New Hope for Metastatic Melanoma Patients

From the desk of MRF CEO Kyleigh LiPira:

This month, there was big news for the melanoma community that brings hope to so many stage four patients and their loved ones. Results of a phase 2 clinical trial presented at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Annual Meeting found that an experimental mRNA vaccine developed by Moderna combined with Keytruda (Merck) could reduce the risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 44% compared to Keytruda alone. “All tumors, especially cutaneous melanomas, have mutations that create proteins that are recognized as foreign proteins by the body’s immune system and when the immune system is reactivated, tumors use checkpoints to shut off the immune system response,” says Michael B. Atkins, MD, Co-Chair of the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “The immune response can be augmented by implementing vaccines such as this breakthrough mRNA vaccine which presents those foreign proteins to the immune system. This pivotal advancement has the potential to reduce the risk of recurrence or death.” More information about the study and the potential impact it could have on the larger cancer community can be found in our news room.

Next month, during Melanoma Awareness Month, we will continue in our crusade to draw attention and awareness to melanoma and the rarer subtypes. While you cannot prevent some of the rarer subtypes like mucosal and ocular melanoma, it is critical to catch these diseases as early as possible to have positive outcomes. Cutaneous melanoma is very treatable if caught early and we hope this month through our education program, you will become empowered by the incredible dermatologists and oncologists who will be speaking through our various events such as in-person and virtual patient symposia, educational webinars and a weekly “Dermfluencer” series on Instagram Live. Additionally, we will feature content highlighting our rare melanoma communities including ocular, mucosal, pediatric and adolescent/young adult melanoma patients, survivors, thrivers and caregivers.

In just a few short hours we will unveil this year’s #GetNaked spokesperson, and I couldn’t be more excited about the new face of our award-winning campaign. I won’t reveal the surprise quite yet, but our newest spokesperson will likely be a familiar face to many of you, and I was moved by how their own experience led them to become such a strong advocate for melanoma prevention and early detection. Beginning tomorrow we’ll introduce the #GetNaked campaign on our website, in a social media takeover, a nationwide press release and even a video PSA in Times Square!

Lastly, our work would not be possible without you! The MRF is completely funded and empowered by the community we serve. We hope you will consider making a tax-deductible gift to enable us to continue our work to eradicate melanoma and help fund further research like the mRNA vaccine.

With gratitude,

MRF Breakthrough Consortium Leaders Named AACR Fellows

Congratulations to MRF Breakthrough Consortium members and MRF-supported researchers Keith Flaherty, MD and Jedd Wolchok, MD, PhD, who were recently inducted as Fellows of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR) Academy! Dr. Flaherty was recognized for his groundbreaking translational discoveries advancing therapeutic agents, and Dr. Wolchok was honored for his many impactful contributions to novel cancer immunotherapy strategies. “Keith is essentially the leader in targeted therapies for cancer; Jedd is the leader in immunotherapies for cancer,” said Michael B. Atkins, MD, Co-Chair of the MRF’s Scientific Advisory Committee. “They have had tremendous impact, not just in melanoma, but in the treatment of all cancers.” We are grateful to Dr. Flaherty and Dr. Wolchok, and all the members of our Scientific Leadership team, for guiding our work towards more effective treatments in melanoma, many of which also benefit the broader cancer community. Please join us in congratulations for this well-deserved honor!