Biomedical
Smoking and Melanoma Outcomes—Another Reason to Quit
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Summary: The study by Jackson et al. shows that smoking significantly increases the risk of melanoma-associated death (MAD) in patients with clinically localized melanoma. Smokers had a 48% higher risk of death from melanoma compared to nonsmokers, with heavier smokers facing an even greater risk. The study highlights that smoking may reduce blood flow and impair immune responses, contributing to worse melanoma outcomes.
Key Questions
What is the association between smoking and melanoma-specific survival (MSS)?
Current smokers have a higher risk of melanoma-associated death compared to nonsmokers or former smokers, with the risk increasing with heavier smoking.
How does smoking impact melanoma recurrence risk?
Smoking is linked to a higher risk of melanoma recurrence, with greater risks seen in patients with sentinel lymph node-negative melanoma.
Why might smoking lead to worse outcomes in melanoma patients?
Smoking may impair blood flow, leading to tumor growth in hypoxic conditions, and negatively affect immunity and tumor containment, all of which may contribute to worse survival rates.
What should clinicians advise melanoma patients regarding smoking?
Clinicians should strongly advise patients to quit smoking, as smoking increases the risk of melanoma death and recurrence, making it an important factor to address in patient care.
