Category: Treatment
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lighting up Melanoma (One Cell at a Time)
18 May 2020 In Allies & Partnerships, Prevention, Science, Treatment
Meet Aditi Sahu, a post-doctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, and MRA Dermatology Research Fellow. Learn about her work and MRA's Dermatology Fellowship Award Program.
Dr. Villanueva Takes Aim at NRAS Mutant Melanoma
By Cody Barnett, MPH, MRA Senior Director of Communications & Patient Engagement | 28 March 2020 In Melanoma Stories, Science, Treatment
When Dr. Villanueva began her work in melanoma, some 15 years ago, it was the perfect scientific challenge. How could a disease be so aggressive – and still be such a mystery?
Then things got personal.