Plain-English translation of NCT03860883 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether patients with stage II melanoma need a larger surgical margin (2 centimeters) removed around their cancer, or if a smaller margin (1 centimeter) works just as well. Researchers want to know if the smaller margin is equally safe while also reducing surgery size, scarring, and side effects. If the smaller margin is proven safe, it could mean less invasive surgery and better quality of life for melanoma patients.
Currently, doctors are uncertain about the best size margin to remove during melanoma surgery—whether going bigger always means better outcomes. This trial will provide clear evidence to help doctors choose the right surgical approach and potentially spare patients from unnecessary tissue removal while keeping them safe.
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After you are randomly assigned to either the 1-centimeter or 2-centimeter margin group, you will have surgery on the same day to remove your melanoma with your assigned margin size and also have a sentinel lymph node biopsy (checking nearby lymph nodes for cancer). You will then be followed for several years with regular check-ups to monitor whether the melanoma comes back and to track your recovery and quality of life.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States