MRA Meet Up: Acral Melanoma Research Update

On Thursday, November 13, the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) hosted an MRA Meet Up webinar focused on acral melanoma, moderated by MRA's Chief Executive Officer Dr. Marc Hurlbert and Chief Science Officer Dr. Joan Levy. The discussion featured Dr. Eugene Semenov, dermatologist and clinician investigator at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Dr. Patricia Possik, melanoma researcher at the Sanger Institute and the Brazilian National Cancer Institute.

Drs. Semenov and Possik explored what makes acral melanoma distinct from other forms of melanoma, including its unique biology, lack of association with UV exposure, and tendency to develop on high-friction, hard-to-see areas such as the palms, soles, and beneath the nails. They discussed why acral melanoma is often diagnosed at later stages and how these differences impact treatment response.

The experts shared insights from major ongoing research efforts supported by the Department of Defense’s Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP), including the largest U.S. epidemiologic study of acral melanoma to date and new international collaborations aimed at clarifying risk factors, understanding genetic drivers, and developing urgently needed tumor models. Dr. Possik also highlighted findings from her recent publication, “Modelling Acral Melanoma in Admixed Brazilians Uncovers Genomic Drivers and Targetable Pathways,” which provides critical insight into tumor biology in Latinx and other populations.

This session highlighted:

• Why acral melanoma behaves differently from the more common UV-driven cutaneous melanoma
• Early findings from CDMRP- and DOD-funded studies on clinical risk factors
• What researchers are hoping to learn about inherited and environmental risk factors in ongoing work
• How new tumor models and global collaborations are accelerating discovery
• Key questions that remain, including how to improve early detection and develop more tailored therapies

This was a valuable opportunity to learn directly from two leading experts working to better understand - and ultimately improve outcomes for - patients with acral melanoma.

Watch the full recording: