RecruitingNCT00040352

Clinical, Laboratory, and Epidemiologic Characterization of Individuals and Families at High Risk of Melanoma


Sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Enrollment

3,000 participants

Start Date

Jul 1, 2002

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Conditions

Summary

This study will investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and related conditions. Individuals \>=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/Spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. Participants will: * Fill out one or two questionnaires about their personal and family medical history. * Provide written consent for researchers to review their medical records and pathology materials related to their care and those of deceased relatives with melanomas, tumors, cancer, or other related illnesses for whom they are the next-of-kin or legally authorized representative. * Donate a blood or cheek cell sample to be used for genetic studies. (The blood sample is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The cheek cell sample is obtained either by gently brushing the inside of the mouth with a soft brush or by swishing a tablespoon of mouthwash and then spitting it into a container.) * Undergo a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin tissue) for genetic study. For this procedure, the area of skin to be removed is numbed with a local anesthetic and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is excised with a cookie cutter-like instrument. The wound is then covered with a band-aid. Participants may be asked to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and some of the following procedures: * Full body skin examination to evaluate the type and number of moles and document any evidence of sun damage to the skin. The examination involves all the skin from the scalp to the bottoms of the feet. After the examination, a medical photographer will photograph the skin, with close-ups of skin lesions marked by the examiner. If there are parts of the skin the participant does not want examined or photographed, he or she can tell the examiner. * Blood draw of about 120 milliliters (4 ounces) or less * Skin biopsy * Cheek cell sample * X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to detect tumors or changes in tumors or other types of changes in specific tissues. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to examine body tissues. The subject lies on a table that is moved into a large tunnel-like machine (the scanner) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. When the tests are finished, a doctor will discuss the results with the participant and the need, if any, for clinical follow-up....


Eligibility

Min Age: 4 WeeksMax Age: 99 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is researching the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to melanoma (skin cancer), particularly in families or individuals with unusual patterns of melanoma risk. **You may be eligible if...** - You are any age (4 weeks or older), gender, race, or ethnicity - You have a personal history of unusual or early-onset melanoma - You have known risk factors such as many unusual moles (dysplastic nevi), giant birthmarks, a genetic predisposition, or a previous cancer that raises melanoma risk - You are an unaffected family member of someone with an unusual melanoma history **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your reported cancer diagnoses cannot be verified - You are unable to provide informed consent Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Locations(2)

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

Bethesda, Maryland, United States

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NCT00040352


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