Background and methods: Despite the increasing prevalence of malignant melanoma, psychosocial aspects have found little attention. A systematic review was conducted in order to identify psycho-oncological articles on patients with malignant melanoma.
Results: Out of a total of 31 studies, 12 examine quality of life in malignant melanoma patients and 6 studies monitor quality of life in the course of therapy. Most studies originate from English-speaking countries (USA, UK, AU); few German studies have been published. Methodological limitations of the studies include cross-sectional assessment, unreported return rate, small sample sizes and comparability (heterogeneous or non-standardized psychosocial measures).
Conclusions: In addition to the tumor stage, psychosocial characteristics (coping with disease, social support) have a substantial effect on quality of life. Results from psychotherapy trials with malignant melanoma patients are encouraging. Given the overall high survival rates of malignant melanoma, quality of life and needs for care of long-term survivors need to be assessed.