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Key Numbers to Know for Melanoma in 2024
Melanoma remains a significant health concern in the U.S. Approximately 2.2% of men and women will be diagnosed with this disease at some point in their lives. As of 2021, there were more than 1.4 million individuals living with melanoma in the U.S., and it is anticipated that this number will increase, according to the National Cancer Institute. In 2024, an estimated 100,640 new melanoma cases are expected in the U.S., making up 5.0% of all new cancer cases. Additionally, there are an estimated 8,290 deaths from melanoma in 2024, accounting for 1.4% of all cancer deaths in the U.S.
Historically, melanoma incidence is higher among men than women and is more prevalent among individuals with fair complexions and significant exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (e.g., tanning beds). People who are white appear to have the highest melanoma incidence rates compared to other racial and ethnic groups.
National Cancer Institute
Melanoma Trends
It’s important to note that survival rates for melanoma vary significantly based on the stage at diagnosis. When melanoma is detected at the localized stage (Stage 1), meaning it remains confined to its original site, the 5-year relative survival rate is an encouraging 100%. Approximately 77.3% of melanoma cases are diagnosed at this localized stage. If the melanoma spreads to a different part of the body, it can be diagnosed as regional or distant. Regional means the cancer has spread to regional lymph nodes, and distant means the cancer has metastasized. The survival rate decreases as the cancer advances. It is critical for doctors to encourage patients to conduct regular skin checks for any abnormal-looking moles to help with early detection and appropriate treatment intervention.
In terms of age-adjusted melanoma case and death rate, from 2012 to 2021, cases have increased by an average of 1.1% per year and deaths have decreased by an average of 3.5% per year from 2013 to 2022. These statistics may suggest that increases in early detection and treatment have been made.
What You Need to Know About BRAF Mutations
Cutaneous melanoma, which is the most aggressive skin cancer, is driven by genetic alterations, notably BRAF mutations. These mutations, particularly the V600E mutation, lead to the activation of the MAPK pathway and have become key targets for molecular therapy. BRAF mutations are found in about 50% of melanoma patients and are associated with more aggressive cancer and poorer survival outcomes. Although targeted therapies using BRAF inhibitors are utilized in melanoma management, they often face resistance issues.
Oncogenic BRAF mutations are also considered early events in melanomagenesis (or melanoma pathogenesis). BRAF mutations are associated with harmful melanoma phenotypes and affect melanocyte biology, including cell cycle regulation and oncogene-induced senescence. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF), which plays a crucial role in melanocyte differentiation, survival and proliferation, may influence the melanogenic effects of BRAF mutations. MITF levels correlate with melanoma cell invasiveness and the transition between proliferative and invasive states. BRAF mutations also affect MITF activation and degradation, impacting melanoma immunogenicity and immune escape mechanisms.
Why These Statistics Matter
With the rising incidence of melanoma but a decline in mortality rates in the U.S., it is helpful to monitor these trends in order to appreciate progress seen throughout the years. Early detection and understanding nuances for each patient (e.g., BRAF mutations) can help influence treatment decisions. Additionally, looking at melanoma survival rates and treatment options as a whole allows scientists and innovators to better understand where alternative therapies, such as dual immunotherapy (dual IO), could be considered to help combat this potentially deadly disease and can also be leveraged in the treatment of genetic alterations.
ONC-US-2400478 11/24
The post Melanoma’s Continued Impact in the U.S. & Implications of BRAF Mutation first appeared on Physician's Weekly.