Category: Science
Clinical Trials to Watch: December 2023
By Joan Levy, PhD - MRA Chief Science Officer | 13 December 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, News, Science, Treatment
Treatment of advanced melanoma has dramatically improved over the past decade with 16 new therapies approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even with these treatment advances, 50% of patients with advanced melanoma will either not respond to any of these treatments or their disease will progress creating a...
Registration Now Open: MRA's 2024 Patient Forum
11 December 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Registration for MRA's Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum, held in-person in Washington DC and virtually on Wednesday, February 21, is now open. Register now to hear from leading experts in the melanoma field and have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss, and network with other people who are going through their own melanoma journey.
Perseverance through Advanced Melanoma: Clay Hummer
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 15 November 2023 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Clay Hummer is no stranger to perseverance, and his journey to today was not always easy. He gave up a career in law that he worked hard for to get completely sober and start a fresh chapter, moving to Texas in his 40s where he met the love of his life Christi. So, when he was diagnosed with melanoma shortly after his move, he knew quite a bit about overcoming a challenge.
Artificial Intelligence and Imaging in Melanoma Care: An Update
13 November 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Prevention, Science, Treatment
An early melanoma diagnosis is more likely to have a positive outcome than one diagnosed later. That’s a fact, but patients often delay having skin lesions checked for a variety of reasons, including long wait times to see a dermatologist—if they can even find one close by.
A Message from Our CEO on Veterans Day
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 11 November 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
On this Veterans Day, we want to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for the brave individuals who have served and sacrificed for our country. We also want to use today to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans when it comes to increased risk of developing melanoma,...
Melanoma Risk in the Military Community
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 9 November 2023 In News, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Ahead of Veterans Day, the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) wishes to recognize the brave individuals who have served and sacrificed for our country. As the largest private nonprofit funder of melanoma research worldwide, we are keenly aware of the important intersection between military service and melanoma.
What Melanoma Patients Need to Know about Hepzato Kit
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 23 October 2023 In News, Science, Treatment
You may have heard of Hepzato Kit, also known as Liver-Directed Melphalan, the first liver-directed therapy available for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma who have liver metastases that cannot be surgically removed.
Adjuvant Therapy: Is More Better or is Less More?
19 October 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Science, Treatment
In 2021 and 2023, the FDA expanded approval of Keytruda and Opdivo, respectively, in the adjuvant setting to include more patients with melanoma — expanding therapeutic options for a greater number of patients. These decision have created tectonic shifts in the field—opening a range of not only treatment options but also discussion points to which the medical, research, and advocacy community are split.
Advancing Research after a Rare Diagnosis: Janet Yannelli's Acral Melanoma Journey
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 16 October 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
“I had never heard of acral melanoma, even though I’m a nurse,” remarked Janet Yannelli, lifelong Maine resident. Acral melanoma is a rare melanoma subtype that accounts for about 1-3% of cases each year. Acral melanoma forms on the palms, soles of feet, or under nails.
MRA Statement on Expanded Approval of Nivolumab to Patients with Stage 2 Disease
13 October 2023 In News, Science, Treatment
The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research worldwide, welcomes the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) decision to expand eligibility of Bristol Myers Squibb’s Opdivo (nivolumab) to include patients with completely resected Stage IIB and IIC melanoma.