Ask the Expert: Mucosal Melanoma – Current and Emerging Treatments, Research and Patient Perspectives

Join us for an educational discussion on mucosal melanoma, one of the rarest and most challenging forms of melanoma. This session will explore the latest understanding of current treatments and highlight emerging research aimed at improving outcomes for patients.

We’ll hear from Kasey L. Couts, PhD, Assistant Professor and Co-Director of the CU Center for Rare Melanomas, whose work focuses on advancing research and therapeutic strategies for rare melanoma subtypes. She will provide insight into the progress being made in the laboratory and clinical trial space. We’ll also be joined by Toni English, a stage IV mucosal melanoma survivor and patient advocate. Diagnosed in 2015, Toni participated in a clinical trial for TIL therapy and, because of that treatment, today remains cancer free. She now dedicates her time to supporting patients and caregivers, advocating for research, and building community through the Mucosal Melanoma Warriors Foundation. Together, our speakers will bring both scientific expertise and the lived patient experience to help shed light on where treatment for mucosal melanoma is today, and where it is headed in the future.

Speakers:

Toni English – Patient Advocate, Mucosal Melanoma Warriors Foundation

Toni English was diagnosed with Stage IV Sinonasal Mucosal Melanoma in 2015 and given six months to live. After surgery, radiation, and failed immunotherapies, she entered a Phase 2 TIL therapy trial in 2018, which led to a complete response—she remains cancer free today. Toni now serves as Patient Advocate for the Mucosal Melanoma Warriors Foundation, mentoring newly diagnosed patients, advocating for rare cancer awareness, and facilitating international support groups for mucosal melanoma patients and caregivers.

Kasey L. Couts, PhD – Assistant Professor; Co-Director, CU Center for Rare Melanomas; Assistant Director, CU Skin Cancer Biorepository

Kasey Couts is an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus and Co-Director of the CU Center for Rare Melanomas. She also serves as Assistant Director of the CU Skin Cancer Biorepository. Dr. Couts’ research is focused on improving outcomes for patients with mucosal melanoma by studying both the cancer itself and the surrounding environment that supports it. Her team explores new treatment strategies, investigates how immune cells and the microbiome influence the disease, and works to identify biomarkers that can guide more effective therapies for patients.