Blood test may replace painful biopsies for melanoma patients
NCT ID NCT02862743
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study looked at whether a simple blood sample can detect genetic mutations in patients with advanced melanoma. Currently, doctors need to take a piece of the tumor (biopsy) to check for key gene changes that guide treatment. The goal was to see if circulating tumor DNA in the blood could provide the same information. Fifty patients with metastatic melanoma provided blood samples for analysis.
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 guide treatment decisions for advanced melanoma, avoiding invasive biopsies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage study focused on feasibility, not treatment. The blood test may not be sensitive enough to replace tissue biopsies in all patients.
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the original study
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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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Chu de Reims
Reims, 51092, France