Expression of micro RNA signatures in malignant melanoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A controlled study analyzing tissue and circulating micro RNA signatures in patients with stage I-III malignant melanoma
IRAS ID
98638
Contact name
Marc Pacifico
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Queen Victoria, NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Micro ribonucleic-acid (miRNA), are small molecules which help regulate a number of important biological processes. Recently links have been made between abnormal production of these molecules and cancer development. Analysis of miRNA levels in malignant melanoma skin cancer has the potential to help predict prognosis and guide treatment to improve outcomes. Before this can be achieved it is essential to identify the specific molecules which are abnormally produced at different stages of the disease. The current study aims to do this by comparing levels of various miRNAs in the blood of: 20 normal adults, 20 patients with melanoma confined to the skin and 20 patients with melanoma that has spread to the lymph glands. After diagnostic examination has been completed, miRNA levels in tissue specimens will also be analyzed. All adults undergoing mole removal and being treated for melanoma at the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit, Queen Victoria Hospital will be eligible for the study. Samples will be examined at Brighton and Sussex Medical School. Once recruited, adults attending the hospital for mole removal will undergo a single blood test on the day of surgery. The mole will be excised, using a scalpel under anaesthetic, and will undergo routine diagnostic examination. If determined to be benign then the patient will be included into the control group. If diagnostic examination shows melanoma the patient will be included in the ‘melanoma confined to the skin’ group.Patients in whom melanoma has spread to the lymph glands will undergo a blood test in the pre-assessment clinic 3-4 weeks prior to surgery to remove these glands. The estimated duration to collect samples is 6 months. The goal is to complete the study 1 year after the recruitment of the first patient.
REC name
London - Chelsea Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
12/LO/1527
Date of REC Opinion
7 Dec 2012
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion