MRF Board Member Cheryl Stratos Joins Peer Review Panel for Department of Defense Melanoma Research Program

Scientific peer review of Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ Melanoma Research Program for the Department of Defense

The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs’ (CDMRP), Melanoma Research Program (MRP) consumer advocate recently participated in the evaluation of research applications submitted to the MRP. Cheryl Stratos was nominated for participation in the program by Melanoma Research Foundation in Washington, DC. As a consumer reviewer, Cheryl was a full voting member, (along with prominent scientists) at meetings to help determine how the $40 million appropriated by Congress for Fiscal Year 2022 will be spent on melanoma research.

Consumer reviewers are asked to represent the collective view of patients by preparing comments on the impact of the research on issues such as diagnosis, treatment, and quality of life. When commenting on serving as a consumer reviewer, Cheryl said that it was an extraordinary process to be a part of as we examined innovations in clinical research that will help drive more treatment options for rare subtypes of melanoma.

Consumer advocates and scientists have worked together in this unique partnership to evaluate the merit of research applications since FY19. COL Sarah B. Goldman, Director of the CDMRP, expressed her appreciation for the consumer advocates’ hard work. “Integrating consumer perspectives into our decision-making process brings energy and focus to our research programs. Patients, caregivers, family members, and advocates help us keep our efforts centered around what is truly important to those impacted. We very much value this critical input from our consumers who help ensure that CDMRP’s work remains critical and relevant,” she said.
Researchers applying to the MRP propose to prevent melanoma initiation and progression.

The MRF was proud to also nominate melanoma patient advocates Kristen McJunkins and Stacey Sepp to participate in the CDMRP review process and is grateful for their important contributions to the future of federally funded melanoma research.

More information about the CDMRP MRP is available at the website: https://cdmrp.health.mil/MRP/default.

_______
Media Contact:
Hayley Gula
Public Affairs Specialist
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs
U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command
1077 Patchel St, Fort Detrick, MD 21702
Office Phone: 301-619-4342
Cell Phone (Work): 240-344-6007
Email: [email protected]