Research & Science
Accelerating medical RESEARCH while EDUCATING to and ADVOCATING for the melanoma community.
Due to the remarkable development of both targeted therapy and immunotherapy, the national melanoma death rates have decreased in both men and women by ~6%; however, the incidence rate in both men and women has increased by ~2%1. Although we have achieved a number of important scientific milestones, much more work remains to be done in cutaneous melanoma as well as ocular and other rare melanoma subtypes. For more information on our broad scientific portfolio, download the MRF Research Portfolio.
Visit the Why Research Matters blog to hear the important perspectives of patients and researchers.
1: National Cancer Institute (NCI) SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) Program
Upcoming Grant RFPs
MRFBC-BMS Young Investigator Team Science Award focused on Translational Immuno-Oncology
The RFP for the MRFBC-BMS Young Investigator Translational Immuno-Oncology Team Science Award is now available. Applications will be accepted from January 4-March 15, 2021.
Find a Clinical Trial
How do I find a Melanoma Clinical Trial?
There are many ways you can learn about available clinical trials, which hospitals are participating in clinical trials, and how to enroll. The two easiest ways are through the use of the MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder or through ClinicalTrials.gov.
Upcoming Meetings
Next Melanoma Meeting: AACR on April 9-14, 2021
In addition to the melanoma meetings that the MRF sponsors, the MRF also hosts events in conjunction with the larger oncology meetings listed below.
- AACR (American Association for Cancer Research): April 9-14th, 2021
- ASCO (American Association of Clinical Oncology): June 4-8th, 2021
- SMR (Society for Melanoma Research): October 28th-31st, 2021
- SITC (Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer): November 10-14th, 2021
Learn More about the MRF’s Diverse Scientific Agenda Below
MRF Research Portfolio
Learn more about our commitment to melanoma science by reading the MRF Research Portfolio.
Research Grants
Established in 1998, the MRF research grants are a competitive, peer-reviewed program for investigator-initiated research conducted under the purview of our Scientific Advisory Committee. MRF-supported research is open to medical students through senior investigative teams and encompass not only cutaneous melanoma, but also the rare melanoma types such as uveal, mucosal and pediatric melanoma.
Learn MoreScientific Initiatives
Responding to needs in the field, the MRF has spearheaded several scientific initiatives to accelerate research and treatments focused on the most common malignant tumor of the eye and initiatives that focus on rare melanoma subsets such as pediatric and mucosal, and the conduct of various scientific meetings.
- CURE OM Patient Registry
- MRF Breakthrough Consortium
- CURE Ocular Melanoma
- Pediatric & Mucosal Melanoma
- Scientific Meetings
- Partnerships
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Participate in Science
If you are looking for a way to get involved in melanoma research, you can participate in any number of ways – through a clinical trial, as a research advocate, in the grant review process, and/or through fundraising. Consider getting involved today!
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Scientific Leadership
The MRF’s Scientific Leadership is comprised of multidisciplinary experts in basic and translational research, dermatology, epidemiology, genomics, pathology, surgery and medical oncology. Members of all our advisory/ steering committees are volunteers that assist in providing the scientific direction of the MRF.
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Why Research Matters
From discovery in the laboratory to clinical trials, science can make a difference in the lives of people touched by melanoma. Click below to meet a patient and researcher directly involved in melanoma science and read their stories.
Immunotherapy Research
Scientific Milestones of the MRF
Over the years, the Melanoma Research Foundation has achieved a number of important milestones in its drive to uncover new treatments for melanoma, gain traction for broader public awareness, and to build a thriving community of melanoma survivors and advocates. Below is a brief timeline highlighting key dates: