RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Study Aims to Measure the Metabolome in Melanoma Patients Using NMR Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography and to Analyse Differences Depending on the Course of the Disease.

This study aims to understand the chemical make-up (called the 'metabolome') in people with skin melanoma. By looking at blood and other body fluids, researchers hope to discover unique patterns that could help detect melanoma early, whether it's when someone is first diagnosed, if it comes back, or if its stage changes. They compare these patterns between melanoma patients at different stages and healthy people. The goal is to find new ways to spot the disease sooner and track how it's progressing, ultimately improving care for those affected by skin melanoma. The samples are collected and stored for analysis.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Technische Universität Dresden

Enrolment target

3,000

Start

04 Jul 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jun 2027

Melanoma of Skin

What is this study about?

This study is looking into something called the 'metabolome,' which is basically a map of all the tiny chemical substances produced naturally in your body. Think of it like your body's unique chemical fingerprint. Researchers want to see if this fingerprint changes when someone has skin melanoma, a type of skin cancer. They'll be studying blood and other body fluids from people with melanoma at different stages of the disease, and also from healthy people.

The main idea is to find out if there are specific chemical changes that could tell us important things about melanoma. For example, could these changes help doctors spot melanoma very early, even before it's clearly visible? Could they help detect if the cancer has returned, or if its stage has changed? By understanding these chemical differences, the hope is to develop better and earlier ways to diagnose and monitor skin melanoma.

So, why does this matter? If successful, this research could lead to new tests that are simpler and more effective in detecting melanoma at its earliest stages. Catching cancer early often means treatment is more straightforward and successful. It could also help doctors keep a closer eye on patients and understand how their disease is developing over time.

Key takeaways

This study investigates changes in body chemistry related to skin melanoma.
It aims to find new ways to detect melanoma early or track its progress.
Participation involves providing blood and other samples during regular appointments.
It's for adults with current or past skin melanoma receiving care at Dresden University Hospital.
Your contribution could help improve future melanoma diagnosis and monitoring.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. It's for both men and women. The most important thing is that you currently have, or have had in the past, skin melanoma. You'll also need to be receiving treatment or follow-up care for your melanoma at the Skin Cancer Centre at Dresden University Hospital.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If you don't want to be part of the study, that's perfectly fine, and you wouldn't be included. Also, if for some reason you're unable to understand the study and agree to take part, then unfortunately you wouldn't be able to join.

Essentially, if you're an adult with a history of melanoma and are being looked after at the Dresden University Hospital's Skin Cancer Centre, you might be suitable for this research.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you currently have, or have you had in the past, skin melanoma?
Are you receiving treatment or follow-up care at the Skin Cancer Centre at Dresden University Hospital?
Do you feel able to understand the study and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study mainly involves providing biological samples. This means you would likely give blood samples, and potentially other body fluid or tissue samples, during your regular appointments at the Skin Cancer Centre. These samples would then be stored in a special bank (BioBank Dresden) and used for detailed chemical analysis to look at your body's unique chemical make-up. The researchers plan to use these samples for the described tests and potentially for other future analyses to learn even more. You wouldn't be given any new medication as part of this study, and there are no extra visits just for the study; any sample collection would ideally happen during your existing clinic appointments. The total duration of your participation would depend on how long samples are collected, but the main involvement is providing the samples.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include contributing to important research that could lead to earlier diagnosis and better monitoring of skin melanoma for future patients. While there are no direct health benefits to you personally, your contribution is valuable. Potential risks are generally small, similar to those of routine blood tests, such as minor bruising or discomfort at the injection site. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this decision will not affect your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'melanoma'?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its colour.

What does 'metabolome' mean?

The metabolome is like a complete list of all the small chemical substances, or 'metabolites,' found in your body. It's your body's unique chemical fingerprint.

Will I get results from my samples?

This study is for research purposes, so individual results from your samples will not be shared with you. The findings will help understand melanoma in general.

Do I have to take any new medicine?

No, this study does not involve taking any new medications. It's about collecting samples to understand body chemistry.

How long will I be in the study?

The study collects samples over time during your regular care. There isn't a fixed end date for your individual participation other than when samples are no longer needed.

How to find out more

Frank Friedrich Gellrich, Dr. med.

frankfriedrich.gellrich@ukdd.de +493514582497 Official trial record

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