Blood markers could spot hidden skin cancer return
NCT ID NCT04705389
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study follows 35 people with Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, to see if two blood markers (T-antigen antibodies and miR-375) can detect when the cancer comes back. Currently, follow-up relies on physical exams and scans, which may miss early recurrences. By tracking these markers over time, researchers hope to develop a non-invasive tool to guide when imaging is needed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test to catch cancer recurrence earlier, potentially improving treatment timing and outcomes.
What could go wrong
This is an observational study with only 35 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The biomarkers might not prove reliable enough for routine use.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Academic Hospital of Maastricht
Maastricht, Netherlands
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Department of Dermatology, Başkent University Faculty of Medicine
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
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Department of Dermatology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy
Bucharest, 050474, Romania
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Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna
Vienna, Austria
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Dermatology Dept, Hospital University of Tours
Tours, 37044, France
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National Tumour Institute "Fondazione G. Pascale" Unit of Melanoma - Cancer Immunotherapy and Innovative therapy
Naples, 80131, Italy
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Queen Elizabeth Hospital
Birmingham, United Kingdom
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Skin Cancer and Surgery Center, Sahlgrenska University Hospital
Gothenburg, Sweden
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Translational Skin Cancer Research
Essen, 45141, Germany
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University Hospital of Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki, 00100, Finland