Vascular changes in basal cell carcinoma undergoing electrochemotherapy or photodynamic therapy - assessed with optical coherence tomography
This research study is investigating how two non-surgical treatments for basal cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer, affect the very small blood vessels in the skin. The treatments are called electrochemotherapy and photodynamic therapy. Researchers will use a special imaging technique, like a advanced scan, called optical coherence tomography (D-OCT), to look closely at these tiny blood vessels. They want to see if the blood vessels change before, during, and after treatment, specifically how much the vessels might be blocked or narrowed. By understanding these changes, the study hopes to find better ways to treat basal cell carcinoma without needing surgery, making future treatments more effective and comfortable for patients. Another goal is to see if any specific features of the tumour, or side effects like skin darkening, can predict how well the treatment will work.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking into how two types of non-surgical treatment for a common skin cancer, called basal cell carcinoma (BCC), affect your skin at a very detailed level. Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer and usually grows slowly, often appearing as a red patch or lump that doesn't go away. Instead of traditional surgery, this study focuses on treatments called electrochemotherapy and photodynamic therapy, which are ways to treat the cancer without cutting it out.
The main aim is to understand what happens to the tiny blood vessels within the skin cancer when it's being treated. Researchers will use a special camera-like device, called Optical Coherence Tomography (D-OCT), to get detailed pictures of these blood vessels. They will compare how the blood vessels look before, during, and after treatment. They're especially interested in seeing if the blood vessels become blocked or narrower, as this can be a sign that the treatment is working by cutting off the blood supply to the cancer cells.
Beyond just looking at blood vessels, the study also wants to find out if certain features of the skin cancer, such as its thickness or how dense the blood vessels are, can predict how well a patient will respond to treatment. This could help doctors choose the best treatment for each person in the future. The study will also consider how these treatments affect a patient's quality of life and will look out for potential side effects, such as darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) which can sometimes happen with one of the treatments, called bleomycin.
Key takeaways
- Investigating non-surgical treatments for a common skin cancer.
- Using advanced imaging (D-OCT) to see tiny blood vessel changes.
- Aims to improve how doctors choose and provide treatments.
- Looks at patient quality of life during treatment.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over with basal cell carcinoma.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adult participants, meaning anyone aged 18 years or older. There is no upper age limit, so people of all adult ages can be considered. Both men and women are welcome to take part in this research.
To be eligible, you must have been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, which is a common type of skin cancer. The study is specifically designed for people who are being considered for non-surgical treatments for their BCC.
More detailed checks will be done by the study doctors to make sure this research is suitable and safe for you. They will look at your overall health and the specifics of your basal cell carcinoma to confirm you meet all the requirements for taking part.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?
- Are you considering non-surgical options for your BCC?
- Are you available for regular clinic visits and assessments?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will have regular visits to the clinic. At each visit, you will undergo special scans using a device called D-OCT to take pictures of the tiny blood vessels in your skin where the basal cell carcinoma is located. These scans will happen before, during, and after your treatment.
You will receive one of the study treatments: either electrochemotherapy or photodynamic therapy, potentially involving a medication called bleomycin. The exact number and timing of treatments will depend on which therapy you receive and your treatment plan. You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your quality of life to understand how the treatment affects you day-to-day. The duration of your participation will depend on your treatment schedule and follow-up assessments.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —Denmark
Common questions
What is basal cell carcinoma (BCC)?
BCC is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
What are electrochemotherapy and photodynamic therapy?
These are non-surgical treatments for skin cancer that use different methods to target and destroy cancer cells.
What is D-OCT?
D-OCT is a special camera-like device that takes very detailed pictures of tiny blood vessels in your skin, helping doctors see changes.
Will I receive specific medication?
One of the treatments might involve a medication called bleomycin, but the study will involve different non-surgical approaches.
Will this study cure my cancer?
This study is designed to investigate and improve treatment methods for BCC. While the treatments aim to remove the cancer, no clinical trial can guarantee a cure.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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