Interferon Alfa-2b With or Without Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Melanoma That Has … (NCT00003444) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 3
Interferon Alfa-2b With or Without Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Melanoma That Has Metastasized to Lymph Nodes in the Neck, Under the Arm, or in the Groin
United States167 participantsStarted 1999-03-29
Plain-language summary
RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Interferon alfa-2b may interfere with the growth of cancer cells. It is not yet known whether giving radiation therapy with interferon alfa-2b is more effective than giving interferon alfa-2b alone in treating melanoma.
PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the effectiveness of radiation therapy plus interferon alfa-2b with that of interferon alfa-2b alone in treating patients who have melanoma that has metastasized to lymph nodes in the neck, under the arm, or in the groin.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 120 Years
Sex
FEMALE
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically documented malignant melanoma in node(s) meeting one or more of the following criteria: 1 or more lymph nodes found to contain metastatic melanoma with gross evidence of extracapsular nodal extension Nodal recurrence at the site of previous lymphadenectomy All gross cancer removed with negative margins Prior node biopsy allowed if complete nodal dissection performed Parotid involvement outside a node allowed No distant metastases
PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 4,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 125,000/mm3 Hematocrit at least 33% Hepatic: AST no greater than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) LDH no greater than 2 times ULN Alkaline phosphatase no greater than 2 times ULN Bilirubin no greater than 2 times ULN If LDH or alkaline phosphatase are above normal, CT or MRI of liver required Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.8 mg/dL BUN no greater than 33 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception No other prior or concurrent malignancies within 2 years, except any carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma of the breast in situ, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, atypical melanocytic hyperplasia or Clark I melanoma in situ, or basal or squamous cell skin cancer
PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: No prior interferon Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.