Active Surveillance for the Treatment of Low-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma in Elderly Patients (NCT06539468)
Investigating Active Surveillance for Management of Low-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma in the Elderly
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
This clinical trial evaluates whether active surveillance (AS) is a safe and comfortable alternative to standard of care (SOC) treatment for elderly patients with low-risk basal cell carcinoma (LR-BCC). Basal cell carcinoma is a type of slow-growing skin cancer that has a very low risk of spreading inside the body (metastasis) or death. Basal cell skin cancers that are smaller across than a nickel in size and located on the trunk or limbs are particularly low risk to overall health. Active surveillance - watching and not treating unless the cancer worsens - has been shown to be a generally safe way to manage LR-BCC. Despite this, many doctors do not feel comfortable discussing this option with patients due to a lack of studies comparing it to standard of care treatment. Standard of care treatment for LR-BCC can include "scrape and burn" (electrodesiccation and curettage), surgical resection, Mohs surgery, and other approaches. These treatments can carry risks like post-operative bleeding and wound infection, and they do not always improve tumor-related quality of life. Active surveillance may be a safe and comfortable alternative to SOC treatment for elderly patients with LR-BCC.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center — Ann Arbor, Michigan
Age range: 65 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Best Practice (OTHER)
- Educational Activity (OTHER)
- Patient Observation (OTHER)
- Survey Administration (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center — Ann Arbor, Michigan
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Review the official NIH record below to find the coordinating site.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.