Category: Science
Melanoma Research Alliance Announces $8.1 million in Research Awards
By Cody R. Barnett, MRA Director of Communications | 27 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
The Melanoma Research Alliance, the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, is proud to announce $8.1 million in funding for 34 new research awards. The awards, issued on the cusp of Melanoma Awareness Month, provide critical funding to address urgent unmet needs in melanoma.
A New Treatment Approach in the Arsenal: Neoadjuvent Therapy
23 April 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, News, Science, Treatment
Surgery is the backbone of melanoma treatment and is curative for the vast majority of patients with localized melanoma. However, even if surgery successfully removes all detectible traces of tumor tissue, some patients will still experience a melanoma relapse. Can neoadjuvant therapy, an experimental approach, reduce the risk of recurrence?
UV Exposure & Risk of Cutaneous Melanoma in Skin of Color
By Rachel Fischer, Ph.D., Senior Associate, Scientific Program and Grants Administration | 14 April 2021 In News, Prevention, Science
In JAMA Dermatology, a team led by Adewole S. Adamson, MD, from The University of Texas at Austin, investigates whether there is an association, specifically in People of Color, between UV exposure and melanoma. MRA breaks down what this research means and how it should impact your sun safety practices.
Dr. James Allison on the Path to More Effective Immunotherapies
24 March 2021 In Science, Treatment
When MRA co-founder and Board Chair Debra Black introduced James Allison of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center at MRA’s 2020 Scientific Retreat, she described him as the man “who changed the way cancer patients are treated forever.” This fitting introduction is due to Allison’s pioneering work to mainstream the...
Relentless in the Fight: Dr. F. Stephen Hodi
5 March 2021 In Melanoma Stories, Science
Every revolution needs trailblazers—people who restlessly and relentlessly search for paths forward. At MRA, we’re fortunate to partner with innovative trailblazers who are guiding the entire field of melanoma further, such as two time MRA-funded investigator Dr. F. Stephen Hodi.
Estimating Melanoma Risk by Examining Skin’s Mutational Burden
By Cody R. Barnett, MRA Director of Communications | 10 February 2021 In Prevention, Science
We’ve known for decades that most melanomas – formed from the color-producing cells in our skin called melanocytes – are predominantly caused by UV-radiation-induced damage from the sun or indoor tanning devices. This damage is cumulative but is often invisible.
Melanoma Models for the Next Decade of Progress
By Kristen Mueller, Ph.D., MRA Scientific Program Director | 8 February 2021 In Science
Despite the tremendous progress that’s been made over the past decade for patients with melanoma, nearly half of patients do not benefit from currently approved therapies. Developing novel therapies for these individuals is a daunting challenge that begins with laboratory studies and hopefully ends with a drug candidate that is...
Personalized Vaccines for Melanoma – An Update
By Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., MRA Chief Science Officer | 2 February 2021 In Science, Treatment
Vaccines work by priming the immune system, thereby reducing the severity and duration of symptoms or lowering the risk of becoming infected at all. And while vaccines have changed the world for infectious disease, did you know they can also help combat cancers.
Five Melanoma Research Highlights to Look Forward to in 2021
By Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., MRA Chief Science Officer | 13 January 2021 In Allies & Partnerships, News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
At MRA, every day we are focused on how melanoma research can be reimagined to accelerate progress similar to what has been accomplished in record time with COVID-19 research, and look forward to a future not only void of COVID-19; but where suffering and death due to melanoma are no more.
Reimagining Melanoma Research During and After the Pandemic
By Marc Hurlbert, Ph.D., MRA Chief Science Officer | 1 January 2021 In News, Science
The COVID-19 pandemic has touched all of our lives – from illnesses and unexpected deaths, to world economies and the careers impacted. Like everything else, melanoma research has also been impacted – from decreased enrollment in clinical trials, to research labs hampered by lock-downs and new protocols. At MRA, we contemplate how can melanoma research be reimagined to accelerate progress similar to what has been accomplished with COVID-19.