Ultrasound specificity

[alisdair]

Hello,

This is Amanda 78 here is Switzerland; I moved here 2 months ago after being diagnosed as a Stage 1B in May 2012 in Canada.

I had a deep shave biopsy on upper limb which revealed a 1.45mm 3 mitoses melanoma. Since it wasn’t an excisional biospsy, I will never know for 100% certaintly if this is my true Breslow. The SLNB and WLE did not reveal further melanoma.

I decided to go ahead and join my husband here in Switzerland. I am being followed by Dr Dummer – melanoma specialist here. He recommended regular US to check for possible metastatic disease. I have gone through one full ultrasound which included – neck, breasts, abdomen, underarms, groin. It took + 1 hour and the Dr performing the US admitted that he wasnt quite convinced as to the detective value of this modality for melanoma. This has left me confused. What evidence is there that US will assist in identifing distal disease? Would you have this done every 3 months if you could? I plan to go back in March for another session but I am skeptical at the scientific value of this follow-up. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Amanda

[Catherine Poole]

There has been some report of ultrasound being a food follow up for potential nodal involvement. But perhaps what the doctor meant was a baseline PET/CT scan which might be more definitive. Most folks in your boat would watch and wait. You may qualify for the Mage A3 trial that has EU openings I believe. I will check on that. In the meantime, palpating your nodes is probably a good check up for you every three months.

Here are some trial locations in Switzerland, might check out the docs in charge:

GSK Investigational Site

Recruiting

Genève, Switzerland, 1211

Contact: US GSK Clinical Trials Call Center 877-379-3718 GSKClinicalSupportHD@gsk.com

Contact: EU GSK Clinical Trials Call Center +44 (0) 20 8990 4466 GSKClinicalSupportHD@gsk.com

GSK Investigational Site

Recruiting

Zürich, Switzerland, 8091

Contact: US GSK Clinical Trials Call Center 877-379-3718 GSKClinicalSupportHD@gsk.com

Contact: EU GSK Clinical Trials Call Center +44 (0) 20 8990 4466 GSKClinicalSupportHD@gsk.com

[alisdair]

Hi Catherine,

A CT/PET scan has never been recommended or performed for me here in Switzerland or in Canada. I suppose if I had symptoms than I would be able to access these scans. I am just getting my head around this Swiss insurance system which is tricky. I am undergoing quarterly body Ultrasounds which I eluded to in my last post. I am not sure why they perform these here is Switzerland but it seems to have little foundation on the basis of science of clinical trial data. What studies have shown this is a good modality to monitor a 1B patient? I can’t seem to find them. I didn’t think MAGE 3 trials were accepting Stage 1 B patients? I thought you had to be resected Stage 3. Any further information would be appreciated greatly.

Thanks,

Amanda

[cohanja]

I didn’t think, in general, that Stage I patients get any scans or participate in any clinical trials, etc…. ?

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