News
Working to Take the Luck Out of Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 16 August 2020 In Melanoma Stories
Ellen believes that research is the best tool we have to “take the luck” out of melanoma. She’s proud to be involved with an organization – and a cause – that is relentlessly moving forward in search of answers, new treatments, and ultimately a cure for melanoma. “I know that given the right support, research will get us there,” she says.
Expanding the Tool Box: New Melanoma Treatment Approaches Being Explored
29 July 2020 In Science, Treatment
Despite the tremendous progress made in melanoma treatments over the last 10 years, only about half of such patients respond favorably to current treatments. During the MRA’s Melanoma > Exchange Patient & Advocate Forum, MRA-funded investigators shared updates on emerging science and promising clinical trials.
For Melanoma Researcher Dr. Betina Yanez, It’s All About the Journey
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 27 July 2020 In Science
If you close your eyes and imagine what a melanoma researcher looks like, Dr. Betina Yanez is probably not what you imagine. That’s because Dr. Yanez, a health psychologist by training, isn’t your typical melanoma researcher. Instead of researching new treatment targets or experimental combination therapies, she focuses on patient experience and quality of life.
Putting Her Faith in Research & Her Doctor
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 23 July 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Treatment
All things considered, things are looking up for Margaret Oplinger. A marble-sized tumor is all that’s left of her Stage 4 melanoma; and her ongoing treatment, every-other week with nivolumab (Opdivo®), will hopefully enable her immune system to attack – and eliminate – this last remnant.
Basic Research: Understanding what Triggers Melanoma and its Spread to Identify New Treatment Targets
9 July 2020 In Science
Tremendous progress has been made in understanding the basic biology needed to trigger melanoma and fuel its growth and progression. Researchers continue to probe deeper, finding new molecular culprits that could lead to novel and more effective melanoma treatment strategies. Some of these new potential drug targets were revealed at MRA’s 2020 Scientific Retreat.
Melanoma Research Updates from 2020 AACR and ASCO Conferences
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 29 June 2020 In News, Science, Treatment
MRA Chief Science Officer Marc Hurlbert shares exciting melanoma research highlights from ASCO and AACR - the two largest global cancer research conferences that take place annually.
Painting a Portrait of the Melanoma Clinical Trial Participant
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 26 June 2020 In Allies & Partnerships
MRA Chief Science Officer Marc Hurlbert, MRA Director of Communications Cody Barnett, and Antidote's Head of Partnerships Lindsey Wahlstrom-Edwards discuss what matters most to melanoma patients when it comes to participating in clinical trials.
A Personal Journey, A Virtual Platform
23 June 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Prevention, Science
Meet Shirin Bajaj, a third-year resident at NYU’s School of Medicine and MRA Dermatology Research Fellow. Learn about her work and MRA's Dermatology Fellowship Award Program.
Maintaining Momentum in Melanoma Research
8 June 2020 In Allies & Partnerships, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
The last decade has been one of substantial progress and hope for many melanoma patients, researchers, and clinicians. With 12 new therapeutic approaches now approved to treat melanoma, many advanced-stage patients are seeing their tumors shrink or disappear, and are experiencing renewed hope for a brighter future.
From Dermatology to Treatment: Second Opinions, Clinical Trials & becoming Your Own Best Advocate
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 29 May 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
Through his journey with melanoma, Patrick has learned the importance of always being his own best advocate, getting second opinions, and considering clinical trials.