Melanoma during pregnancy: a report of 60 pregnancies complicated by melanoma

Abstract

The management of melanoma during pregnancy is challenging as maternal benefits and fetal risks need to be balanced. Here, we present an overview of the incidence, the demographic and clinical characteristics and the treatment modalities used. After analysis of obstetric, fetal and maternal outcome, recommendations for clinical practice are provided. From the 'International Network on Cancer, Infertility and Pregnancy' database, pregnant patients with melanoma were identified and analysed. Sixty pregnancies were eligible for analysis. Fifty percent of the patients presented with advanced melanoma during pregnancy (14 stage III and 16 stage IV), and 27% were diagnosed with recurrent melanoma. Surgery was the main therapeutic strategy during pregnancy. Only four patients with advanced melanoma were treated during pregnancy with systemic therapy (n=1) or radiotherapy (n=3). Premature delivery was observed in 18% of the ongoing pregnancies, all which were induced and 78% of which involved patients with advanced melanoma. Thirty-nine percent of the patients died within 5 years; all had been diagnosed with stage III or IV disease during pregnancy. Melanoma can present in a more advanced stage during pregnancy. New systemic therapies may be beneficial for patients with metastatic melanoma but may not be pregnancy compatible. In these patients, preterm induction of labour need to be discussed, despite the short-term and long-term negative effects on the child.