Overview:

In this episode, we learn about advanced melanoma; in particular stage III and IV melanoma, and the different kinds of gene mutations and why they are important. Later in the episode we will talk about different treatment options for melanoma.

Speakers:

Professor Grant McArthur is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and holds a Ph.D. in Medical Biology. He is the Executive Director of the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre and inaugural Lorenzo Galli Chair of Melanoma and Skin Cancers at the University of Melbourne. He is also Head of the Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Cancer Research, and a Senior Consultant Medical Oncologist, Cancer Medicine at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.

Associate Professor David Gyorki is a consultant surgical oncologist at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, specialising in the management of patients with melanoma and soft tissue sarcoma. He is also the Research and Education Lead in Melanoma and Skin Cancer at the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Topics Covered In This Episode:

• What is stage III and stage IV melanoma
• What tests are performed to diagnose stage III and stage IV melanoma
• What is a biopsy
• How does melanoma spread throughout the body
• The types of treatment options for advanced melanoma
• What are the different gene mutations and why are they important
• Development and effectiveness of immunotherapy
• What is targeted therapy and how does it work
• When is immunotherapy utilised
• How does radiotherapy differ from other treatments
• What is adjuvant therapy and what is the role of drug therapy
• What is neoadjuvant therapy

For More Information:

The Spot On Podcast is brought to you by the Melanoma & Skin Cancer Advocacy Network (MSCAN) - who are providing a new, innovative approach to tackle Australia’s national cancer.

MSCAN engages with Australia’s leading clinicians, researchers and advocates with the aim of increasing the knowledge of those affected by a diagnosis.

MSCAN is grateful to the clinicians interviewed in our podcast series. They have all provided their time and input freely and independently.

The content discussed in these episodes is for information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. Please make sure you speak with a medical professional for advice relating to your own specific situation.