Using ultrasound to assess melanoma depth before surgery

Evaluation of Ultrasound Biomicroscopy in the Local Staging of Cutaneous Melanoma

Not applicable Interventional Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice · NCT04702854

This study is testing if using ultrasound can help doctors measure how deep melanoma is before surgery, so they can remove it more effectively in one go for patients suspected of having this skin cancer.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nice Academic / other
Locations1 site (Nice)
Trial IDNCT04702854 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of ultrasound biomicroscopy in determining the Breslow index, which measures the depth of cutaneous melanoma. By obtaining this information prior to the first surgical resection, dermatologists aim to perform a complete resection and sentinel lymph node analysis in a single surgical procedure, potentially reducing the need for multiple surgeries. The study targets patients with a clinical suspicion of cutaneous melanoma who are 18 years or older and can provide informed consent. The goal is to improve treatment outcomes by providing timely and accurate staging of the cancer.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a clinical suspicion of cutaneous melanoma.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot undergo surgical resection of their melanoma or are considered vulnerable may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could streamline surgical treatment for melanoma patients and improve their prognostic outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While high-frequency ultrasound has been previously evaluated for this purpose with disappointing results, this study's approach using ultrasound biomicroscopy is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical suspicion of cutaneous melanoma
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Social Security affiliation
* Approval of patient and signature of informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* Counter-indication to the surgical resection of the cutaneous melanoma
* Vulnerable patient (Under-supervision patients or deprived of liberty patients)

Where this trial is running

Nice

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 Cutaneous Melanoma
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.