HEALS2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Secondary intention wound healing following excision of keratinocyte cancers on the lower leg (HEALS2)
IRAS ID
332091
Contact name
David Veitch
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
What is the problem?
Skin cancers are common and the number of people who are developing them is increasing. They are usually split into two groups: melanomas are less common but more serious and keratinocyte skin cancers are more common but less serious. Most need to be cut out. Keratinocyte skin cancers on the leg often cannot be closed with stitches and the wounds are left open to heal by themselves (known as secondary intention wound healing). When left open, they can take many months to heal and can sometimes develop complications such as infections.
Compression therapy is the use of firm bandages, stockings or socks applied to the lower leg. This prevents the leg from swelling, keeps wound dressings in place and protects the leg.What are we trying to find out?
This project is trying to find out if compression therapy reduces the time it takes for wounds to heal by themselves after surgical removal of a keratinocyte skin cancer on the lower leg.What will we do?
We will study 396 patients from 20 hospitals, who have had surgical removal of a keratinocyte skin cancer and have a wound which is allowed to heal by itself. Patients will have a 1 in 2 (50%) chance of receiving standard care or standard care with compression therapy.
Patients will get regular phone call from the research team until their wound has healed. Phone calls will be every week. If the wound has not healed in six months then phone calls will continue monthly. When their wound has healed, patients will be invited to attend a clinic to confirm this. At this visit both patient and doctor will be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess the quality of the scar.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/YH/0247
Date of REC Opinion
13 Nov 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion