January 27, 2025
Scientific Initiatives
Addressing the Needs in Melanoma Research.
In addition to research grants, the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) brings focus to unmet needs through its initiatives: the MRFBC (MRF Breakthrough Consortium) to foster multi-institutional translational research; CURE OM (Community United for Research and Education of Ocular Melanoma) to accelerate research and treatments focused on the most common malignant tumor of the eye; rare melanoma subtypes such as pediatric and mucosal melanoma; national strategy meetings such as metastatic melanoma to the brain; and training for advocates to participate in peer-review research committees.
MRF Breakthrough Consortium.
The MRFBC is a national network of 23 centers of excellence in melanoma that collaborate to accelerate the research and development of the most promising therapies in melanoma treatment in order to deliver curative options to patients.
CURE Ocular Melanoma.
Founded in 2011, CURE OM (the Community United for Research and Education of Ocular Melanoma) is the MRF’s initiative to increase awareness, education, and research for ocular melanoma, while improving the lives of people affected by this disease.
Pediatric & Mucosal Melanoma.
The MRF aims to support all types of melanoma, including the rare subtypes, such as pediatric and mucosal melanoma.
Scientific Meetings.
The MRF convenes various scientific meetings each year either in response to an unmet need, as designated by our Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) or to further the CURE OM, MRFBC, and/or other MRF Scientific Initiatives.
MRF Partnerships.
The MRF has established important partnerships with leading research organizations including the Society for Melanoma Research (SMR), the Department of Defense (DoD), the National Cancer Institute (NCI), the Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI), the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS),The Clinical Trials Transformation Initiative (CTTI), and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/ National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS).
