The Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare Intervention for Detection of Recurrent and Second Primary Melanoma in Survivors of Melanoma: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Murchie Peter , Constable Lynda , Hall Susan , Brant William , Allan Julia , Johnston Marie , Masthoff Judith , Lee Amanda , Treweek Shaun , Ayansina Dolapo , Proby Charlotte , Rahman Kaz , Walter Fiona , Burrows Nigel , Durrani Amer , Maclennan Graeme 
Published: July 2022

Background

Melanoma is common with increasing incidence. Guidelines recommend monthly total skin self-examinations (TSSEs) by survivors to detect recurrent and new primary melanomas. TSSE is underperformed despite evidence of benefit.

Objective

This study compares the effect on psychological well-being and TSSE practice of a self-directed digital intervention with treatment as usual in patients treated for a first stage 0 to IIC primary cutaneous melanoma within the preceding 60 months.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 2 UK National Health Service hospitals (Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Grampian, and Addenbrooke’s, Cambridge). Adults (≥18 years) diagnosed with a first 0 to IIC primary cutaneous melanoma were randomized to receive Achieving Self-directed Integrated Cancer Aftercare (ASICA), a tablet-based intervention prompting and supporting TSSE in survivors of melanoma, or to usual care. The hypothesis was that ASICA would increase TSSE practice in users affected by melanoma and compared with controls without affecting psychological well-being. The main primary outcomes were melanoma worry (Melanoma Worry Scale), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), and quality of life (EQ-5D-5L) as well as secondary outcomes collected using postal questionnaires 3, 6, and 12 months following randomization.

Results

A total of 240 recruits were randomized (1:1) into the ASICA (n=121, 50.4%) or control (n=119, 49.6%) groups. There were no significant differences between groups for melanoma worry at 12 months (mean difference: 0.12, 95% CI −0.6 to 0.84; P=.74), 3 months (0.23, 95% CI −0.31 to 0.78; P=.40), or 6 months (−0.1, 95% CI −0.7 to 0.51; P=.76). The ASICA group had lower anxiety scores at 12 months (−0.54, 95% CI −1.31 to 0.230; P=.17), 3 months (−0.13, 95% CI −0.79 to 0.54; P=.71), and significantly at 6 months (−1.00, 95% CI −1.74 to −0.26; P=.009). Depression scores were similar, being lower at 12 months (−0.44, 95% CI −1.11 to 0.23; P=.20) and 3 months (−0.24, 95% CI −0.84 to 0.35; P=.42) but only significantly lower at 6 months (−0.77, 95% CI −1.41 to −0.12; P=.02). The ASICA group had significantly higher quality of life scores at 12 months (0.044, 95% CI 0.003-0.085; P=.04) and 6 months (0.070, 95% CI 0.032-0.107; P<.001) and nonsignificantly at 3 months (0.024, 95% CI −0.006 to 0.054; P=.11). ASICA users reported significantly more regular (>5) TSSEs during the study year and significantly higher levels of self-efficacy in conducting TSSE. They also reported significantly higher levels of planning and intention to perform TSSE in the future.

Conclusions

Using ASICA for 12 months does not increase melanoma worry, can reduce anxiety and depression, and may improve quality of life. ASICA has the potential to improve the well-being and vigilance of survivors of melanoma and enable the benefits of regular TSSE.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03328247; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03328247

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

RR2-10.1186/s13063-019-3453-x