A randomised trial of surgery versus surgery plus radiotherapy for regional control in patients with stage 3 melanoma [ 2007 - 2009 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Bryan Burmeister (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Angela Hong ,  A/Pr Richard Fisher ,  Prof Michael Henderson

Brief description Melanoma is a common disease in Australia. When it has spread to lymph glands it has a poor prognosis. If not controlled it can lead to severe local symptoms including pain, bleeding and disabilty. This is a world first clinical trial involving radiotherapy given after surgery for melanoma involving regional lymph glands. It involves a head to head comparison of surgery alone versus surgery followed by radiotherapy. The target is 230 patients, more than 160 being so far recruited. The main outcome of the study is control of melanoma in the lymph gland basin. Other outcomes are survival, time to recurrence, side-effects (such as lymphoedema) and quality of life. The trial currently involves 13 centres in Australia, New Zealand and the Netherlands. It is expects to be completed in 2007.

Funding Amount $AUD 305,163.29

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant