News
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.
2024 Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum Scholarship
7 September 2023 In Events
MRA’s Patient Advocate Scientific Retreat & Patient Forum Scholarship encourages the engagement, education, and inclusion of patient advocates in melanoma research by providing support for their attendance at the Annual Melanoma Exchange Patient Forum and Scientific Retreat.
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...
MRA Statement on FDA Approval of Hepzato Kit for Patients with Uveal Melanoma with Liver Metastases
16 August 2023 In News, Treatment
The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) released the following statements from MRA Chief Science Officer Joan Levy, PhD and MRA Chief Executive Officer Marc Hurlbert, PhD on the Food & Drug Administration approval of Hepzato Kit for patients with uveal melanoma with liver metastases that cannot be surgically removed.
Compassion, Dignity, & Fashion: Paloma Soledad’s Melanoma Story
By Renee Orcione, MRA Digital Engagement & Communications Manager | 7 August 2023 In Allies & Partnerships, Melanoma Stories
Advanced melanoma challenges patients and families in ways they often could never expect. For New Yorker Paloma Soledad, various side effects from her treatment made it difficult to feel comfortable in her everyday clothing. As a creative artist and designer, she saw this as an opportunity to find a solution...