Electrochemotherapy effects on the tumor environment in cutaneous melanoma

Electrochemotherapy Induces Changes in Tumor Microenvironment of Cutaneous and Subcutaneous Metastases in Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma

Not applicable Interventional Institute of Oncology Ljubljana · NCT07404605

This study will test whether electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin or injected cisplatin changes the tumor environment in people with cutaneous or subcutaneous melanoma metastases.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorInstitute of Oncology Ljubljana Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ljubljana)
Trial IDNCT07404605 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective interventional study enrolling adults with cutaneous or subcutaneous melanoma metastases who are candidates for electrochemotherapy. Participants will receive electrochemotherapy using either intravenous bleomycin or intratumoral cisplatin according to standard clinical practice, with tumor biopsies taken before and after treatment. Collected tissue will undergo histopathology and immunohistochemistry to measure immune cell infiltration, vascular changes, stromal alterations and other microenvironmental markers. Results will compare treated and untreated lesions to characterize how electrochemotherapy alters the tumor microenvironment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma and cutaneous or subcutaneous metastases that are eligible for electrochemotherapy and able to provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with only internal (visceral) metastases, known contraindications to bleomycin or cisplatin, pregnancy, or severe comorbidities preventing the procedure are unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help tailor electrochemotherapy choices and timing to improve local tumor control and symptom relief for patients with skin melanoma metastases.

How similar studies have performed: Electrochemotherapy is an established local treatment with prior reports of tumor responses and immune activation, but comprehensive pre- and post-treatment microenvironment profiling in melanoma is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 18 years or older
* Histologically confirmed cutaneous melanoma
* Presence of cutaneous and/or subcutaneous metastases eligible for electrochemotherapy
* Candidate for electrochemotherapy with intravenous bleomycin or intratumoral cisplatin according to standard clinical practice
* Ability to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindication to electrochemotherapy or study drugs (bleomycin or cisplatin)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Severe comorbidities preventing electrochemotherapy
* Inability to comply with study procedures

Where this trial is running

Ljubljana

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions MELANOMASKIN NEOPLASMS
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.