Category: Science
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.
Next-Generation Treatments for Melanomas
By Marc Hurlbert, PhD, MRA Chief Executive Officer | 21 September 2020 In Science, Treatment
Improvements in survival over the last decade for patients diagnosed with advanced melanoma is largely due to the development of ground-breaking novel treatments, such as the first BRAF inhibitor and checkpoint immunotherapy. Building on the success of these new treatment approaches, researchers are hard at work developing meaningful improvements through next-generation treatments that could improve patient outcomes.
Integrative Medicine Answers the Question: ‘What Can I Do to Support My Treatment?’
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 24 August 2020 In Science, Treatment
When Dr. Gary Deng sits down with a new patient to discuss their goals and how integrative medicine can fit into their overall treatment plan, he likens his work to taking care of a plant. “With the right amount of water, sunshine, fertilizer, and soil – a plant will thrive. That’s what integrative medicine is looking to do, but with an entire person,” says Deng.
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.
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.