Grant received in 2022

DCCC has funded 36,000 DKK to the project

Surgery is a key element in the treatment of melanoma, and naturally linked with an inflammatory response. Although surgery has a favorable intent, surgery-induced inflammation, may accelerate growth of local and systemic micrometastases. Thus, improving cancer surgery and modulating the wound microenvironment in ways that benefit the patients is crucial. Our preliminary data supports that surgery creates a favorable niche for regrowth and the plasminogen pathway is upregulated in melanoma progression and can be inhibited by Tranexamic Acid (TXA), subsequently reducing recruitment of neutrophils to a wound. Current literature is suggesting a role of the plasminogen-plasmin pathway in wound healing, carcinogenesis and inflammation.

We will conduct a clinical trial with perioperative use of TXA, aiming to reduce the early relapses and postoperative complications. From blood and tissue samples we wish to understand the prognostic and treatment related impact of Tranexamic Acid treatment.

Multidisciplinary organisation
The study is a Danish multicenter study with recruitment at all 8 melanoma centers (Aalborg, Aarhus, Vejle, Esbjerg, Odense, Esbjerg, Herlev, Roskilde and Rigshospitalet), with support from the Danish Melanoma Group.

Project stakeholder

  • Pre-graduate student Karoline Kristjansen, Dept. Reconstructive- and Breast Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital
  • Medical docter, PhD Andreas Engel Krag, Dept. Reconstructive- and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital
  • Professor and Chairman of Danish Melanoma Group Lisbet Rosenkrantz Hølmich, Herlev and Gentofte
  • Associate Professor Henrik Schmidt, Dept. of Oncology Aarhus University Hospital
  • Associate Professor Lene Birk-Sørensen, Dept. Reconstructive- and Breast Surgery, Aalborg University Hospital
  • Professor Anne-Mette Hvas, Dept. Biochemestry, Aarhus University Hospital
  • Professor Torben Steiniche, Institute of Pathology, Aarhus University Hospital
  • Professor Tine Engberg Damsgaard Dept. of Plastic Surgery and Burns Treatment, Rigshospitalet
  • Marie Louise Bønnelykke-Behrndtz, MD, PhD, Dept. of Clinical Medicine - Plastic and Breast Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital. Primary contact, e-mail: louiseboennelykke@gmail.com