Treatment of primary nonmetastatic melanoma at high-volume academic facilities is associated with improved long-term patient survival

Abstract

Background: Previous studies of cancer care have demonstrated improved long-term patient outcomes for those treated at high-volume centers. The influence of treatment center characteristics on outcomes for primary nonmetastatic melanoma is not currently established. Objective: We aimed to investigate the association of cancer treatment center case volume and academic affiliation with long-term patient survival for cases of primary nonmetastatic melanoma. Methods: Cases of melanoma diagnosed in US adults from 2004 to 2014 and included in the National Cancer Database were identified. Hospitals were grouped by yearly case-volume quartile: bottom quartile, 2 middle quartiles, and top quartile. Results: Facility case volume was significantly associated with long-term patient survival (P