A Prospective Natural History Study in Uveal Melanoma
This study is building a comprehensive database, like a medical diary, to track people with uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer. Doctors want to understand the full journey of this disease, from when it's first found, through different treatments, and if it comes back elsewhere in the body. This record will involve information from eye cancer specialists and medical oncologists working together across different hospitals. By collecting this detailed information over time, researchers hope to gain crucial insights into how uveal melanoma behaves. This knowledge is vital for developing new and more effective treatments in the future and ultimately improving the lives of those affected by this rare condition.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Uveal melanoma is a rare type of cancer that starts in the eye. While it's the most common cancer inside the eye, it's very rare overall. This study aims to create a comprehensive record, called a registry, of people living with uveal melanoma. Think of it as a detailed, ongoing medical diary for many patients, following their journey from diagnosis through treatment and any re-occurrence.
Currently, there isn't one big, ongoing study collecting all this important information in a consistent way. This new registry is designed to fill that gap. Doctors from different specialist areas, including eye cancer specialists (ophthalmologic oncologists) and cancer specialists (medical oncologists), often work together to care for patients with uveal melanoma. This study brings these experts together to make sure that the registry captures a complete picture of the disease's progression.
The main goal is to understand the 'natural history' of uveal melanoma – how it typically develops, what kind of treatments are used at different stages, and how patients respond over time. By gathering this detailed information from many patients, researchers hope to learn more about the disease. This knowledge is absolutely vital for designing future studies and developing new, more effective therapies to improve treatment and outcomes for people with uveal melanoma.
Key takeaways
- This study creates a vital database for uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer.
- It collects medical information to understand the disease's full journey.
- The goal is to improve future treatments and patient care.
- Participation involves sharing your routine medical data, not new interventions.
- Your data's privacy is rigorously protected.
- You can withdraw from the study at any time without impacting your care.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to have been diagnosed with uveal melanoma. This registry is open to adults aged 18 years and older; there is no upper age limit.
Participation usually involves giving your written permission (consent) for your medical information to be included in the registry. In some cases, your hospital's review board (IRB/ethics committee) might allow your information to be used anonymously if you can't provide written consent, or for information already collected from your past medical records.
There are no specific reasons that would prevent you from taking part, other than not having a diagnosis of uveal melanoma or not being able to provide consent (unless a waiver is in place).
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.
- Have I been diagnosed with uveal melanoma?
- Am I 18 years old or older?
- Am I able to provide consent for my medical information to be used?
- Has my doctor mentioned this registry as part of my ongoing care?
What does participation involve?
Taking part in this study is different from a typical clinical trial where you might receive experimental medication. This study is observational, meaning it mostly involves collecting information from your routine medical care for uveal melanoma. You wouldn't need to attend extra visits or have additional assessments beyond what your doctors already recommend.
The study would involve your medical information, such as your diagnosis, treatments you receive, how you respond to those treatments, and any follow-up care, being collected and added to the registry by your healthcare team. This process continues throughout your journey with uveal melanoma, following the disease's natural course. You would not receive any specific medication or intervention as part of this study itself.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (17)
- Massachusetts General HospitalVerified postcodeBoston, United States
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterVerified postcodeNew York, United States
- Thomas Jefferson University HospitalVerified postcodePhiladelphia, United States
- MD Anderson Cancer CenterVerified postcodeHouston, United States
- Royal Adelaide HospitalVerified postcodeAdelaide, Australia
- Chatswood Eye SpecialistsVerified postcodeChatswood, Australia
- Royal Victorian Eve and Ear HospitalVerified postcodeEast Melbourne, Australia
- Western Eye SpecialistsVerified postcodeMaribyrnong, Australia
- Pennington Eye ClinicVerified postcodeNorth Adelaide, Australia
- Perth RetinaVerified postcodeSubiaco, Australia
- Dr. Conway Private RoomsVerified postcodeSydney, Australia
- St. Vincent's HospitalVerified postcodeSydney, Australia
Common questions
What is uveal melanoma?
Uveal melanoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the uvea, the middle layer of your eye.
Will I receive new treatments in this study?
No, this study is about collecting information from your standard care, not providing new treatments.
Who will have access to my medical information?
Only authorized researchers and medical staff involved in the study will have access, and your data will be kept confidential.
How long will I be part of this study?
The study aims to follow the full journey of uveal melanoma, so your information would be collected over an extended period as part of your ongoing care.
Can I stop participating if I change my mind?
Yes, you can withdraw your consent to participate at any time, and it will not affect your medical care.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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