A patient decision aid for frail adults with lentigo maligna.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development of a patient decision aid for the management of lentigo maligna in frail adults.
IRAS ID
347670
Contact name
Dimitrios Karponis
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 1 days
Research summary
The aim of the study is to develop an accurate, informative, user-friendly and accessible patient decision aid (PDA) for the management of lentigo maligna (LM) in frail patients and older adults with limited life expectancy.
LM, a slow growing melanoma on the surface of the skin, is usually diagnosed in the sixth decade of life, often in older patients with multiple comorbidities. It is more common in males and the main risk factor for developing LM is sun damage of the skin. Patients with LM, however, have excellent net survival rates (100% alive at 5 years). Taken together with the slow progression of LM, these data raise the question on what the best management for LM is. While surgical excision is the gold standard treatment, it can be invasive or even harmful for certain older patients with multiple comorbidities or limited life expectancy. Alternative options, such as topical imiquimod cream, radiotherapy or watchful waiting, are also available.
Participation of older or frail adults in health care decisions can be limited due to multiple factors. There is a need to develop a tool based on patient narratives and values, to assist patient subgroups with decision making. The purpose of developing this PDA is to empower patients to better understand treatment options of their diagnosis and actively participate in shared decision making with their healthcare provider with regards to management of their LM.
REC name
London - West London & GTAC Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/1372
Date of REC Opinion
14 Nov 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion