Sentinel Lymph Node Working Group Data Acquisition Project

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the project is to organize investigators from all over the United States to collect follow-up data on melanoma patients undergoing selective sentinel lymph node dissection. The data will be used to establish a system to predict clinical outcome for melanoma patients.

METHODS: We have developed a confidential on-line database to capture all valuable information from patients at each participating institution. Each investigator, assisted by a data manager, will oversee the data organization and storage. The data is then independently analyzed by a statistician. These statistics are collated and summaries will be provided to each participating institutions at regular intervals.

INVESTIGATOR'S UPDATE: We currently have over 25 investigators nationally who have committed to the project. We will continue to keep investigators posted on the status of the project through phone, fax, email and this web site. Once we collect enough data to begin analysis, we will send investigators regular reports summarizing the statistical results. To access the on-line database, go to http://www.datstat.com and click on Current Projects. Please direct general inquiries to Chung-Wei Chan, Data Manager, at chanc@surgery.ucsf.edu or (415) 885-7515.

Click here to see Investigator List or Sign-up Form.