RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

French Clinical Datbase of Melanoma Patients (RIC-Mel)

This French initiative, called RIC-Mel, is building a large database using information from people with melanoma. Melanoma is a serious skin cancer, and researchers need more data to develop better treatments. By collecting details about patients, their melanoma, and how it's treated, this network helps researchers understand the disease more deeply. The database supports both academic and private research, speeding up the development of new treatments and improving clinical trials. It's a collaborative effort involving many hospitals and cancer centres across France, aiming to make a real difference for melanoma patients.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Nantes University Hospital

Enrolment target

16,000

Start

01 Mar 2012

Estimated completion

01 Mar 2030

Melanoma (Skin)

What is this study about?

The RIC-Mel project is a big effort in France to gather important health information from people living with melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Because melanoma can be serious and treatments aren't always effective, understanding it better is a top priority for health experts. This project helps by creating a huge, regularly updated database of information from patients across the country.

Think of it like a very detailed map of melanoma in France. Researchers and doctors can use this map to see patterns, understand different types of melanoma, and learn which treatments work best for whom. This information is vital for developing new medicines and improving clinical trials, which test new treatments to see if they're safe and effective. The goal is to speed up scientific discoveries that will ultimately benefit patients.

Many hospitals and cancer centres across France work together on this project. They collect key details like the type of melanoma, how it's spreading, treatments received, and more. All of your personal details are kept private and secure. This database is approved by French health authorities, ensuring it meets strict ethical and privacy standards. Over 20,000 patients have already shared their information, helping to build a powerful resource for melanoma research.

Key takeaways

RIC-Mel is a French database for melanoma research.
It collects anonymous patient information to understand the disease better.
Helps accelerate the development of new treatments and clinical trials.
Participation means giving permission for your existing health data to be used.
No extra appointments or medications are involved for participants.
Your data is kept confidential and secure, following strict guidelines.

Who may be eligible?

To be part of this database, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has been diagnosed with melanoma, no matter what stage your cancer is at. The main requirement is that you are happy and willing to have your health information included in the database.

There are not many reasons why someone wouldn't be able to join. The main one is if you are under a court order that prevents you from making your own decisions about participating in studies like this. Otherwise, if you have melanoma and agree to take part, you can be included in this important research effort.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 18 years old or older.
I have been diagnosed with melanoma.
I am happy for my health information to be used for research.
I am not under any court protection that would prevent me from participating in studies.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This project involves doctors and researchers collecting your existing health information about your melanoma. This isn't a clinical trial where you would receive new, experimental treatments or have extra hospital visits. Instead, it involves gathering details already in your medical records, such as information about your original tumour, any lymph node treatments, the stage of your melanoma, and the treatments you have received or are currently taking.

Your involvement primarily means giving permission for your anonymised data to be added to the secure database. You wouldn't need to visit a study site specifically for this project or take any study medication. The information gathered helps researchers understand the disease and improve care for others in the future. There's no specific 'duration' for your direct participation beyond your agreement to have your data included, but your information will contribute to ongoing research for as long as the database exists.

Potential risks and benefits

The main benefit of contributing your information to this database is that it helps advance our understanding of melanoma, potentially leading to better treatments and improved care for future patients. There are no direct medical risks to you as a participant, as you are not taking new medication or undergoing extra procedures. Your information is kept confidential and secure. You always have the right to withdraw your consent for your data to be used in the future, should you change your mind.

Locations (1)

Nantes University Hospital
Verified postcode
Nantes, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the RIC-Mel database for?

It's a collection of patient information for melanoma research, helping scientists understand the disease better and develop new treatments.

Who can have their information included?

Adults (18+) with melanoma of any stage, who agree to participate.

Will I have to do anything extra if I take part?

No, your doctors will share existing information from your medical records. You won't have extra appointments or take new medicines.

Is my personal information kept private?

Yes, all your data is treated confidentially and is approved by French health authorities for ethical and privacy standards.

How does this study help patients?

By gathering lots of information, it helps researchers speed up discoveries and improve clinical trials, ultimately leading to better care for people with melanoma.

How to find out more

Gaëlle Quereux, PU-PH

gaelle.quereux@chu-nantes.fr Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.