Clinical Research Directory

Real-world Evaluation of the Implementation of LC-OCT in Daily Clinical Practice

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer in the Netherlands, with incidence rates continuing to rise. The current diagnostic standard combines clinical evaluation and dermoscopy, while biopsy followed by histopathological examination remains the gold standard when uncertainty about the diagnosis persists. However, biopsy is invasive, time-consuming, and costly. Line-field confocal optical coherence tomography (LC-OCT) is a non-invasive imaging technique that has emerged as a promising alternative to biopsy for BCC suspected lesions. This retrospective study aims to evaluate the real-world clinical performance of LC-OCT in routine dermatological practice, where it has been integrated into the diagnostic work-up for BCC-suspect lesions.

Impact of Preoperative High-Frequency Ultrasound Cutaneous Lesion Extent Assessment on Excision Margin Positivity in Head and Neck Skin Cancer, and the Relationship Between Preoperative Assessment Methods, Inadequate Excision Margins, and Tumor Recurrence

Non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC), particularly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), are the most common malignancies in Caucasians, with the majority of tumors located in the head and neck due to chronic ultraviolet exposure. Although BCC has very low metastatic potential, while cSCC carries a higher risk of nodal spread, both can cause significant local tissue destruction and functional and cosmetic impairment. Complete excision with histologically clear margins remains the standard treatment; however, incomplete or close excision margins are reported in a substantial proportion of cases and are associated with increased risk of local recurrence, need for additional treatment, and higher healthcare costs. Preoperative dermoscopy improves delineation of lateral tumor borders but does not assess depth of invasion. High-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) is a rapid, non-invasive imaging modality that can visualize superficial skin structures and estimate tumor thickness. Previous studies have suggested good agreement between HFUS and histopathologic depth of invasion, but results are not fully consistent, and HFUS has not yet been incorporated into major guideline recommendations for preoperative assessment of NMSC. Further prospective data are needed to clarify whether HFUS can improve surgical planning and margin control. This prospective study is designed to assess the impact of adding preoperative HFUS to standard dermoscopic evaluation in head and neck BCC and cSCC. The primary objectives are: (1) to compare the frequency of positive or inadequate (\<1 mm) histopathologic excision margins between lesions assessed with dermoscopy alone and those assessed with both dermoscopy and HFUS; and (2) to evaluate 5-year local recurrence rates in relation to preoperative assessment method, histopathologic margin status, and subsequent management of inadequate margins (observation, non-surgical treatment, or scar excision). Secondary and additional objectives include: assessing concordance between HFUS-measured and histopathologic depth of invasion; determining the frequency of residual tumor in scars excised after inadequate margins; evaluating recurrence rate according to the site of inadequate margins (lateral vs deep); and identifying patient-related, tumor-related, surgical, and histopathologic predictors of inadequate margins and recurrence. Approximately 400 lesions (BCC or cSCC of the head and neck) qualified for curative surgical excision will be included. Each lesion will constitute an independent study case. All lesions will undergo preoperative assessment, including clinical evaluation with detailed medical history and dermoscopy; in one cohort, lesions will additionally be evaluated with HFUS. HFUS will be performed with an 18-MHz linear probe, using superficial B-mode and color Doppler. Maximum tumor depth will be recorded from the epidermal surface (or granular layer) to the deepest hypoechoic point, with assessment of potential infiltration of deeper structures when visible. Surgical excision and postoperative care will follow standard clinical practice. Postoperative histopathologic assessment of FFPE tumor samples will record tumor histologic type and subtype, margin status, width, depth of invasion, differentiation, inflammation, elastosis, perineural or vascular invasion, and other routinely assessed diagnostic features. In the event of positive or inadequate excision margins, patients will be referred, after consultation with a dermatologist, for further management (observation, non-surgical treatment, or scar excision), depending on clinical indications and patient preferences. Participation in the study will not influence the primary surgical treatment or any decisions regarding subsequent management. Patients will be followed for at least 5 years according to current clinical guidelines, with dermoscopic skin examination and documentation of local recurrence and its management. The study aims to determine whether incorporating HFUS into preoperative assessment can reduce the frequency of inadequate histologic margins and improve long-term local control in head and neck NMSC.

Artificial Intelligence Enhanced Optical Coherence Tomography (AI-OCT) Imaging for Pre-surgical Margin Detection of Basal Cell Carcinoma

Basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) are the most common human malignancy, affecting about 2 million Americans each year. Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) removes tissue by sequential excision. Costs for MMS could be reduced if the number of necessary excision stages were decreased by a more accurate initial tumor margin assessment. The goal of this observational study is to learn if Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) used in conjunction with artificial intelligence algorithms is accurate in the detection of superficial BCC margins prior to MMS. This study also aims to determine if AI-OCT guided margin delineation can reduce the number of stages in MMS. Researchers will first focus on validating AI-OCT as a method for accurately detecting BCCs. A follow-up study would then address the guided pre-surgical margin delineation.

The Role of Radiotherapy for the Management of Non-melanoma Skin Cancer in Denmark.

The goal of this observational study is to learn about the long-term effects of radiotherapy for people who were treated for non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in the head and neck area. The study focuses on adults who finished radiotherapy at least two years ago. The main questions we aim to answer are: How satisfied are participants with the cosmetic result of their treatment? What skin changes do healthcare professionals observe at the treated area? How many participants have experienced a recurrence or developed a new skin cancer, since treatment? Participants will be invited to: Attend one extra hospital visit at least two years after they finished radiotherapy Answer a short questionnaire about their cosmetic satisfaction Have their skin examined, including photos and dermatoscopy The results may help improve future treatment guidelines for people with non-melanoma skin cancer.professional, and any local recurrences will be identified through national health registries. This nationwide study (DOSCA-2) will provide real-world data to help guide future treatment recommendations for NMSC.

Liquid Biomarker Study in Melanoma and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers

The goal of this observational study is to study blood samples and compare them to other biospecimens and clinical outcomes in participants who have melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancers. The main question it aims to answer is: * Are blood based signatures able to predict progression-free survival (PFS)? Participants undergoing regular treatment for their skin cancer will provide blood samples.

Intraoperative Assessment of Surgical Margins Using Confocal Microscopy in Comparison With Reference Extemporaneous Examination

Study to evaluate the use of confocal microscopy for detecting resection margins in patients undergoing surgery for basal cell carcinoma of skin and squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck