Spots Global Cancer Trial Database for CNS and Extracranial Tumor Tissues, CSF, and Blood From Patients With Melanoma Brain Metastases

The following info and data is provided "as is" to help patients around the globe.
We do not endorse or review these studies in any way.

Trial Identification

Brief Title: CNS and Extracranial Tumor Tissues, CSF, and Blood From Patients With Melanoma Brain Metastases

Official Title: Procurement of Central Nervous System and Extracranial Tumor Tissues, Cerebrospinal Fluid, and Blood From Patients With Melanoma Brain Metastases

Study ID: NCT02058953

Conditions

Melanoma

Brain Metastases

Interventions

Craniotomy scheduled

Collection for non-craniotomy

Study Description

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to collect and bank samples of blood and tissues (such as brain tissue or lymph nodes), as well as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that bathes and cushions the spinal cord. The investigator will analyze DNA biomarkers in the samples. The investigator hopes that by studying the biomarkers, he can develop tests in the future that can detect central nervous system (CNS) metastasis in blood samples before they show up on x-ray and develop medicines that can specifically target CNS metastasis.

Detailed Description: Among the different sites to which melanoma can spread, the Central Nervous System (CNS) has the highest chance of developing metastases. Prognosis for metastatic melanoma involving the CNS is worse than that of CNS metastases from other cancers. Therefore, it is felt that early identification of this condition, even before it is found on x-ray (either MRI or CT scan), would be beneficial so that patients can undergo treatment earlier. The investigator hypothesizes that the tumor cell genetics, expressed proteins, and/or signaling pathways of melanoma brain metastases may exhibit features that distinguish melanoma brain metastases. The investigator further hypothesizes that melanoma brain metastases may be associated with changes in the cerebrospinal fluid, where protein fragments expressed by melanoma brain metastases may be shed that cannot be found in normal CNS tissues, extracranial metastases (MEM) or at the same levels in the peripheral blood.