MelMarT-II – update Jan/Feb2022

In the UK, there are 4 sites open for recruitment and more are due to open shortly. As of the 31^st January this year, there are a total 542 patients enrolled internationally.

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.

Melanoma UK is set to bring you more On The Spot webinars this year. It is an opportunity for patients, families, and carers to engage with medical experts in the field of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Stay tuned for more details about our On The Spot webinar covering Clinical Trials and the MelMarT-II study. 

INTRODUCTION TO OUR NEW TRIAL MANAGER.  MelMarT-II has a new Trial Manager.

“I am Hannah, the new Trial Manager responsible for the day to day management of the MelMarT-II study. I joined the team in November 2021, and have been working in clinical research for 7 years. It is predicted that quality of life could be significantly improved with the adoption of narrower surgical excision margins, and as such I am very happy to be part of this exciting and important study.”