News
Harnessing Artificial Intelligence to Detect Melanoma Earlier
2 March 2020 In Science
As an internist, Dr. Joann Elmore was taught to ask questions. Those questions led her to spend much of her career in breast cancer research where she found extensive variability among radiologists’ interpretation of mammograms. “Radiology data is subjective, just like art. You’re being asked to classify visual data,” Elmore says.
Keeping You Connected to the Melanoma Community
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 18 February 2020 In Allies & Partnerships
With the launch of the brand-new Inspire App, the Melanoma > Exchange community is getting even better. Available for iPhone and iPad – the app was designed from the ground up to make connecting and sharing even easier and as mobile as you are.
Combination Therapy: Why Timing Might Be Everything
By Rachel Fischer, Ph.D., Associate Director, Scientific Program & Registry | 13 February 2020 In Science
About half of all melanomas have a mutated BRAF gene. This mutated gene makes an altered BRAF protein, which leads to the uncontrolled growth of melanoma cells. Drugs targeting these altered BRAF proteins, such as Vemurafenib and Dabrafenib have been approved for the treatment of BRAF+ melanoma.
Clinical Trials to Watch: Intralesional Therapies for Melanoma
By Kristen Mueller, PhD | 8 February 2020 In Science, Treatment
To an outsider, the number of new treatment options for melanoma may seem to be moving at a breakneck pace. Checkpoint immunotherapy and BRAF/MEK inhibitors have greatly improved outcomes for many late-stage melanoma patients, with over 50% of patients on combination ipilimumab/nivolumab still alive after 5 years.
Stage 4 Melanoma, a Vaccine Clinical Trial, and the Power of Family & Faith
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 7 February 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
“Clinical trials allow you to take advantage of the latest research and experiences from doctors and patients who’re blazing the trails. Clinical trials are also a way for you to help the next person who is going to have to go through this. If you have the opportunity to be part of something that helps others, why wouldn’t you at least try it?”
Melanoma Research Advances – 2019 in Review
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 27 January 2020 In Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
During 2019, melanoma research continued its rapid pace of advancement, with FDA approval of a new adjuvant therapy treatment option, several first-in-human clinical trials, and significant progress towards earlier intervention.
Doubling Down on Rare Melanomas
16 December 2019 In Science
Acral, uveal, and mucosal melanoma – known collectively as ‘rare melanomas’ – represent a type of black hole for the clinical community. We know far less about them—what causes them, how they progress, and how to effectively treat them.
Brown Skin Too: If You Have Skin, You Can Get Skin Cancer
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 6 December 2019 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention
While pervasive, the myth that people of color don’t need to worry about skin cancer, is entirely untrue. And while the rates of skin cancer among people of color are lower than rates for people with lighter skin, low risk doesn’t mean no risk.
Approaches to Neoadjuvant Treatment in Melanoma: A Public Workshop Organized by the FDA and MRA
13 November 2019 In Events, Science, Treatment
On November 6, 2019, the FDA and the Melanoma Research Alliance co-hosted a public workshop to identify, discuss, and address key issues, challenges and opportunities in the pursuit of neoadjuvant therapies for patients with surgically resectable melanoma. This exciting, half-day workshop brought together clinicians, researchers, regulators, and patient advocates to explore opportunities and discuss challenges in the development of neoadjuvant therapies for melanoma. The workshop took place at National Harbor (outside of Washington, D.C.) with opportunities to participate in person and via simultaneous webcast.
Mutations and Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 8 November 2019 In Science
Cancer is caused by mutations in our DNA that allow cells to grow uncontrollably – and eventually invade surrounding tissue. Melanoma is a specific type of cancer that is formed in pigment-containing cells, known as melanocytes, which are found primarily in the skin but also in places like the eye and on mucous membranes. Thanks to advancements in research, the same mutations that cause cancer are proving helpful in treating it.