Category: Science
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.
A Message from Our CEO on Rare Cancer Day
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 30 September 2023 In Melanoma Stories, News, Science
Acral, mucosal, pediatric, and uveal melanomas – what we collectively call rare melanomas – represent an area of profound unmet medical need. Learn what MRA is doing to accelerate research focused on rare melanomas.
Dr. Hussein Tawbi: Opdualag Clinical Trial Updates
By Tanisha Jackson, PhD - MRA Scientific Program Director | 18 September 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, News, Science, Treatment
In March of 2022, the melanoma community celebrated the FDA approval of nivolumab + relatlimab (brand name Opdualag), a new treatment for patients with metastatic melanoma that combines two different immunotherapies, nivolumab and relatlimab, into one medicine.
Combating Melanoma Brain Metastases and Leptomeningeal Disease
8 September 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Events, Policy, Science, Treatment
Melanoma is the third most common source of brain metastases, exceeded only by lung and breast cancer. In addition, metastatic melanoma cells have the highest propensity for settling in the brain out of any solid tumor.
Living with Intention with Mucosal Melanoma: Eileen Walther’s Story
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 24 August 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Science
In 2018, it had been just over a year since Eileen Walther had been diagnosed with follicular lymphoma, a typically slow-growing form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that affects white blood cells. After undergoing a chemotherapy regimen known as R-CHOP, she’d been declared cancer free and was ready to get back to...