A study looking at the experience of people with melanoma and their carers (OPAC)
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
Cancer type:
Status:
Phase:
This study is for people with melanoma who are going to have, or have had, treatment with a targeted cancer drug (biological therapy).
Targeted cancer drugs used to treat melanoma include:
- ipilimumab (Yervoy)
- nivolumab (Opdivo)
- pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- vemurafinib (Zelboraf)
- dabrafenib (Tafinlar)
More about this trial
When you have treatment for melanoma you might have problems related to both the cancer and its treatment. You might have:
- physical problems
- emotional problems
- financial difficulties
The researchers in this study want to talk to people who are having, or have had, treatment with a targeted cancer drug about any problems they have and their ways of dealing with them. Researchers also want to talk to the people looking after them (their carers).
They hope that by talking to people about their experience of having treatment, they can understand more about the type of support people need.
The main aim of this study is to learn more about the problems people having treatment for melanoma have and their ways of coping.
Who can enter
The following bullet points list the entry conditions for this study. Talk to your doctor or the study team if you are unsure about any of these. They will be able to advise you.
You may be able to join this study if all of the following apply:
Trial design
Researchers hope that around 20 people going to Weston Park hospital will take part.
You have an interview with the research team either 3 months after the start of treatment or at the end of the 1st cycle of treatment. They ask about:
- your experience of having treatment for melanoma
- how the treatment and the cancer has affected you
You can have the interview at home or at the Weston Park hospital. It takes about an hour.
The study team will ask to audio record the interview. This is to help them remember your answers. You do not need to agree to have your interview recorded if you don’t want to. You can still take part in this study.
The research team will also ask to speak with your GP. They want to find out more about your past medical problems and the treatments you have had (your medical records).
The study team might call you some time after the interview to confirm the answers you gave.
The research team will also ask if they can invite the person who helps you most at home (your carer) to take part in this study.
If you and your carer agree, then you have the interview together. The study team asks your carer about:
- their experience of helping you
- how they think having treatment has affected you
After about 2 months the study team might speak with your carer again. This is to confirm the answers they gave.
Hospital visits
You don’t have any extra visits as part of this study. The interview can be done at the Weston Park hospital or at your home.
Side effects
You may find some of the questions during the interview distressing. The study team will be able to offer you support if you need it.
Recruitment start:
Recruitment end:
How to join a clinical trial
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Chief Investigator
Ms Janine Smedley
Supported by
Cancer Research UK
Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
The University of Sheffield
If you have questions about the trial please contact our cancer information nurses
Freephone 0808 800 4040
