Melanoma Insights for Professionals

By Melanoma Institute AustraliaMedicine Health & Fitness

Melanoma Insights for Professionals episodes

July 07, 2023When to recommend a sentinel node biopsy in melanoma
Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) plays a key role in assessing the prognosis of melanomas.
In this fireside chat from our new SNB Training Program (Sentinel Node Biopsy: From guidelines to practice), MIA’s Prof Georgina Long AO, Prof John Thompson AO and A/Prof Sydney Ch’ng discuss:
the history of SNB in the management of melanoma

its current role in the stratification of patients into those who may benefit from adjuvant therapies verses those for whom active surveillance is more appropriate

other potential benefits of SNB, including the likelihood of SNB itself reducing the risk of nodal recurrence.
This podcast is suitable for Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, General Practitioners and other healthcare professionals.

SPEAKERS
A/Prof Sydney Ch’ng - Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Head & Neck Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia | Associate Professor of Surgery, The University of Sydney

Prof Georgina Long AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney

Prof John Thompson AO - Emeritus Professor of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, The University of Sydney | Senior Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia

Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (July 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
34 min
March 13, 2023Neoadjuvant immunotherapy: Revolutionising melanoma treatment
Our latest podcast explores the innovative approach of neoadjuvant immunotherapy - administering checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy before the surgical removal of melanoma. This promising approach is creating a buzz among multidisciplinary clinicians and researchers globally as the potential benefits for melanoma patients are being realised.
Although neoadjuvant therapy is well established in oncology, using immunotherapy in melanoma has revolutionised patient outcomes through significant improvements in overall survival rates.
In this engaging podcast, MIA’s Prof Georgina Long AO leads a discussion with multidisciplinary world leaders in the neoadjuvant space to discuss:
the benefits of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy

the role of the pathologist in the assessment of neoadjuvant tissue

the impact of surgical decision-making as neoadjuvant becomes mainstay treatment

options for treatment-refractory patients

the role of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy in non-melanoma skin cancer.
The discussion concludes with case studies to summarise key learnings.
This podcast is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncologists, Surgeons, Pathologists, Dermatologists, GPs, Oncology Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS:
Prof Georgina Long AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney

Prof Richard Scolyer AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Pathologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital | Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney

A/Prof Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Royal North Shore and Mater Hospitals | Associate Professor of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Sydney

A/Prof Alexander van Akkooi - Associate Professor in Melanoma Surgical Oncology, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney
KEY CLINICAL TRIALS
SWOG

PRADO

OpACIN-neo

NADINA
FURTHER EDUCATION
The critical role of standardised pathological assessment in neoadjuvant therapy for melanoma: A guide for Pathologists
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (February 2023) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
MIA’s Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and HEINE.
36 min
February 06, 2023Unravelling lentigo maligna
Lentigo maligna – a subtype of in situ melanoma – presents diagnostic and treatment challenges for clinicians.
In this podcast, Dr Michael Rtshiladze leads a multidisciplinary discussion to unravel our understanding of the pathology, diagnosis and management of lentigo maligna, including:
clinical and histological presentation

tools to diagnose and monitor lesions

the impact of different types of biopsies

the importance of mapping the extent of lesions

the challenge of surgical management in cosmetically sensitive areas

the role of radiation therapy and topical treatments

when to refer your patient.
The discussion concludes with a case study to summarise key learnings.
This podcast is suitable for Plastic Surgeons, General Surgeons, Dermatologists, Oncologists, Pathologists, GPs, Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Dr Michael Rtshiladze - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The Prince of Wales Hospital, St George Hospital and Sydney Children’s Hospital

Dr Robert Rawson - Pathologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Prof Pascale Guitera - Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia | Director, Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital | Professorial Research Fellow, The University of Sydney

Prof Angela Hong - Radiation Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia | Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney
RESOURCE AND REFERENCE
Lentigo Maligna Patient Information Brochure

Crouch G, Sinha S, Lo S, Saw RPM, Lee KK, Stretch J, Shannon K, Guitera P, Scolyer RA, Thompson JF & Ch'ng S. Clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of lentigo maligna of the head and neck. Eur J Surg Oncol. 2021 May;47(5):1145-1151.
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (December 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
MIA’s Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and HEINE.
49 min
November 16, 2022Diagnosis and management of uveal melanoma
Despite recent advances in management of primary uveal melanoma, more than half of patients develop metastatic disease – often with poor outcomes. New therapeutic approaches to metastatic disease are vital.
In this podcast, A/Prof Matteo Carlino interviews fellow Medical Oncologist Prof Georgina Long AO and Ophthalmologist A/Prof Max Conway on our latest understanding of the diagnosis and management of early and advanced uveal melanoma, including:
presentation and diagnostic process

current treatment options and rationale for local therapy in early melanoma

determining which patients are suitable for screening for metastatic disease

developing a surveillance plan based on risk of recurrence

the different activity of systemic therapy in uveal versus cutaneous melanoma

importance of the multidisciplinary team

activity of tebentafusp in advanced uveal melanoma

the current clinical trial landscape.
This podcast is suitable for Oncologists, Ophthalmologists, GPs, Oncology Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
A/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney

Prof Georgina Long AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney

A/Prof Max Conway - Ophthalmologist, Save Sight Institute, Sydney Eye Hospital and The University of Sydney
RESOURCES
Early Ocular Melanoma Patient Information Brochure

Advanced Ocular Melanoma Patient Information Brochure

Melanoma Education Portal
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (November 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
MIA’s Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from MSD, BMS, Novartis and HEINE.
45 min
August 31, 2022Getting the pathology right: Melanoma in General Practice
Treating clinicians rely on pathology to help diagnose and stage their patient which fundamentally determines the treatment management plan. Therefore, it is incredibly important to get it right in the first place.
In this engaging podcast aimed at GPs, our multidisciplinary experts discuss:
Why can it be challenging to get the pathology right?

What clinical information is important to include on the pathology request form?

How is the pathology report structured?

How is the specimen processed?

What biopsy is key to maximising the diagnostic and prognostic interpretation of the pathology?

Are partial biopsies ever appropriate?

What implications does the type of biopsy have for subsequent surgery?

When does a GP need to refer their patient?
The discussion is concluded with two case studies to summarise key learnings.
This podcast is suitable for GPs, Dermatologists, Surgeons, Oncologists, Pathologists and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Dr Adrian Quek - Skin Cancer GP, Melanoma Institute Australia and The Chatswood Skin Cancer Clinic

Dr Alison Potter - Pathologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Dr Nigel Maher - McMurtrie Cancer Pathology Fellow, Melanoma Institute Australia

A/Prof Alexander van Akkooi - Associate Professor in Melanoma Surgical Oncology, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, The University of Sydney

Dr Niamh-Anna O’Sullivan - Specialist Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
HOST
Danielle Fischer - Education Program Manager, Melanoma Institute Australia
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (June 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
For more practice-changing education, visit our Melanoma Education Portal.
MIA's Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from: MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and HEINE.
1 hr 11 min
June 27, 2022Critical questions for a melanoma pathologist
The role of pathology in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma is pivotal to optimal patient care. With so many disciplines relying on the pathologist for accurate diagnoses and critical pathological information, we decided to reach out to our clinical melanoma community to ask them for their critical pathology questions.
In this podcast, Prof John Thompson AO and Prof Fergal Moloney pick at the brain of the world's leading melanoma Pathologist, Prof Richard Scolyer AO, as they discuss:
The clinical information needed to aid diagnosis

The role of artificial intelligence and computing in pathology

Overdiagnosis of melanoma

The problem of partial biopsies

Diagnosing borderline lesions

What is a melanocytoma and how should it be managed

What is an irritated naevus

Dysplastic naevi and appropriate management
This podcast is suitable for GPs, Dermatologists, Surgeons, Oncologists, Pathologists and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Prof Richard Scolyer AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Pathologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital | Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney
Prof John Thompson AO - Emeritus Professor of Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, The University of Sydney | Member, Melanoma Institute Australia
Prof Fergal Moloney - Consultant Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and Mater Misericordiae University Hospital | Clinical Professor, University College, Dublin
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (June 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
For more practice-changing education, visit our Melanoma Education Portal.
MIA's Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from: MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and HEINE.
37 min
May 17, 2022Toxicity management in melanoma
Cancer drugs have rapidly evolved in the last decade. Alongside the significant benefits are new toxicity profiles that clinicians need to be aware of and manage. In this podcast, A/Prof Carlino interviews fellow Medical Oncologist Prof Georgina Long AO on the adverse events/toxicities associated with targeted therapies (combination BRAF/MEK inhibitors) and immunotherapies (anti-PD-1, anti-LAG-3 and anti-CTLA-4), particularly in melanoma, and how they should be managed.
This podcast is suitable for Oncologists, Emergency Medicine Physicians, GPs, Oncology Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Prof Georgina Long AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney

A/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (May 2022) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
MIA’s Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from: MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis and HEINE.
46 min
February 10, 2022The evolving paradigm shift in melanoma
The field of melanoma has experienced a paradigm shift in recent years, with advancements in both diagnosis and management driving improved patient outcomes. Through the power of research, day-to-day practice continues to be transformed.
In this lively podcast, two of Australia's leading melanoma experts Prof Richard Scolyer AO and Prof Georgina Long AO discuss:
how melanoma management has transformed in the last decade
the challenge of diagnosing melanoma for clinicians and pathologists, and practical ways to help make accurate assessments
the importance of staging
why sentinel node biopsies are important
how multidisciplinary care enhances patient outcomes
emerging evidence on neoadjuvant treatment and how this will change the way melanoma is managed
the challenge of supportive care and where to find help.
In this practical discussion, resources and further education for deeper dives into specific topics are also mentioned, with links below.
This podcast is suitable for oncologists, surgeons, dermatologists, skin cancer GPs, GPs, nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Prof Georgina Long AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Chair, Melanoma Medical Oncology and Translational Research, Melanoma Institute Australia and Royal North Shore Hospital, The University of Sydney
Prof Richard Scolyer AO - Co-Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia | Pathologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Senior Staff Specialist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital | Clinical Professor, The University of Sydney
LINKS TO RESOURCES
Melanoma Risk Prediction Tools
Prof John Thompson's presentation: Update on melanoma staging
Order or download a pocket-sized Melanoma Staging Card
Prof Richard Scolyer's presentation: Melanoma near misses: Clues to diagnosis
Dermoscopy module: Techniques in melanoma assessment
Interactive game: DermChallenge: Management.
Debate: To shave or not to shave when biopsying melanoma
Podcast: Multidisciplinary management of primary melanoma
Presentation by Dr Rob Rawson and Dr Michael Rtshiladze: The melanoma pathology report and its impact on clinical management
Wiki melanoma guidelines: Clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of melanoma
Interactive module: The current role of sentinel node biopsy in the management of melanoma
Debate: The role of sentinel node biopsy is overstated in melanoma
SNB Melanoma Risk Calculator
Visit the Melanoma Education Portal for the full list of resources.
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (Feb 2022) but maynot reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia. For more practice-changing education, visit our⁠ Melanoma Education Portal. ⁠MIA’s Education Program is proudly supported through unrestricted educational grants from MSD, Bristol Myers Squibb and HEINE.
46 min
October 27, 2021Multidisciplinary management of in-transit melanoma
Managing in-transit melanoma can be challenging, and it presents and progresses as a heterogeneous disease. Multidisciplinary care is recommended for this complex disease to determine the optimal outcome for the patient.
In this engaging podcast, our multidisciplinary expert panel - featuring a Dermatologist, Surgeon and Medical Oncologist - discuss:
the clinical presentation of in-transit melanoma

importance of biopsy and imaging

local therapy options including surgical resection, topical diphencyprone, radiotherapy, injectable agents and isolated limb infusion

systemic therapy options in the adjuvant and unresectable settings.
In addition, the panel reviews a case study to put learnings into practice.
This podcast is suitable for Surgeons, Medical Oncologists, Dermatologists, Skin Cancer GPs, GPs, Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (October 2021) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
SPEAKERS
A/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia, Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals | Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney

A/Prof Robyn Saw - General Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia | Associate Professor in Surgery, The University of Sydney | Head of Department, Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital

Prof Diona Damian - Professor of Dermatology, The University of Sydney | Clinical Academic, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital |Associate, Melanoma Institute Australia
29 min
June 29, 2021Multidisciplinary management of primary melanoma
Melanoma has many mimics, making detection a challenge. However, early detection and appropriate management of melanoma is crucial to ensuring a patient has the best chance of survival.
In this podcast from Melanoma Institute Australia, our multidisciplinary panel discuss:
the clinical presentation of melanoma
tips to help make a clinical diagnosis
understanding the histological features for diagnosis
how to know when to biopsy
which biopsy is best
ramifications of subtotal biopsies
who requires a sentinel node assessment and what does that involve
In addition, the panel reviews a case study to put learnings into practice.
This podcast is suitable for Dermatologists, Skin Cancer GPs, GPs, Surgeons, Nurses and other healthcare professionals.
SPEAKERS
Dr Adrian Quek - Skin Cancer GP, Melanoma Institute Australia and The Chatswood Skin Cancer Clinic
A/Prof Jonathan Stretch AM - Surgical Oncologist and Deputy Medical Director, Melanoma Institute Australia
Dr Bruna Gouveia - Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (May 2021) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia.
For more practice-changing education, visit the Melanoma Education Portal (melanomaeducation.org.au).
56 min

About Melanoma Insights for Professionals

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Melanoma Insights for Professionals brings you conversations with leading multidisciplinary experts who break down the latest research and best practice into what it actually means in the clinic.