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Share Help design a melanoma surgery study on FacebookShare Help design a melanoma surgery study on X (formerly Twitter)Share Help design a melanoma surgery study on LinkedinEmail Help design a melanoma surgery study link
We are planning a research study looking at how best to treat people with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, that has spread to the lymph nodes. Many patients now receive immunotherapy (drug treatment) before surgery. This treatment can work very well, and in some people it removes most or all of the cancer from the lymph nodes.
However, current standard treatment often still involves a larger operation to remove all the lymph nodes in that area. While effective, this surgery can sometimes lead to long-term side effects, such as swelling (lymphoedema), pain and reduced movement, which can impact daily life.
In this study, we want to find out whether some patients could safely have a smaller operation, where only one key lymph node is removed instead of removing all lymph nodes. The aim is to reduce side effects and improve quality of life, without affecting cancer outcomes.
We want to make sure this study is designed in a way that is clear, relevant, and acceptable to patients.
We are inviting patients, carers, and members of the public to share their views to help shape this research. In particular, we would like your thoughts on:
Whether a smaller operation would feel acceptable or concerning
What information you would need to feel comfortable with this approach
What outcomes matter most to you after treatment
Please add them in the discussion forum below. Your input will help us design a study that focuses on what matters most to patients and improves how melanoma treatment is delivered in the NHS.
We are planning a research study looking at how best to treat people with melanoma, a type of skin cancer, that has spread to the lymph nodes. Many patients now receive immunotherapy (drug treatment) before surgery. This treatment can work very well, and in some people it removes most or all of the cancer from the lymph nodes.
However, current standard treatment often still involves a larger operation to remove all the lymph nodes in that area. While effective, this surgery can sometimes lead to long-term side effects, such as swelling (lymphoedema), pain and reduced movement, which can impact daily life.
In this study, we want to find out whether some patients could safely have a smaller operation, where only one key lymph node is removed instead of removing all lymph nodes. The aim is to reduce side effects and improve quality of life, without affecting cancer outcomes.
We want to make sure this study is designed in a way that is clear, relevant, and acceptable to patients.
We are inviting patients, carers, and members of the public to share their views to help shape this research. In particular, we would like your thoughts on:
Whether a smaller operation would feel acceptable or concerning
What information you would need to feel comfortable with this approach
What outcomes matter most to you after treatment
Please add them in the discussion forum below. Your input will help us design a study that focuses on what matters most to patients and improves how melanoma treatment is delivered in the NHS.
Share What do think of the option of a smaller operation as described above? on FacebookShare What do think of the option of a smaller operation as described above? on X (formerly Twitter)Share What do think of the option of a smaller operation as described above? on LinkedinEmail What do think of the option of a smaller operation as described above? link
People with experience of melanoma, especially those who have undergone treatment involving lymph node surgery
People living with or who have experienced lymphoedema, as this is a key long-term side effect we aim to address
Family members or carers who support individuals through melanoma treatment
People with experience of cancer care within the NHS
We would also value input from groups who may be underrepresented in research, including:
People from diverse ethnic backgrounds, including those affected by rarer melanoma subtypes such as acral melanoma, which may be more common in some populations
Individuals from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds
People of working age (up to 65), where the impact of treatment on employment and daily life may be particularly important
