CAROLINE study: Incidence and characterization of melanoma in French Polynesia.

Abstract

e21505 Background: Epidemiology of metastatic melanoma in French Polynesia has never been described. Yet melanoma is known to be associated with sun exposure. The aim of this monocentric study was to assess the epidemiology of metastatic melanoma in French Polynesia. Methods: Here we analyzed data of all patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma from January 2015 to December 2020 in the only public hospital in French Polynesia and described epidemiological, survival findings and molecular characteristics. Clinical, molecular and radiological data were collected. Results: Out of 69 patients, the majority were male (74%) and median age was 65 years old. Patients were more often native from French Polynesia (59%) and Metropolitan France (32%), 80% of patients were living in Tahiti Island. Most patients had metastatic cutaneous melanoma and only 3 had metastatic uveal melanoma. A total of 37 patients had an available BRAF molecular profile and 35% were BRAF mutated. 28% were metastatic at diagnosis. First line treatments were nivolumab (31%) and pembrolizumab (15%). The ORR was 45.88% (15/33) and 2 patients had CR. Overall, the median OS was 12.2 months [95% CI, 8.64- 43.27]. Conclusions: Most patients with metastatic melanoma were from Tahiti Island and there were no major disparities between the other archipelagos. Yet facilities of access to care may vary from geographical zones. Massive prevention is still crucial.