4 Steps to Take If Skin Cancer Runs in Your Family
Having a relative diagnosed with skin cancer like melanoma can naturally be concerning. Read on to learn more about how that affects your risk and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Clinical Trials for Melanoma
When people hear a diagnosis of skin cancer — particularly when the type is melanoma — they worry about what it means for their health and future. Fortunately, when caught early, this serious cancer has a five-year survival rate of 99%.
There are a number of treatment options available for melanoma, including possibly participating in a clinical trial.
Our surgical oncologist, Dr. Trevan Fischer, is an expert on clinical trials through his work at Saint John's Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. In addition to helping further innovative treatments through research, at his private practice in Santa Monica he treats everything from skin cancer to soft tissue sarcoma.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma can occur anywhere on the skin, but most often appears in places exposed to the sun. This includes the face, arms, back, and legs. It can develop in an existing mole or in otherwise typical-looking skin.
Signs to look out for can be remembered by the acronym “ABCDE.” This stands for:
- A: Moles that have an asymmetrical shape.
- B: Watch out for anything with a notched or irregular border.
- C: Changes in color or an uneven distribution of color can be a red flag.
- D: A mole bigger than 1/4 inch in diameter with new growth should be evaluated.
- E: Evolution or changes over time in size, shape, or color.
Depending on the melanoma’s size and stage, as well as other factors, treatment may include surgery, immunotherapy, and other possibilities. Participating in a clinical trial may be another option.
What are clinical trials?
Clinical trials are research studies designed to discover improved treatments for individuals with diseases, as well as ways to better their quality of life. They are conducted using people and are the last phase of a multi-step process.
In the case of cancer, research begins with scientists studying a potential new treatment's effects on cancer cells and any possible side effects that may occur. This can be done in the laboratory and in animals.
If the results are positive, the trial moves to multiple phases that involve people in larger and larger numbers. Clinical trials test everything from the dose amount to safety, side effects, and effectiveness.
Benefits of clinical trials for melanoma
There are several benefits to participating in a clinical trial for melanoma, both on a personal and societal level. By joining a clinical trial, you can receive cutting-edge treatment sooner than it’s available to the general public.
You may also have reduced costs if the study's sponsoring agency pays for doctor visits and tests associated with it (be sure to check on this in advance). Finally, results determined by the clinical trial may help many others if the treatment is approved and becomes widely available.
Clinical trials all have certain qualifications that must be met to join. Click here for a list of clinical trials available through Saint John’s Cancer Institute to find out if you may be a candidate.
If you have a concerning mole or spot on your skin you’d like examined or have already been diagnosed with melanoma and are seeking treatment, call our office or book an appointment online today.
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