As of the 28^th February, there are seven sites open to recruitment in the UK, with more due to open shortly. Worldwide the total recruitment figure is 565, and thirty one sites open.

MelMarT-II is a randomised study which will determine whether there is a difference in recurrence rates and melanoma survival rates for patients treated with either a 1cm excision margin or 2cm excision margin for both intermediate and high-risk melanomas.

The study is designed to be able to prove or disprove that there is no difference in the risk of the tumour recurring around the scar or anywhere else in the body between the two groups of patients. It is also designed to show that the risk of long-term pain associated with surgery can be reduced.

If the study shows no increased risk of the tumour recurrence, then we will be able to determine how much of an impact the narrower excision has on patients in terms of improved quality of life, reduced side effects from the surgery and melanoma disease as well as the economic impact of narrower excision margins on health services and society in general.

Information relating to participation and eligibility is as follows:

• Participants must be over 18 years of age,
• Participants will already have a Stage 2 primary invasive cutaneous melanoma.  This might be, head, arms, legs, body, scalp, limbs.  (Note, there will be some areas that will be excluded),
• There must have been no previous surgeries to remove this melanoma.

If you think you are eligible for this trial and would be interested in learning more, please speak to the team/clinician who is responsible for your care.

Hopefully you were able to attend the On The Spot Webinar ‘Demystifying Clinical Trials and Patient Involvement’. It was filled with great discussion and answered many important questions about involvement in clinical research. If you could not attend, be sure to click the link below so you can listen in your own time.

DEMYSTIFYING CLINICAL TRIALS AND PATIENT INVOLVEMENT