Xindian District

Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and is quite rare in Taiwan, occurring at a rate of about 1 in 100,000 people. In Taiwan and other parts of Asia, acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common type, making up more than half of cases, while mucosal melanoma accounts for over 20% of melanoma cases. These types differ significantly from the non-acral melanomas more common in Western countries. Compared to Caucasian patients, Asian melanoma patients tend to have higher recurrence rates after surgery, respond less well to immunotherapy, and generally experience poorer survival outcomes regardless of disease stage. Most patients in Taiwan are diagnosed when the disease is locally advanced or has spread, reflecting its aggressive nature. The primary treatment for locally advanced melanoma includes surgery to remove the tumor and affected lymph nodes, sometimes followed by additional therapy for stage III disease. Despite aggressive treatment, many patients experience recurrence. For patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, systemic treatments such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy are used, but the prognosis remains poor with a median survival of about one year. This study seeks to improve understanding of melanoma's genetic changes in Taiwanese patients to help develop better treatment strategies. Participants will be monitored as part of a registry to evaluate the course of acral melanoma in Taiwan from October 2022 to December 2025. The study involves collecting tumor tissue samples, either archived or newly obtained, and regularly following patients to track disease progression and treatment outcomes. Researchers will gather medical histories and clinical data to analyze genetic alterations and their impact on the disease. This long-term follow-up aims to support better patient care and future therapeutic developments.