ASICA-Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare in melanoma
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA) in melanoma: A randomized patient-focused trial of delivering the ASICA intervention as a means to earlier detection of recurrent and second primary melanoma
IRAS ID
223906
Contact name
Peter Murchie
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 30 days
Research summary
Melanoma is common. Approximately 14,500 people in the UK were diagnosed with melanoma in 2013. The incidence of melanoma has increased 360% since the late 1970s. Approximately 20% of patients with early-stage melanoma experience a recurrence and 4-8% develop a new primary melanoma. The risk of having a recurrence or developing a new primary melanoma is highest in the first five years after initial treatment. For this reason, current UK melanoma treatment guidelines recommend that all people treated for melanoma attend regular hospital follow-up appointments to help detect any recurrences or new primaries that may have developed. It is also recommended that patients conduct monthly total-skin-self-examinations (TSSE). The ASICA trial is investigating whether a digital app can help people with melanoma to use a hand-held tablet computer to do more regular and effective total-skin-self-examinations, and whether this would lead to earlier detection of recurrent and new primary melanomas. The ASICA app uses the internet to enable people to electronically communicate the findings of their TSSE. Adult patients (age 18 or over) who have been treated within the preceding 24 months for a stage 0-2C primary cutaneous melanoma and who consent to take part in the trial will be randomised either to the ASICA app in addition to their normal follow-up or to routine follow-up only. We aim to recruit 240 participants across 2 UK NHS Hospitals. The main outcomes of the study are the impact of receiving ASICA on cancer worry (Cancer Worry Scale), anxiety and depression (HADS) and quality of life (EQ-5D) up to 12 months from enrolment.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
17/NS/0040
Date of REC Opinion
14 Apr 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion