Every advancement in patient care has its roots in research performed in laboratories and clinics. Huntsman Cancer Institute's unique approach to improving cancer treatment involves facilitating interaction between scientists, doctors, and patients so that new understanding of cancer can be rapidly translated into the saving of lives. Studies currently underway at the Institute are focused on creating new methods for early detection and diagnosis and on developing more effective treatments.

Laboratory research meets bedside care in clinical trials, in which promising new treatments are offered to qualifying volunteer participants. These studies may offer hope to current cancer patients and are the foundation on which hope is built for future generations.

While some research studies may involve taking newly developed medications, others involve donating small amounts of tissue or even simply filling out a questionnaire. All of these forms of participation are of tremendous value to researchers trying to stop the worldwide melanoma epidemic.

The following clinics/programs are designed as resources for doctors and laboratory scientists engaged in melanoma research and provide education and limited or no care to participants. They are available to melanoma patients and/or family members who meet specific criteria.

Melanoma Research Registry (MRR)

This study is open to any patient with a personal or family history of melanoma or multiple unusual moles. However, participants must be referred by a dermatologist or oncologist or be a HRMS participant.

NOTE: Participants in any of the melanoma program research clinics remain under the care of their own doctor.

High-Risk Melanoma Study (HRMS)

This study is open to families with multiple cases of melanoma but not enrolled in earlier University of Utah studies.

Tom C. Mathews Jr. Familial Melanoma Research Clinic (FMRC)

This study is only open to certain families studied in previous University of Utah melanoma research. The primary goal of this clinic is to enroll familial melanoma patients who are willing to participate in research so that hypothesis-driven research goals can be accomplished in an efficient manner. The clinic provides a thorough skin examination and medical and genetic education to this extremely high-risk population of patients.

Huntsman Cancer Institute is grateful to the estate of Tom C. Mathews Jr. for their generous donation to the FMRC.

Physicians or researchers interested in learning more about the Melanoma Program's research into the genetics and epidemiology of melanoma and skin cancer may contact the principal investigator by calling 801-585-0303.

Melanoma Cancer Program ~ Phone: 801-581-2955