Research into Malignant Melanoma

Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer.  The incidence continues to rise on a world-wide basis.  In 2003, there were 8,114 new cases in the UK, and 1,800 deaths (22%) from melanoma.  Furthermore, malignant melanoma is more common than many other cancers (eg breast cancer, bowel cancer, lung cancer) in patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s.  Our efforts have been focussed across the whole area spectrum of melanoma, and the various strategies used are shown below:-  

Prevention

• Education on sun awareness.
• Sun-smart campaigns.
• Research on genetic predisposition to melanoma.

Early detection Education programmes.

• Research looking at why particular patients present late, and causes for delays in diagnosis.

Treatment of melanoma

• Better surgical approach.
• Better investigations, e.g. sentinel node biopsy etc.

Prevention of Recurrence

• Studies of adjuvant therapy (eg interferon, Avastin, radiotherapy) to prevent recurrence.
• Studies of genetic factors (inherited) and environmental factors (e.g. diet – Vitamin D)
• Influencing  risk  of relapse

Treatment of advanced disease

• Identification of new, effective treatments.
• Developing treatments specifically tailored to individual patients.

You will see that research covers a broad spectrum of clinical situations, and the melanoma group in Manchester is involved in all of these.  The sad fact remains that at present, 1 in 5 patients who get melanoma will die of their cancer.  Our current treatments for melanoma that has relapsed and spread are poor.  For this reason, we are focussing on developing effective new treatments for patients with melanoma.  This is a collaborative approach.  We interact with a number of national and international organisations, including the UK National Cancer Research Institute (NCRI) Melanoma group; the European Organisation for the Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Melanoma Group; many other national research groups; individual clinicians in Europe, the US and Australia; Cancer Charities, and the Pharmaceutical Industry. 

The melanoma group at the Christie Hospital is a group of scientists and clinicians involved in the research and treatment of melanoma – from the laboratory bench to the bedside.  We are undertaking a number of exciting projects, which we hope will improve the outcome for patients with melanoma.  You will see details on the website.  Much of the work that we carry out is supported by generous and selfless donations from patients, their families and friends, and from members of the public.  All of these are vital to our success, and we are very grateful for these. 

Keeping the status quo for melanoma treatment is not an option.  We need to learn to prevent it developing in the first instance, prevent it recurring once it has been removed, and treat it effectively if it does recur.