What the trial was testing
The trial enrolled 600 patients with melanoma. The study was sponsored by University of New Mexico and tracked outcomes across the full group of patients who matched the trial's eligibility profile.
Researchers followed patients through treatment and into recovery, tracking the outcomes that mattered most for the disease being studied.
What the results showed
Nearly half of patients wanted to learn if their genes put them at higher risk for melanoma.
JAMA dermatology · 2018 · NCT03130569
These findings — that chose to learn about genetic testing for melanoma risk — were published in the JAMA dermatology and represent the headline result of the study.
Researchers tracked outcomes across 600 patients enrolled in the trial. The result was consistent enough across the group that the team felt confident reporting it.
What this means for patients
For patients with melanoma, this result changes the calculus on what to ask their care team about. Whether it changes day-to-day care depends on factors like disease subtype, prior treatments, and where the patient is in their care journey.
What you can do now
If your doctor offers genetic testing for melanoma risk, you're not alone in being curious — about half of people want to learn more. This kind of testing looks at genes that affect your skin cancer risk no matter your skin tone. If you're worried about melanoma, talk to your doctor about your personal risk factors and whether genetic testing makes sense for you.
Eligibility for the treatments mentioned above depends on specific test results and clinical history. Bring this summary, the trial name, and your most recent labs or pathology report to your next visit.
Open melanoma trials
Resistance Exercise in Patients With Ocular Melanoma
Choroidal melanoma (CM) is one of the most common intraocular cancers worldwide. During treatment with episcleral brachytherapy, patients require a week of hospitalization in isolation. The primary aim of this study will be to investigate the effects of resistance training during hospitalization on health-related blood biomarkers in CM patients. Our secondary aim will be to assess changes in physical function tests, quality of life and anxiety and depression. Candidates for this study will be patients undergoing CM treatment at the "Hospital Universitari i Politècnic La Fe" of Valencia.
IDOV-Immune for Advanced Solid Tumors
This is a Phase I clinical trial evaluating an investigational treatment called IDOV-Immune, a type of oncolytic virus therapy, for adults with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. Oncolytic viruses are designed to infect and destroy cancer cells and have the potential to stimulate the immune system to fight the tumor. The purpose of this study is to determine the safety of IDOV-Immune, how well it is tolerated, and to identify the highest dose that can be safely given. Researchers will also study how the drug behaves in the body, how the immune system responds to it, and whether it shows any signs of shrinking tumors. Participants will receive a single intravenous (IV) infusion of IDOV-Immune and will be closely monitored for side effects and any changes in their cancer. This study is being conducted at multiple sites in the United States and Australia.