RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Review of the Literature and Serie of Patients Who Underwent Reconstruction After Wide Local Excision of Nail Apparatus for Melanoma

This study focuses on people who have had a skin cancer (melanoma) removed from under their fingernail or toenail. Often, these cancers are found when they are quite advanced. In the past, this might have meant removing the whole finger or toe. However, doctors now know that in some cases, simply removing a larger area around the nail is enough. After removing the cancerous tissue, the nail area needs to be rebuilt. This study is looking at different ways to do this. Specifically, it's investigating how well reconstruction works using a special material called INTEGRA (which helps new skin grow) along with skin grafts. The aim is to understand the best methods for repairing the nail area after surgery, improving recovery for patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice

Enrolment target

Start

15 Jan 2025

Estimated completion

25 Mar 2025

Melanoma

What is this study about?

This research is focused on a specific type of skin cancer called melanoma that can appear under your fingernail or toenail. Unfortunately, these melanomas are often discovered when they are quite advanced.

Historically, the standard treatment for this condition was to amputate, meaning to remove, the affected finger or toe. However, medical understanding has progressed. Doctors have now found that in many situations, it's sufficient to remove a wider area of the nail and surrounding tissue, without needing to take off the entire digit. This change in approach helps preserve more of your hand or foot.

After the cancerous tissue is removed, the area where the nail used to be needs to be rebuilt. This study is looking closely at different ways doctors can reconstruct this area. They are specifically reviewing cases where patients had their nail area rebuilt using a special material called INTEGRA, which is a type of 'dermal matrix' that helps new skin grow, along with skin grafts. The goal of this research is to understand which reconstruction techniques work best for patients, helping them heal well and regain function.

Key takeaways

This study helps understand the best ways to rebuild a finger or toe after nail cancer removal.
It focuses on melanoma found under nails.
Doctors are reviewing how skin grafts and special materials like INTEGRA help with healing.
The goal is to improve surgical outcomes for future patients.
It's a review of past treatments, not a new treatment trial.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking primarily at people who have already had surgery for a particular type of skin cancer called acral melanoma, which affects the fingers or toes. To be included, you must have undergone an operation where a wide area around your nail was removed, and then, either immediately or later, had the area rebuilt.

It's important to note that the study is interested in your medical history regarding this specific type of surgery and reconstruction.

However, you would not be included in this study if you had your finger or toe amputated (completely removed) instead of just having the nail area rebuilt. Also, if you do not wish for your medical information to be part of the study, you would not be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I had a skin cancer (melanoma) removed from under my fingernail or toenail?
Was the surgery a 'wide local excision' meaning a larger area around the nail was removed?
Did I have my nail area rebuilt using techniques like skin grafts or special materials?
Was my whole finger or toe NOT amputated?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is a review of past cases, meaning you wouldn’t actively 'take part' in the traditional sense like receiving medication or having extra appointments. Instead, the researchers would look at medical notes and records of patients who have already had this type of surgery and reconstruction in the past. There would be no new visits, assessments, or follow-up appointments required from you specifically for this study. Your participation would involve allowing researchers to review your existing medical history related to your surgery and recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves reviewing existing medical records and not new treatments, there are very few direct risks to you. Your medical information would be kept private and anonymised where possible. The benefit is that by sharing information from your past treatment, you could help doctors learn more about the best ways to reconstruct the nail area after melanoma surgery. This could lead to better outcomes for future patients. You always have the right to say no to your medical records being used in research.

Locations (1)

CHU NICE
Verified postcode
Nice, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is acral melanoma?

Acral melanoma is a type of skin cancer that grows on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails.

What does 'reconstruction' mean in this study?

Reconstruction means rebuilding the part of the finger or toe where the nail and surrounding tissue were removed due to cancer.

What is INTEGRA?

INTEGRA is a special material that acts like a scaffold to help new, healthy skin grow and heal the wound after surgery.

Will I have to have more surgery if I'm in this study?

No, this study looks at information from surgeries and treatments that have already happened. It does not involve new operations.

How will my privacy be protected?

Researchers will keep your medical information confidential and often use anonymised data, meaning your identity won't be revealed.

How to find out more

ELISE LUPON

lupon.e@chu-nice.fr 06 26 30 63 23 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.