The MyMelanoma study, an ambitious research project led by the University of Oxford, has been selected to join the NHS DigiTrials initiative. This collaboration aims to enhance the recruitment of patients for melanoma research and improve the understanding and treatment of melanoma skin cancer.
Aims of the MyMelanoma Study
Launched in 2023, the MyMelanoma study seeks to recruit 20,000 melanoma patients across the UK. Managed through Oxford Cancer, the study aims to conduct the largest-ever study of melanoma, facilitating a deeper understanding of the disease and its treatment. The ultimate goal is to provide a more individualized approach to patient care.
NHS DigiTrials Partnership
MyMelanoma is one of four studies selected to pilot the new NHS DigiTrials recruitment service, managed by NHS England. This service identifies NHS patients who may be suitable for the trial and contacts them to gauge their interest in participating. According to Vin Diwakar, National Director of Transformation at NHS England, the DigiTrials service can invite suitable people to research studies faster and more fairly.
Expert Commentary
Professor Mark Middleton, Chief Investigator of MyMelanoma, Head of the Department of Oncology and Co-Director of Oxford Cancer, commented on the partnership: "Being chosen as one of 4 studies to pilot the NHS’s DigiTrials recruitment service is an amazing opportunity for MyMelanoma and the patients with whom we work. Our partnership will let us offer patients all around the country both the chance to take part in research into melanoma, and to have a say in how that research is done. It will help make MyMelanoma the largest ever melanoma study and let us answer research questions we simply couldn’t tackle before, with the goal of providing a more individualised approach to patient care."
Impact and Future Directions
Eligible individuals will begin receiving letters and text messages from the NHS, encouraging them to join the MyMelanoma study. The NHS hopes that this initiative will transform cancer treatment and benefit patients for decades to come. Baroness Merron, Health Minister responsible for research and life sciences, encourages everyone contacted by NHS DigiTrials to consider taking part in one of these critical studies.
