Clinical Research Directory

Atorvastatin for Preventing Disease Metastasis in Patients With Resected High-Risk Stage IIA, IIB, or IIIA Melanoma

This clinical trial tests whether atorvastatin prevents metastasis of resected high-risk stage IIA, IIB or IIIA melanoma. The vast majority of melanomas are diagnosed at an early, localized stage. However, approximately 10-15% of these localized melanomas will eventually metastasize, despite appropriate local treatment. Once metastasis occurs, median survival is less than two years. Melanomas at high risk of metastasis can be identified by gene expression profiling. Statin drugs, like atorvastatin, have been used to treat high cholesterol for the prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events, but not for preventing melanoma metastasis. Statins could prevent melanoma metastasis through decreasing tumor cell migration, decreasing tumor cell adhesion, and increasing immune system response. Statins are also efficient inhibitors of new lymphatic vessels formation. Since tumor lymphatic vessels serve as highways to lymph nodes and may suppress immune system responses, statins may block a critical step towards melanoma metastasis. Using atorvastatin may have the potential to prevent metastasis and improve outcomes in patients with resected high-risk melanoma.

Role of Gut Microbiome and Fecal Transplant on Medication-Induced GI Complications in Patients With Cancer

This trial studies the role of the gut microbiome and effectiveness of a fecal transplant on medication-induced gastrointestinal (GI) complications in patients with melanoma or genitourinary cancer. The gut microbiome (the bacteria and microorganisms that live in the digestive system) may affect whether or not someone develops colitis (inflammation of the intestines) during cancer treatment with immune-checkpoint inhibitor drugs. Studying samples of stool, blood, and tissue from patients with melanoma or genitourinary cancer may help doctors learn more about the effects of treatment on cells, and help doctors understand how well patients respond to treatment. Treatment with fecal transplantation may help to improve diarrhea and colitis symptoms.

Social Health, Activity Behaviors, and Quality of Life Among Young Adult Cancer Survivors

This study assesses how personal relationships (such as friendships, family relationships, or romantic partners) influence the physical activity (exercise) and well-being of young adult cancer survivors. Researchers also hope to learn how social relationships change after a cancer diagnosis, and how these changes might impact important health behaviors. The information provided may help researchers learn more about better ways to support young cancer patients in the future through interventions that help maintain good social relationships and health levels of physical activity.

The Impact of an Antibiotic (Cefazolin) Before Surgery on the Microbiome in Patients With Stage I-II Melanoma

This phase I trial investigates the impact of cefazolin before surgery on the microbiome in patients with stage I-II melanoma. Antibiotics, such as cefazolin, given at the time of surgery may cause a significant change in the microbes (like bacteria and viruses) found in the stomach and intestines. This trial may help researchers learn if any changes in microbes affect the body's ability to respond to surgery and cancer.

Young Melanoma Family Facebook Intervention or Healthy Lifestyle Facebook Intervention in Improving Skin Examination in Participants With Melanoma and Their Families

This trial studies how well Young Melanoma Family Facebook intervention or Healthy Lifestyle Facebook intervention works in improving skin examination in participants with melanoma and their families. Young Melanoma Family Facebook intervention or Healthy Lifestyle Facebook intervention may help improve total cutaneous examinations, skin self-examinations, and sun protection among first degree relatives of young onset participants and the participants themselves.