2024 MRF Research and Science Brochure

Scientific Initiatives

Creation of Resources MRF BREAKTHROUGH CONSORTIUM (MRFBC)

Recognizing a need for greater collaboration around translational research, the MRF formed the MRFBC in 2010. The MRFBC is a national network of 23 melanoma centers of excellence that collaborate to accelerate research for a cure.

University of Colorado Northwestern University University

of Chicago Ohio State University

University of Pittsburgh

Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center Yale University Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

California Pacific Medical Center

University of California San Francisco

Columbia University New York University

University of Pennsylvania/ Wistar Institute Northwell Health

St. John’s Cancer Institute

Fox Chase Cancer Center

The Angeles Clinic and Research Center

Georgetown-Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center

University of California Los Angeles

Duke University

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Moffitt Cancer Center

Vanderbilt University

Rare Subtype Focus Community United for Research and Education of Ocular Melanoma (CURE OM) In 2011, the MRF launched CURE OM to focus solely on advancing the goals of the ocular melanoma community. To date, CURE OM has provided ~$2.5 million in research grants, held numerous scientific conferences and educational patient meetings. In 2021, CURE OM launched a first of its kind patient-reported OM registry (www.visionregistry.org) and continues to advocate for the ocular melanoma community to improve the lives of people impacted by this disease. Pediatric/Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) and Mucosal (MM)/Acral Lentiginous (ALM) Melanoma The MRF has launched initiatives that focus on pediatric and AYA melanoma patients and MM/ALM. As such, the MRF is supporting grants focused on pediatric/AYA mel- anoma as well as MM/ALM. With respect to pediatric/ AYA melanoma, the MRF sponsors an Annual Pediatric or AYA Summit each year so that patients/families can come together and learn the latest in medical treatments/ research and find support. With respect to MM, the MRF held its inaugural investigator/patient meeting in 2022 focused on this rare disease; the next meeting will be in 2025. In addition, the MRF also launched its MM Translational Working Group which convenes quarterly

to focus on MM clinical trials, research, and collaborative opportunities. Future goals include the creation of a MM patient and caregiver guide. Support to the Field • Partnership with the Society for Melanoma Research to sponsor annual investigator awards and satellite symposia • Partnership with Conquer Cancer, the ASCO Foundation, to provide a merit award each year to a promising investigator in melanoma • Scientific meetings that address key focus areas, e.g., brain metastases, equity/access and consensus on gene expression profiling in cutaneous melanoma. • In 2023, the MRF celebrated 4 healthcare providers and researchers with awards at Galas in Denver and New York City. Further, due largely to patient suggestions, the MRF has developed a wide array of educational information, downloads for use in the office, links to clinical trials, buddy programs and online support groups. More information about the MRF, its programs and its scientific leadership can be found at www.melanoma.org. Patient Perspective Incorporating a patient-centric approach to the grant review process, a patient review panel ensures that patient and caregiver priorities are reflected in the research funding process.

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