Community invests in MIA's new trial
19 July 2016
The community has responded generously to the recent appeal by Melanoma Institute Australia to fund a specialised nursing position in an exciting new clinical trial.
More than $240,000 was raised during our recent tax appeal. Funds will be used to cover the costs of a Clinical Nurse Consultant for three years for our Match Mel trial - a trial that will offer hope to patients who have exhausted all other avenues for treatment.
“My warmest thanks to our community of supporters for contributing so generously to our recent appeal," says MIA's CEO Carole Renouf. "It’s fantastic to have hit the target because this is all about hiring for a pivotal role to care for patients in a new trial. It’s impossible to hire if you don’t have secure funding, and this type of specialised nursing position is one research grants will not cover.”
This unique clinical trial will use existing drugs to target rare genes in melanoma patients. They will not have to wait years for drug development as these therapies are already available and in use for other cancers.
However, because these drugs have not been used specifically in the melanoma setting before, close monitoring and support by a Clinical Nurse Consultant is required for patients. In this trial setting, having someone to coordinate patient care who is accessible 24/7 and understands treatments, how they work, and how to manage their physical and psychological side-effects is key for an advanced melanoma patient.
We also appreciate Emma Betts for sharing her story for our appeal and her outstanding fundraising efforts towards the appeal.
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