Actively Recruiting
Active Surveillance for the Treatment of Low-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma in Elderly Patients
Led by University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center · Updated on 2026-04-14
200
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
90 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Active Surveillance for the Treatment of Low-Risk Basal Cell Carcinoma in Elderly Patients
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Subject of any gender aged 65 years or older at the time of enrollment
- Patient at University of Michigan Department of Dermatology
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Willing and able to comply with the protocol requirements
- Histopathologic diagnosis of one or more low-risk basal cell carcinomas within 2 months of enrollment, defined as biopsy-proven primary basal cell carcinoma less than 2 cm in size located on trunk or extremities excluding pretibial surface, hands, feet, nail units, and ankles
You will not qualify if you...
- Immunocompromised individuals as determined by the investigator, including those on immunosuppressive medications (e.g., prednisone > 10 mg daily), uncontrolled HIV, or organ transplant recipients on immunosuppressive therapy
- Individuals expecting to relocate and unable to return for clinical follow-up visits at University of Michigan Department of Dermatology
- Individuals with a genetic syndrome that predisposes to development of basal cell carcinoma
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center
Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48109
Actively Recruiting
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
3
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