Melanoma & Skin Cancer
Skin cancer studies range from immune treatments for advanced melanoma to new ways of spotting a worrying mole early.
What research in this area looks at
Melanoma begins in the cells that give skin its color and can spread if it is not caught early. Basal cell and squamous cell cancers are far more common and usually stay local, though some grow deep or return after removal.
Research tests immune treatments before and after surgery, combinations for melanoma that has spread, creams and light treatments for early skin cancers, and imaging tools that help a dermatologist decide which spots need a biopsy.
Kinds of study you will come across
Listings in this area usually fall into one of these. A single study can sit in more than one.
Before or after surgery
Give treatment around an operation to lower the chance of melanoma returning.
Advanced melanoma
Compare combinations for melanoma that has spread beyond the skin.
Non-melanoma skin cancer
Test creams, light treatments and medicines for basal and squamous cell cancers.
Early detection
Try imaging and scoring tools that help decide which spots to remove.
What visits can include
- Full skin checks with photographs taken the same way each time
- Scans if the cancer has spread or might have
- Infusions every few weeks for immune treatments
- Blood tests to watch the liver, thyroid and other organs
- A biopsy or surgery that may already be planned for your care
What to have ready before you call
- Your pathology report, including the depth of the melanoma if known
- Dates of any surgery and the treatment you had afterward
- Recent scan reports
- A list of other conditions, especially autoimmune ones
Questions worth asking a study team
Write them down before the first call. The team has heard each one many times and expects them.
Does this study change the surgery I was already going to have?
What side effects do immune treatments in this study tend to cause?
How often are skin checks and scans done?
What happens to my care if the study treatment is stopped?
Only the study team can say whether a study would take you. Talk to your own doctor before deciding. In an emergency, call 911.
Stay updated on melanoma and skin cancer research
Choose melanoma and skin cancer on the sign-up form and Verixmed will send an occasional update about research in it. Texts are optional, and one reply stops them.
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