Latest News

Australian Researchers Discover New Drug Works To Shrink Brain Tumors in Melanoma Patients

18th May 2012

Medical researchers at Melanoma Institute Australia, Sydney's Westmead Hospital and Westmead Millennium Institute, and The University of Sydney say a new drug they have been testing to treat deadly melanoma in the body also shows, for the first time, an ability to shrink secondary tumours (metastases) in the brains of patients with advanced forms of the disease.

They say the new drug may add months to the lives of patients whose melanoma has spread to the brain. Most patients with brain metastases die within four months. The trial’s results, however, showed brain tumours in nine of the 10 patients shrank within the first six weeks. All 10 patients survived beyond five months, two patients survived beyond 12 months. One patient was alive at 19 months.

The drug called Dabrafenib works by targeting a gene mutation found in melanoma cancer, called the BRAF mutation, which is present in 50 per cent of human melanomas. The drug works by binding to the activated mutant form of the BRAF protein in the melanoma cell, causing the cell to stop proliferating. In many cases it shrinks and disappears.

The study focused on the most common BRAF gene mutation (V600E) and a particular type of the BRAF mutation (V600K) that is common in Australians where cumulative UV exposure from the sun is higher than in other parts of the world.

The lead author of the study, Dr Georgina Long, from Melanoma Institute Australia, Westmead Hospital and The University of Sydney, said, "This is the first evidence that we have a systemic drug therapy that helps prolong survival in patients with multiple melanoma brain metastases. The findings are among the most important in the history of drug treatment for melanoma.

"Currently there is no effective systemic treatment for melanoma brain metastases, and patients whose cancer has spread to the brain are frequently excluded from promising clinical trials. Until now, there has not been a single drug that has shrunk brain metastases in more than ten out of 100 patients with metastatic melanoma. This drug had a 90 per cent success rate in reducing the size of brain metastases.

“Brain metastases in melanoma are a major unsolved problem. Until now, melanoma has been notoriously resistant to drug therapy in general, and responses in highly lethal brain metastases are particularly uncommon. Providing these early data are supported in larger cohorts of patients, and durable responses are confirmed, this activity in the brain may assist in addressing a large unmet need in patients with metastatic melanoma worldwide. Historically, researchers have been reluctant to concentrate on brain metastases because the survival period is so short,” Dr Long said.

But Dr Long and Westmead Hospital specialist Professor Rick Kefford AM, who also leads cancer research at the Westmead Millennium Institute for Medical Research and Melanoma Institute Australia, lobbied hard to extend the trial to focus directly on people with brain metastasis and the BRAF variation seen more commonly in Australia. They can take special credit for this trial’s success. 

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Melanoma Institute Australia awarded $5000 grant to spread melanoma awareness

11th May 2012

Melanoma prevention is fundamental to the mission of Melanoma Institute Australia. Thanks to a $5000 donation from Tour de Cure, we now have the opportunity to raise awareness of melanoma to the people of Townsville and surrounding areas. 

As part of the Tour de Cure Signature Tour, grants are awarded to community projects that aim to benefit the local community in which the tour stops each night. Together with our enthusiastic community fundraisers based in Townsville, Melanoma Institute Australia will use the grant money to send our Community Co-ordinator, Jay Allen, to Townsville to raise awareness of melanoma through community engagements. Jay will be speaking to local schools and community groups in August. This tour of Townsville will coincide with a gala ball to raise money for melanoma research. To find out more about the tour of Townsville or the gala ball, JLIB_HTML_CLOAKING

In addition to the community project grant, Melanoma Institute Australia is one of the major recipients of funding for the Research Projects category. This money will be used to support our Melanoma Genome Project.

Ambassador Hayden Quinn wins CLEO Bachelor of the Year

19th April 2012

Melanoma Institute Australia's new ambassador Hayden Quinn has won CLEO magazine’s Bachelor of the Year competition for 2012.

The 25-year-old former Masterchef contestant and professional lifeguard was the most popular choice of voters, taking out the title over the other 49 Bachelor of the Year finalists, and walking away with a $10,000 cash prize.

Congratulations Hayden!

News article

Melanoma March Success

25th March 2012

Over 850 members of the community from across Sydney and beyond gathered at the beautiful Manly Beach to march for melanoma—Australia’s national cancer.

As the first of its kind held in Sydney, Melanoma Institute Australia led the way with Melanoma March proving a great opportunity for the community to unite against melanoma. 

Enthusiastic walkers milled at the start line as Chanel Ten’s Brad McEwan entertained the crowd with Institute Ambassador Hayden Quinn from MasterChef.  Hayden kept the younger members of the crowd captivated with his tips on staying sun smart and his plans for competing in the upcoming surf life saving national championships. Manly Mayor Jean Hay with Reg Richardson AM, cut the ribbon as the walkers began their 3.2 km walk from Lagoon Park along Manly Beach to finish at Shelly Beach. 

As walkers rounded the shoreline at Shelly Beach 1,200 red, yellow and orange flowers placed in the sand in the served as a poignant reminder of the 1,200 Australians who die from melanoma each year. 

Nineteen year old Andrew Morbey was one of the Melanoma Marchers who chose to walk in memory of his father, David. who lost his battle with melanoma 15 months ago. "The walk was a great opportunity to reflect on the last year or so and be able to share some memories and stories about Dad with the friends that walked with me. It was a really nice way to remember him and others who have either passed away or survived their battle with melanoma," Andrew said.

Andrew and his mother together raised $12,350 for Melanoma March and were our biggest fundraisers. "Being one of four children, my dad was highly involved in our sporting and school activities and made an impression on the people he met during these times. So my mother and I had a lot of people, including my friends, that were more than happy to donate to Melanoma Institute Australia. It is quite overwhelming at times seeing the people who are there for you and care about you." 

NSW Treasurer and Member for Manly Mike Baird congratulated walkers at the end and highlighted the impact of melanoma on the community.

Tony Abbott sent a message of support to everyone participating in the march. “Your march provides an opportunity to raise awareness, to support those who have been diagnosed and to remember those who have lost their fight to it. I congratulate everyone participating in the Melanoma March for getting involved in a good cause." 

In addition to raising awareness of melanoma, over $100,000 was raised to support the vital work of Melanoma Institute Australia in melanoma research, treatment and education.

Thank you to everyone involved in our first Melanoma March! We simply could not have done it without the wonderful contribution of our volunteers, the support from our sponsors and the enthusiasm and fundraising efforts of our Melanoma Marchers. 

Click here for more photos.

Jim Stynes loses his battle with melanoma

20th March 2012

Our sincere condolences and thoughts go out to the family and friends of football legend Jim Stynes who passed away at the age of 45 this morning after battling with melanoma for over 2 years.

Sadly melanoma is a disease that affects young people in the prime of their life. It is the most common cancer among young Australians affecting more people aged 15 to 44 years than any other cancer.

Jim will always be remembered for his extraordinary dedication to Australian sport, his commitment to philanthropy, and his determination to never give up. 

News article

Surf Life Saving’s new partnership takes on fight against melanoma

17th February 2012

Surf Life Saving Australia and Melanoma Institute Australia today announced a new strategic partnership that will see the two organisations advance the fight on our beaches against deadly melanoma, ‘Australia’s national cancer’.

SLSA President, Graham Ford, welcomed Melanoma Institute Australia’s involvement with Surf Life Saving in providing important sun protection education and awareness about melanoma, the most deadly type of skin cancer.

The partnership will see the expansion of Surf Life Saving Australia’s public education and safety programs for sun safety. A Melanoma Institute world-leading medical specialist will also join Surf Life Saving Australia’s national medical advisory Board to expand the movement’s specialist knowledge in melanoma.

“Surf Life Saving is extremely happy to partner with Melanoma Institute Australia in this community-wide program, to help educate and protect the dedicated, volunteer surf lifesavers patrolling our beaches and the millions of visitors to Australia’s beaches each year. The partnership will include wide ranging education about melanoma, and how to detect and prevent it through our volunteers, nipper programs, clubs and events,” said Mr Ford.

“Melanoma Institute’s world-leading expertise will be invaluable for sun safety education. Our aim is to make sure beachgoers are aware of the dangers of the harsh Australian sun and know how to protect themselves. We want people to feel safe at our beaches, not only in the water, but also on the sand where they are greatly exposed to the sun,” he continued.

There are over 44,000 patrolling surf lifesavers around Australia and 100 million visits to our beaches every year.
Melanoma Institute Australia’s Chairman, Reg Richardson AM, said, “We look forward to working closely with Surf Life Saving Australia in making sure the entire beach is covered when it comes to safety and education. We welcome Surf Life Saving Australia’s commitment to champion the sun safe message and the fight against melanoma. Surf Life Saving is an iconic Australian organisation and we will be working closely together to help prevent this deadly disease through wider education.”

“Not many people are aware that melanoma is a young person’s cancer and that it is largely preventable. We want to encourage everyone to protect themselves from the sun’s potentially harmful UV rays and still enjoy a day at the beach,” said Mr Richardson.

Melanoma is the most common cancer in people aged 15 to 44 years. Australia has by far the highest incidence rate for melanoma in the world and melanoma is often referred to as ‘Australia’s national cancer’. Over 11,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and the numbers are increasing. Over 1,200 Australians die of melanoma every year.

Melanoma represents approximately 2.3% of all skin cancer however it is responsible for 76% of all skin cancer deaths in Australia.
Cumulative exposure to ultraviolet radiation over years, especially for young people, even without sunburn, can result in skin damage and increase the risk of getting skin cancer.

In partnership with Surf Life Saving Australia, Melanoma Institute Australia will educate beach goers on sun protection through a range of proactive initiatives which will also include the key messages:

• Seek shade to avoid exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). Remember that the reflection of UV radiation from surfaces like sand and water causes you to burn, even if you think you are protected. Use sun shelters or shade such as umbrellas and beach tents whenever possible.
• Wear sun-protective clothing that covers as much of your body as possible.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat that covers your face and neck (caps do not provide adequate protection from the sun).
• Wear wrap-around sunglasses.
• Apply SPF30+ broad spectrum water resistant sunscreen 20 minutes before going out into the sun. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or exercising.

By consistently following these five simple steps, all Australians can reduce the incidence of melanoma.

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State Government bans commercial tanning units

4th February 2012

The State Government is introducing tough new laws banning commercial ultraviolet (UV) solaria tanning units in NSW, the Environment Minister Robyn Parker said today.

Ms Parker, announcing the ban on World Cancer Day, said there was mounting evidence that the use of sunbeds was associated with an increased risk of melanoma at any age.

Read more

Melanoma awareness day at Bondi Beach

21st December 2011

On Sunday 11 December 2011 Melanoma Institute Australia held its first ever melanoma awareness day at famous Bondi Beach. With our teal and white branded information stand holding pride of place in front of the Bondi Pavilion, our team was on hand to provide sunscreen and shade, and answer questions from the public. Read more

Mutant gene boosts melanoma risk

14th November 2011

Australian researchers have discovered that about 200,000 Australians carry a mutant gene that increases their melanoma risk. Researchers have known that the gene MITF controls the growth of melanocytes, which make the skin turn brown after exposure to the sun. The newly discovered mutation causes MITF to work abnormally and increase the chance that sunlight or other causes will lead the melanocyte to become a malignant melanoma. Read more

Abstracts accepted to international surgical oncology symposium

11th November 2011

Melanoma Institute Australia has had a number of abstracts accepted for next year’s Society of Surgical Oncology Annual Cancer Symposium, the largest meeting of surgical oncologists in the world. Read more

Ambitious new Australian research program to defeat melanoma

2nd September 2011

Melanoma Institute Australia launched an ambitious project to identify all the genetic mutations that cause the deadly cancer melanoma by fully analysing the DNA of 500 tumours in its extensive biobank.

The two-year Melanoma Genome Project will seek to identify the common gene mutations that lead to melanoma so doctors can ultimately tailor each patient’s treatment to the genetic nature of their tumours.

Read more…

NRL Immortal gives a melanoma wake up call

29th August 2011

St George Illawarra Immortal, Johnny Raper, is asking all Australians to don their hats in support of National Shade Day on Friday, September 2, 2011.

With the highest recorded incidence of melanoma in the world, Aussies need to get smart when it comes to the sun, so the Institute is calling on all Australian’s to wear a hat to work or school or hold a fundraising event at their workplace to help the fight against melanoma on National Shade Day.

Read more…

Treatment for advanced melanoma receives funding boost

1st May 2011

Dr Georgina Long, clinical researcher and Medical Oncologist with Melanoma Institute Australia, was recently awarded a Career Development Grant from Cancer Institute NSW, valued at $599,895 over three years.

The fellowship will enable her to continue her work on the TEAM (treat, excise, analyse melanoma) program. The program, a collaborative effort involving clinicians, lab technicians, clinical trials teams and most importantly, melanoma patients, aims to examine cellular pathways activated during treatment for Read more...

Our first year at the Poche Centre

15th April 2011

On March 24 Melanoma Institute Australia celebrated its first anniversary at the Poche Centre. Funded by a generous $40 million gift from philanthropist Greg Poche AO, the Poche Centre is the largest single tumour facility in Australia.

For Chairman Reg Richardson AM, the move to the Poche Centre brought Melanoma Institute Australia one step closer to realising its vision. Read more...

Recent developments in immunology

10th April 2011

Immunotherapy focuses on finding ways to stimulate or restore the ability of the immune system to fight infection and disease. Professor Hersey, Co-director of research and newly appointed Chair in Melanoma Biology has conducted research in this field that has led to new developments in the treatment of metastatic melanoma.

1 Antibodies that target checkpoint receptors By targeting so-called checkpoint receptors on lymphocytes, these antibodies inhibit mechanisms that turn off immune responses becoming, in effect, a form of immunotherapy.

The first of these antibodies, Yervoy or Ipilimumab, produced by Bristol-Myers Squibb, targets a receptor Read more...

Chair in Melanoma Biology appointed

10th April 2011

The Institute’s Professor Peter Hersey has been appointed as the inaugural Chair in Melanoma Biology at the University of Sydney.

The Chair is the first of its kind in Australia and an exciting new initiative in the fight against melanoma. “It is a huge honour to be selected as the first holder of this position which elevates studies in melanoma to the highest academic level possible,” Professor Hersey said. The position is funded by the University’s Melanoma Foundation, comprised in part of a generous donation from the Cameron Family.

Professor Hersey has been working with Melanoma Institute Australia as a consultant Immunologist from his Read More...

Promising new drugs for melanoma

SYDNEY, Australia – 1 November 2010. Melanoma Institute Australia today said promising new clinical trial data detailing the progress of new targeted drug therapies to address the alarming rise of deadly melanoma skin cancers would be revealed at the 7th Annual Melanoma Research Congress and 4th Melanoma and Skin Cancer Centres Meeting in Sydney this weekend.

Dr Keith Flaherty from the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Centre will deliver the keynote speech on Thursday 4th November. He will present data from clinical studies of new drugs developed by Roche and Glaxo Smith Kline that target BRAF mutations, which occur in 50% of melanomas. These drugs Read more...

Study links sunbed use to melanoma

6th August 2010

Co-director of Research, Professor Graham Mann is a senior author on a landmark Australian study published in the International Journal of Cancer in August that found sunbeds can greatly increase the risk of melanoma.

The study has found that use of sunbeds by young people aged 18 to 39 years increased their risk of developing melanoma by an average of 41 per cent. The Australian Melanoma Family Study is the first to examine the use of sunbeds and melanoma in younger adults.

The findings are the result of research collaboration between the University of Sydney, University of Read more...