When a standard algorithm is not enough: pathological confirmation, accurate staging and shared multidisciplinary decisions.
At OncoSummit Ukraine 2026, Vasyl Ostafiichuk, surgical oncologist and head of the Department of Orthopaedic Oncology and Skin & Soft Tissue Tumours at the National Cancer Institute of Ukraine, presented four educational melanoma scenarios. Their common question was: what additional fact may change the multidisciplinary team's decision?
A permitted two-minute selection from the original presentation footage. The complete 24-minute talk and other speakers' recordings are not republished here.
Watch the permitted promotional excerpt from OncoSummit Ukraine 2026. The complete talk and other speakers’ presentations are not republished.
Open on YouTube ↗These are educational scenarios without identifying patient data. They are not universal treatment instructions for an individual patient.
Lymphadenopathy in a person with two malignancies requires confirmation of its origin. Assuming melanoma metastasis without appropriate evidence may lead to incorrect staging.
Tumour board question: What is the actual cause of the lymph node involvement?
Recurrence following adjuvant immunotherapy calls for renewed staging, a review of previous treatment and relevant molecular information before the next management decision.
Tumour board question: Which findings are needed before choosing local versus systemic treatment?
The anatomical relationship to the primary melanoma matters when distinguishing regional spread, in-transit disease and distant metastasis.
Tumour board question: How would correct classification change staging and the role of surgery?
Progression in a limited number of sites while other disease remains controlled requires individual assessment of local treatment options and whether to change systemic therapy.
Tumour board question: Could local control fit into the overall treatment strategy?
Photographs from the personal OncoSummit Ukraine 2026 archive. Faces and documentary details have not been altered.
Verified pathology, appropriate staging and multidisciplinary input support defensible clinical choices in complex scenarios.
More research and congressesEducational material for clinicians, not individual medical advice. The complete congress session recording is not republished.