This study is currently recruiting participants.
Number
02-C-0211
Sponsoring Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Recruitment Detail
Type: Participants currently recruited/enrolled Gender: Male & Female Min Age: 4 weeks Max Age: N/A
Referral Letter Required
No
Population Exclusion(s)
None
Keywords
Genetics; Risk Factors; Natural History; Melanoma Precursors; Skin Cancer; Natural History
Recruitment Keyword(s)
Melanoma; Skin Cancer
Condition(s)
Melanoma; Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome
Investigational Drug(s)
Investigational Device(s)
Intervention(s)
Supporting Site
National Cancer Institute
Individuals >=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/Spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. Participants will:
- Fill out one or two questionnaires about their personal and family medical history.
- Provide written consent for researchers to review their medical records and pathology materials related to their care and those of deceased relatives with melanomas, tumors, cancer, or other related illnesses for whom they are the next-of-kin or legally authorized representative.
- Donate a blood or cheek cell sample to be used for genetic studies. (The blood sample is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The cheek cell sample is obtained either by gently brushing the inside of the mouth with a soft brush or by swishing a tablespoon of mouthwash and then spitting it into a container.)
- Undergo a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin tissue) for genetic study. For this procedure, the area of skin to be removed is numbed with a local anesthetic and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is excised with a cookie cutter-like instrument. The wound is then covered with a band-aid.
Participants may be asked to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and some of the following procedures:
- Full body skin examination to evaluate the type and number of moles and document any evidence of sun damage to the skin. The examination involves all the skin from the scalp to the bottoms of the feet. After the examination, a medical photographer will photograph the skin, with close-ups of skin lesions marked by the examiner. If there are parts of the skin the participant does not want examined or photographed, he or she can tell the examiner.
- Blood draw of about 120 milliliters (4 ounces) or less
- Skin biopsy
- Cheek cell sample
- X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to detect tumors or changes in tumors or other types of changes in specific tissues. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to examine body tissues. The subject lies on a table that is moved into a large tunnel-like machine (the scanner) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.
When the tests are finished, a doctor will discuss the results with the participant and the need, if any, for clinical follow-up.
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INCLUSION CRITERIA: -On referral, persons >=4 weeks old of any gender, race or ethnicity will be considered for inclusion in the study because of the criteria noted below. -Affected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: --personal medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number diagnosed at any age; or, --known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant). --Ability of the individual or their parent or legal guardian, to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent. -Unaffected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study: --family medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number; or, --known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi. Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant). --Ability of the individual or their parent, or legal guardian to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent. -Personal and family medical history must be verified through questionnaires, interviews, and review of pathology slides and medical records. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: -Referred individuals and families for whom reported diagnoses cannot be verified; -Inability to provide informed consent
-On referral, persons >=4 weeks old of any gender, race or ethnicity will be considered for inclusion in the study because of the criteria noted below.
-Affected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study:
--personal medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number diagnosed at any age; or,
--known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant).
--Ability of the individual or their parent or legal guardian, to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent.
-Unaffected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study:
--family medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number; or,
--known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi. Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin s disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant).
--Ability of the individual or their parent, or legal guardian to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent.
-Personal and family medical history must be verified through questionnaires, interviews, and review of pathology slides and medical records.
EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
-Referred individuals and families for whom reported diagnoses cannot be verified;
-Inability to provide informed consent
Principal Investigator
Referral Contact
For more information: