WITHDRAWN: Establishing and Assessing a Nomogram Based on the Clinical Features of Mucosal Melanoma of the Head and Neck

Abstract Objectives: The rarity of mucosal melanoma of the head and neck (MMHN) and the lack of prospective clinical trials has resulted in the limited knowledge of its clinical features and prognosis. We aimed to understand the clinical characteristics and developed a nomogram to better predict the prognosis of patients with MMHN.Methods: Based on a total of 300 patients with nonmetastatic MMHN, multivariable Cox regression was performed to analyze independent prognostic factors. The overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), and locoregional relapse-free survival (LRRFS) of MMHN patients could be monitored using the nomogram. To facilitate clinical application, an online dynamic nomogram was established.Results: Multivariate analysis identified primary tumor site, T stage and N stage as independent risk factors for survival. This factor-based nomogram had prognostic value for OS, DFS, DMFS, and LRRFS. Receiver operating characteristic analysis indicated the high diagnostic accuracy of the nomogram (AUC > 0.7). Kaplan–Meier survival curves indicated that the risk score of the nomogram effectively stratified MMHN patients with poor survival into a high-risk group (all P<0.001). Conclusions: The nomogram is conducive to stratifying MMHN patients into clinically meaningful taxonomies and subsequently providing individualized treatment.