We have recently produced an updated version of consensus document and recommendations on the follow-up of cutaneous melanoma patients.
(2022 update to the Melanoma Focus 2013 position paper)

Authors:
A. Gupta, R. Board, P. Corrie, J. Hook, J. Larkin, M. Middleton, D. Mowatt, P. Nathan, R. Plummer, H. Shaw, A. Waterston, P. Lorigan.

Acknowledgements:
Jaddy Czajka and Elly Castellano for advice on radiation risk

“It is a privilege to lead the Melanoma Focus consensus document and recommendations on the follow-up of cutaneous melanoma patients. The national and international evidence was reviewed to create a position paper to support the UK medical community.”
Dr Avinash Gupta
Consultant Medical Oncologist – Melanoma Team
Christie Associate Medical Director for Digital Services (Medical CCIO)

There have been dramatic changes in the treatment options and clinical outcomes for patients with cutaneous melanoma in the past ten years. This position paper represents an update to the Melanoma Focus 2013 Position Paper, with new recommendations for the follow up of patients with resected Stage II, Stage III and Stage IV melanoma, based on the consensus views of a panel of melanoma experts in the UK. It is intended as a framework to inform clinical teams treating patients with melanoma.

The document follows up from the 2013 Melanoma Focus position paper ‘Follow Up of High Risk Cutaneous Melanoma’ following the same consensus process with a panel of melanoma experts across the UK.

This position paper on the follow-up of cutaneous melanoma patients 2022 reported prior to the publication of NICE Melanoma Awareness & Management Guidelines in July 2022.  The recommendations made in this position paper have therefore been superseded by the updated NICE guidelines.  The panel of experts involved in the Melanoma Focus guidelines are aware of some variations and melanoma units are encouraged to review their adherence against the NICE guidelines https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng14/chapter/Recommendations#follow-up-after-treatment-for-melanoma.

The Melanoma Focus position paper still provides useful background information and an updated radiation risk assessment, which the authors hope readers will still find useful.