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MelanomaNCT00040352

Clinical, Laboratory, and Epidemiologic Characterization of Individuals and Families at High Risk of Melanoma

An observational study of Melanoma and Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, run by National Cancer Institute (NCI) at 2 sites in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

This study will investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and related conditions. Individuals >=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/Spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 4 weeks to 99 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Melanoma, Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome
How many people
3,000 participants
Where
2 sitesUnited States
Study dates
1 Jul 2002to not given
Phase
Observational
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 4 weeks to 99 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Child, Adult, Older adult

Study population: All members of families with three or more living melanoma cases in the U.S. are eligible for inclusion in the study if the families are willing to participate.@@@@@@

Who may be able to join

  • On referral, persons >=4 weeks old of any sex, race or ethnicity will be considered for inclusion in the study because of the criteria noted below.
  • Affected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study:
  • personal medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number diagnosed at any age; or,
  • known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant).
  • Ability of the individual or their parent or legal guardian, to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent.
  • Unaffected: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be eligible to participate in this study:
Show all 10Show fewer
  • family medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number; or,
  • known or suspected factor(s) predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi. Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features (e.g., very young age of onset, multiple melanomas, previous history of heritable retinoblastoma, Hodgkin's disease, lymphoma, immunodeficiency syndrome, or organ transplant).
  • Ability of the individual or their parent, or legal guardian to understand, and their willingness to provide informed consent.
  • Personal and family medical history must be verified through questionnaires, interviews, and review of pathology slides and medical records.

Who cannot join

  • Referred individuals and families for whom reported diagnoses cannot be verified;
  • Inability to provide informed consent

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

NCI Family Study Referrals contact

(800) 518-8474

ncifamilystudyreferrals@mail.nih.gov

Michael R Sargen, M.D. contact

(240) 276-7354

michael.sargen@nih.gov

United States2 sites, 2 recruiting
  • National Cancer Institute (NCI)

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892

    For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact National Cancer Institute Referral Office, 888-624-1937

    Recruiting
  • National Institutes of Health Clinical Center

    Bethesda, Maryland, 20892

    For more information at the NIH Clinical Center contact National Cancer Institute Referral Office, 888-624-1937

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

This study will investigate how genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and related conditions.

Individuals >=4 weeks with a personal or family history of melanoma or atypical spitzoid/Spitz tumor may be eligible for this study. Participants will:

Read more
  • Fill out one or two questionnaires about their personal and family medical history.
  • Provide written consent for researchers to review their medical records and pathology materials related to their care and those of deceased relatives with melanomas, tumors, cancer, or other related illnesses for whom they are the next-of-kin or legally authorized representative.
  • Donate a blood or cheek cell sample to be used for genetic studies. (The blood sample is collected through a needle in an arm vein. The cheek cell sample is obtained either by gently brushing the inside of the mouth with a soft brush or by swishing a tablespoon of mouthwash and then spitting it into a container.)
  • Undergo a skin biopsy (removal of a small piece of skin tissue) for genetic study. For this procedure, the area of skin to be removed is numbed with a local anesthetic and a 1/4-inch piece of skin is excised with a cookie cutter-like instrument. The wound is then covered with a band-aid.

Participants may be asked to travel to the NIH Clinical Center for evaluation, including a medical history, physical examination, and some of the following procedures:

  • Full body skin examination to evaluate the type and number of moles and document any evidence of sun damage to the skin. The examination involves all the skin from the scalp to the bottoms of the feet. After the examination, a medical photographer will photograph the skin, with close-ups of skin lesions marked by the examiner. If there are parts of the skin the participant does not want examined or photographed, he or she can tell the examiner.
  • Blood draw of about 120 milliliters (4 ounces) or less
  • Skin biopsy
  • Cheek cell sample
  • X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies to detect tumors or changes in tumors or other types of changes in specific tissues. MRI is a diagnostic test that uses strong magnetic fields and radiowaves to examine body tissues. The subject lies on a table that is moved into a large tunnel-like machine (the scanner) for about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

When the tests are finished, a doctor will discuss the results with the participant and the need, if any, for clinical follow-up.

Read the detailed description

Study Description:

Melanoma-prone families and individuals with risk factors for melanoma, including people with Spitzoid tumors and giant congenital nevi, are human models of susceptibility to neoplasia from which mechanisms of cancer susceptibility may be elucidated. For most of the high-risk cancer susceptibility genes, including CDKN2A and CDK4 in melanoma-prone families, germline mutations conferring risk have been found through family studies. Investigations of individuals and families at high risk of melanoma have led to etiologic clues that are important in the general population and have identified persons most likely to benefit from chemoprevention trials and screening programs aimed at early diagnosis of melanoma.

Objectives:

  1. To evaluate and define the clinical spectrum and natural history of disease in syndromes predisposing to melanoma
  2. To evaluate potential precursor states of disease in individuals and families at risk
  3. To quantify risks of melanoma, pancreatic cancer, and other cancers in family members and individuals with an elevated risk for melanoma
  4. To map, clone, and determine function of tumor susceptibility genes in melanoma-prone families, including modifier genes such as pigmentation or dysplastic nevi genes
  5. To identify genetic determinants and gene-environmental interactions conferring melanoma (and other cancer) risk in individuals and families
  6. To evaluate gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in melanoma (and other cancer) formation
  7. To characterize genetic alternations in precursor lesions and melanomas that occur in individuals and families with an increased risk of melanoma.
  8. To educate and counsel study participants about their melanoma risk and methods for primary and secondary prevention of melanoma
  9. To develop educational materials for medical professionals and high-risk family members

Endpoints:

Primary endpoints:

All cancers that occur in individuals and families at high risk of melanoma

Secondary endpoints:

Secondary endpoints are markers of pre-malignant conditions, such as dysplastic nevi, giant congenital nevi, and Spitzoid tumors

Keywords
Skin Cancer, Risk Factors, Melanoma Precursors, Genetics, Melanoma
Medical subject headings
Melanoma, Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, Skin Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

Study groups in NCT00040352
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Affected IndividualAn individual with personal medical history of melanoma of an unusual type, pattern, or number, a known or suspected condition predisposing to melanoma, either genetic or congenital factors (giant congenital nevi, dysplastic nevi, Spitzoid tumors), or unusual demographic features, or any of the other criteria noted in Section 4.1 of the protocol
Unaffected individualA family member of an affected participant. Family members may include parents, siblings, children or extended family.

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. All cancers that occur in individuals and families at high risk of melanoma

    1. Identification of major susceptibility genes for melanoma and dysplastic nevi. 2. Prospective risk of melanoma after initial exam and melanoma education. 3. Mortality of melanoma in families. 4. Identification of other risk factors for familial melanoma. 5. Identification of other cancers in melanoma-prone individuals and families.

    Measured: Ongoing

Secondary outcomes (1)
  1. Secondary endpoints are markers of pre-malignant conditions, such as dysplastic nevi, giant congenital nevi, and Spitzoid tumors

    Identify markers, genes in premalignant conditions.

    Measured: Ongoing

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted26 Jun 2002 (estimated)
  2. Study start1 Jul 2002

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Observational
Observational model
Family based
Time perspective
Other
Enrolment
3,000 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT00040352
Sponsor's protocol ID
020211
Other IDs
02-C-0211
Status last verified
28 Sep 2026
First submitted
25 Jun 2002
Last updated
29 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Liang X, Pfeiffer RM, Li WQ, Brossard M, Burke LS, Wheeler W, Calista D, Fargnoli MC, Ghiorzo P, Peris K, Bianchi-Scarra G, Chaudru V, Zelenika D, Maeder D, Burdette L, Yeager M, Chanock S, Landi MT, Demenais F, Tucker MA, Goldstein AM, Yang XR. Association of genetic variants in CDK6 and XRCC1 with the risk of dysplastic nevi in melanoma-prone families. J Invest Dermatol. 2014 Feb;134(2):481-487. doi: 10.1038/jid.2013.316. Epub 2013 Jul 26.

    PubMed 23892592
  • Goldstein AM, Tucker MA. Dysplastic nevi and melanoma. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2013 Apr;22(4):528-32. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-12-1346.

    PubMed 23549396
  • Yang XR, Rotunno M, Xiao Y, Ingvar C, Helgadottir H, Pastorino L, van Doorn R, Bennett H, Graham C, Sampson JN, Malasky M, Vogt A, Zhu B, Bianchi-Scarra G, Bruno W, Queirolo P, Fornarini G, Hansson J, Tuominen R, Burdett L, Hicks B, Hutchinson A, Jones K, Yeager M, Chanock SJ, Landi MT, Hoiom V, Olsson H, Gruis N, Ghiorzo P, Tucker MA, Goldstein AM. Multiple rare variants in high-risk pancreatic cancer-related genes may increase risk for pancreatic cancer in a subset of patients with and without germline CDKN2A mutations. Hum Genet. 2016 Nov;135(11):1241-1249. doi: 10.1007/s00439-016-1715-1. Epub 2016 Jul 23.

    PubMed 27449771
  • Sargen MR, Pfeiffer RM, Elder DE, Yang XR, Goldstein AM, Tucker MA. The Impact of Longitudinal Surveillance on Tumor Thickness for Melanoma-Prone Families with and without Pathogenic Germline Variants of CDKN2A and CDK4. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2021 Apr;30(4):676-681. doi: 10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-20-1521.

    PubMed 33811164
  • Sargen MR, Pfeiffer RM, Yang XR, Tucker MA, Goldstein AM. Variation in Cutaneous Patterns of Melanomagenesis According to Germline CDKN2A/CDK4 Status in Melanoma-Prone Families. J Invest Dermatol. 2020 Jan;140(1):174-181.e3. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2019.06.138. Epub 2019 Jul 18.

    PubMed 31326397
  • Tucker MA, Elder DE, Curry M, Fraser MC, Pichler V, Zametkin D, Yang XR, Goldstein AM. Risks of Melanoma and Other Cancers in Melanoma-Prone Families over 4 Decades. J Invest Dermatol. 2018 Jul;138(7):1620-1626. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.01.021. Epub 2018 Feb 8.

    PubMed 29408205

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

An observational study of Melanoma and Dysplastic Nevus Syndrome, run by National Cancer Institute (NCI) at 2 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 29 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact NCI Family Study Referrals ((800) 518-8474, ncifamilystudyreferrals@mail.nih.gov), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

All cancers that occur in individuals and families at high risk of melanoma (time frame: Ongoing). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00040352, which also lists 6 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 29 Oct 2026.

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