demographics.
The study identified elevated risks for 12 distinct cancers, including another melanoma (SIR: 9.65), eye melanoma (SIR: 2.31), thyroid cancer (SIR: 1.89), and sarcomas (SIR: 1.98). Interestingly, men exhibited higher risks for prostate, kidney, and brain cancers, while women were more prone to breast cancer and multiple myeloma. Notably, patients diagnosed with melanoma thicker than 4.0mm faced a nearly 25-fold increased risk of developing another melanoma.
Younger patients and those diagnosed within the first year of their initial melanoma were particularly vulnerable, with SPM risks persisting up to 15 years post-diagnosis. Factors such as melanoma thickness, head and neck location, and nodular subtype were also linked to increased secondary cancer risks.
The findings suggest shared environmental exposures, impaired anti-tumor immunity, and possible overdiagnosis through intensive screening could contribute to these patterns. The study underscores the need for vigilant long-term monitoring and tailored care strategies for melanoma survivors to mitigate secondary cancer risks effectively.
Further investigation into the biological mechanisms underlying these observations could pave the way for improved prevention and management approaches.
Reference: Rohan TZ et al. The Risk of Developing Second Primary Malignancies in Cutaneous Melanoma Survivors [Preprint]. JAAD. 2025. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2024.11.059.
