News
What Veteran's Day Means to the MRA Team
6 November 2023 In News, Prevention
In observation of Veteran's Day - November 11 - we asked the MRA team to create short videos explaining what the day means for them and what they want Veterans and other military personnel to know about their risk for melanoma, other skin cancers, and the importance of sun safety.
A History of Sunburns and an Early Stage Melanoma Diagnosis: Jill Roth
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 26 October 2023 In Melanoma Stories, Treatment
Jill Roth has lived her entire life in Dennison, Ohio. There, she grew up in a close-knit family, eventually started her own, and later became a caretaker to her elderly parents. Now retired, she looks back on her upbringing fondly – especially the countless summers spent by the pool.
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.
Thriving after Advanced Melanoma at 26: John Elson’s Story
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 20 September 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories, Treatment
John Elson woke up – on his birthday – and discovered a lump in his neck. The New Yorker wasn’t entirely concerned and initially explained it away as a muscle knot. However, when the lump didn’t go away and he noticed a second one near his armpit, alarm bells started...
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.