The epidemiology, management patterns, and direct costs of treating malignant melanoma: a retrospective and prospective observational survey using the Canadian Melanoma Research Network (CMRN) Patient Registry

Trial description: This is a Canadian multicentre, observational, prospective and retrospective study of patients with malignant melanoma, with all data collected via the Canadian Melanoma Research Network (CMRN) Patient Registry. Using the Canadian Melanoma Research Network Patient Registry, we aim (1) to study the presentation, disease characteristics and course, and treatment patterns for malignant melanoma in Ontario; and (2) to estimate the resource utilization and costs associated with the management of these patients. All subjects will be patients being treated for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) at one of the three participating health centres (London Health Science Centre, Princess Margret Hospital and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre) within the Canadian Melanoma Research Network, enrolled either retrospectively over the year prior to beginning prospective data entry (April 2011 – April 2012), or prospectively until April 30,2013. Resource utilization will include melanoma related hospitalizations, outpatient visits, ER visits, costs associated with management of AE's and palliative care. Other primary outcomes include, survival (alive or dead), disease status (stable or progressing, new or recurrent), treatments received.