Category: Science
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 Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 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, PhD | 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, PhD, MRA Chief Executive 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, PhD, MRA Chief Executive 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, PhD, MRA Chief Executive 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.
Exciting End of Year Melanoma Clinical Trial Results
By Kristen Mueller, PhD | 11 December 2020 In Science, Treatment
The annual Society for the Immunotherapy for Cancer (SITC) meeting did not disappoint, despite its virtual format, when it came to new clinical advances for melanoma. Researchers presented data from several important clinical trials and highlighted several novel agents that may boost responses to checkpoint immunotherapy.
Fueling a Revolution: Driving Research Forward
21 October 2020 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, News, Policy, Prevention, Science, Treatment
MRA is powering a revolution in melanoma research. A revolution that is not only benefiting patients with melanoma but also impacting the field of oncology at large.
Advancing Acral Melanoma Research
5 October 2020 In Science, Treatment
Patients with acral melanoma, a rare subtype of the disease that develops in the nailbeds, palms, or soles of the feet are particularly underserved by today’s treatments.So, improving outcomes for all advanced melanoma patients will, in part, depend on developing new treatments for acral and other rare subtypes of melanoma like uveal and mucosal melanoma. Those treatments, in turn, will depend on more research on these subtypes that deepens our understanding of what causes them or enables them to flourish.