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Acral Melanoma

Patient Resources

A diagnosis of acral melanoma can feel overwhelming and bring up many questions. At the Melanoma Research Foundation, we believe that informed, empowered patients can make the best decisions for their care. While this rare form of melanoma may present unique challenges, you are not alone. This page is here to provide trusted information, helpful resources, and ways to connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

 

We encourage you to engage with our educational webinars, find a melanoma specialist, explore available clinical trials through the MRF Clinical Trials Finder, find support through patient forums, and check out our partner organizations offering care and resources alongside the MRF.

MRF Clinical Trials Finder

What Is Skin of Color?
Understanding how melanoma presents in skin of color is essential for early detection. This resource from the Skin of Color Society explains how skin tone can impact diagnosis and care, especially for acral melanoma, which often appears in patients with darker skin. Learn more about how to advocate for your skin health at Skin of Color Society.

Education / Webinars

At the 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting, researchers presented encouraging results from a clinical trial exploring triplet neoadjuvant therapy for acral melanoma. This early research suggests that combining multiple treatments before surgery may help improve outcomes for patients with this rare melanoma subtype. To learn more, find the meeting recap here – 2025 ASCO Annual Meeting Recap – Melanoma Research Foundation

Find Support/Patient Forums 

Connecting with others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. These videos and forums highlight real stories and provide opportunities to learn from others living with melanoma, including rare subtypes like acral melanoma.

Patient Testimonial – Eric Niles (Melanoma Research Foundation)
Eric shares his personal journey with acral melanoma, including how he navigated diagnosis, treatment, and life beyond cancer. His story is a reminder that support, advocacy, and resilience are key parts of the melanoma experience.

Patient Testimonial – Amy Jardon (Advocacy Days)
Amy shares how her experience with acral melanoma led her to become an advocate for others. She talks about participating in the MRF’s Advocacy Days and using her voice to raise awareness and push for better outcomes for rare melanoma patients.

Melanoma Research Foundation – Melanoma Patient Forum
The MRF’s online forum is a place where people affected by all types of melanoma can connect, ask questions, and share experiences. Patients and caregivers can find support, learn from others, and build community in a safe and welcoming space.

Clinical Trial Finder

The MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder will help you understand which emerging melanoma trials may be an option for you.

Educational, Support and Other Melanoma Organizations

While the MRF is the largest independent research organization devoted to melanoma, we proudly partner with like-minded organizations and foundations to expand our reach and provide comprehensive support. The resources below include trusted programs that may be helpful for individuals affected by mucosal melanoma, whether you’re looking for peer support, caregiver guidance, educational information, or reliable resources to help you navigate this rare diagnosis.

General Cancer Support and Information

The resources below include trusted programs that may be especially helpful for those affected by mucosal melanoma, offering emotional support, peer connection, education, and practical tools for navigating diagnosis and treatment.

Melanoma- and Skin Cancer–Specific Support

These organizations focus specifically on melanoma, skin cancer awareness, or advocacy:

Peer and Psychosocial Support

If you know of a melanoma-specific resource that is missing from this list, please email education@melanoma.org.

Sources and References

The information provided in this resource was developed using credible, peer-reviewed research and expert input. This document was reviewed by Dr. Hensin Tsao and Vito Rebecca, PhD, to ensure accuracy and relevance for patients and caregivers affected by acral melanoma. Key sources include:

Rebecca, V. et al. (2022). Infographic on Acral Melanoma – Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research