Melanoma Insights for Professionals
Melanoma Insights for Professionals features conversations with leading multidisciplinary experts who break down the latest research and best practice into what it means in the clinic. Developed by Melanoma Institute Australia, the podcast helps healthcare professionals stay up to date with developments in melanoma and complex skin cancer. It also uncovers the thinking behind expert clinical decision-making.
Episodes
From collaboration to innovation: How multidisciplinary teams and clinical trials are transforming melanoma care
In this episode from MIA’s podcast Melanoma Insights for Professionals, our experts explore the critical role of multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering contemporary melanoma care. Hear how melanoma multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) bring together diverse expertise to navigate increasingly complex treatment pathways, discuss challenging cases and identify opportunities for patients to participa
Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 5): Hype vs Reality: The Future of Immunotherapy
In our final episode of our special vodcast series, Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma, our experts discuss the future of immunotherapy, separating hype from reality and exploring the next frontier of cancer treatment. From cellular therapies and personalised cancer vaccines to mRNA technology and biomarker-driven treatment selection, the panel examines the innovations that could resh
Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 4): Melanoma Treatment Strategy: Expert Perspectives
In our fourth episode of our special vodcast series, Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma, our experts discuss one of the most rapidly evolving areas in melanoma care: immunotherapy treatment strategy. Drawing on decades of combined clinical experience, the panel explores how treatment paradigms are shifting from decisions around monotherapy versus combination immunotherapy, to increasi
[Trailer] Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 4): Melanoma Treatment Strategy
Here's a sneak peak for our upcoming episode of Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma. In this episode, our experts discuss one of the most rapidly evolving areas in melanoma care: immunotherapy treatment strategy. Look out for Episode 4, Melanoma Treatment Strategy: Expert Perspectives, dropping on Monday 1 June.
Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 3): Immunotherapy Toxicity: Prevention, Early Recognition and Management to Optimise Outcome
In our third episode of our special vodcast series, Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma, our experts focus on one of the most important challenges in modern cancer care: immunotherapy toxicity.From subtle early warning signs to life-threatening immune-related adverse events, this episode explores how clinicians can better predict, recognise and manage toxicity while still maximising th
Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 2): Predict, Treat, Monitor: The Quest for Smarter Immunotherapy Decisions
In our second episode of our special vodcast series, Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma, our experts tackle one of the biggest challenges in modern oncology: how do we make smarter immunotherapy decisions for individual patients?The panel explores the real-world factors that shape treatment selection in advanced melanoma; from tumour burden, brain and liver metastases, and BRAF mutati
Redefining Immunotherapy (Ep. 1): Beyond the Tumour: Rethinking Cancer in the Immunotherapy Era
In this opening episode of our special vodcast series “Redefining Immunotherapy: Lessons from Melanoma”, our world-leading Medical Oncologists set the stage for a compelling five-part series exploring how immunotherapy is reshaping cancer care.Led by Prof Georgina Long AO, this engaging discussion unpacks how tumours evade the immune system, how checkpoint inhibitors work and why responses can be
After the diagnosis: Getting follow-up care right in melanoma
As patients transition from treatment to routine monitoring, clinicians play a crucial part in detecting recurrence early, supporting wellbeing, and guiding patients through survivorship.In the latest episode of our podcast Melanoma Insights for Professionals, we explore the essential role of follow-up care in melanoma management.Our multidisciplinary experts provide an engaging and practical disc
Overdiagnosis or early detection? The controversy of melanoma in situ
As melanoma in situ (MIS) diagnoses rise, concerns about overdiagnosis are growing — with real implications for patients, clinicians and the health system.In this episode of our podcast Melanoma Insights for Professionals, experts from dermatology, pathology, psychology and research come together to explore the drivers of overdiagnosis, the psychological impact of an MIS label, and the role of eme
Utilising melanoma risk prediction tools for newly diagnosed patients
In this episode, we explore how melanoma risk prediction tools are transforming clinical decision-making for newly diagnosed patients. These tools, developed by Melanoma Institute Australia and freely available at melanomarisk.org.au, help clinicians tailor care and improve outcomes.Our multidisciplinary experts provide practical guidance on using tools to predict sentinel node metastasis, recurre
Sentinel node biopsy in melanoma: Still recommended in 2025?
In this episode of Melanoma Insights for Professionals, we explore the evolving role of sentinel node biopsy (SNB) in melanoma management—particularly in the modern context of perioperative drug therapy.Our expert panel unpacks current evidence, shifting guidelines and real-world clinical considerations influencing when and why SNB is performed. Topics include prognostic value, surgical decision-m
Integrating AI in melanoma care
In this episode of Melanoma Insights for Professionals, we explore the cutting-edge role of artificial intelligence (AI) in diagnosing melanoma.Join Dermatologists Prof Pascale Guitera and Prof Victoria Mar and Pathologist Dr Nigel Mayer as they unpack how AI is transforming clinical practice—from lesion detection and triage to deep learning in pathology and improving clinical education. Discover
The future of melanoma detection and management: Perspectives from world-leading clinicians
In this special podcast recorded from the 2024 Australasian Melanoma Conference, we hear from our international keynote speakers, Prof Susan Swetter and Prof Olivier Michelin, about what excites them in the field of melanoma research.
Interviewed by AMC2024 Co-Chairs, Prof Georgina Long AO and Prof Richard Scolyer AO, our guests provide their multidisciplinary perspectives and highlight the impor
Unveiling melanoma research: Shaping the future with innovative research infrastructure
Comprehensive infrastructure is essential to driving research progress and improving patient care.
In this podcast, A/Prof Sydney Ch’ng leads an insightful discussion on the groundbreaking research infrastructure that underpins the many groundbreaking achievements at Melanoma Institute Australia. The discussion highlights the Institute’s clinical trial program, translational research, biospecimen
Transforming cancer care: Neoadjuvant therapy and trials in melanoma care
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is transforming patient care in the field of melanoma. New research recently presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting is set to change melanoma treatment protocols globally, and likely to have significant impact on treatment for other cancers too.
In this podcast, A/Prof Matt Carlino leads an engaging discussion with MIA’s Prof Georgin
Current and emerging biomarkers for melanoma care
Biomarkers are revolutionising our understanding of melanoma by providing valuable information about a patient's unique tumour characteristics which can help guide clinical decision making.
In this podcast, A/Prof Alex Menzies leads a multidisciplinary discussion on the current state of biomarker application and future prospects of biomarkers in melanoma care. They discuss emerging liquid biomarke
Spotlight on mucosal melanoma: Head and neck
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive form of melanoma that arises from the mucous membrane.
In this podcast, we focus on mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Led by A/Prof Sydney Ch’ng, our multidisciplinary experts discuss how it differs from cutaneous melanoma, staging of mucosal melanoma, management of the disease and future treatments.
The discussion concludes with a case study to summ
Dealing with diagnostic uncertainty and borderline pathology
Diagnostic uncertainty in the context of cutaneous melanoma can have significant impact on patient care.
In this podcast, our multidisciplinary experts, led by Dr Adrian Quek, discuss the challenges faced in classifying melanocytic lesions that fall into a diagnostic grey area, and explore the terminology, evolving classifications and the impact of diagnostic uncertainty on patient outcomes.
From
Melanoma: When do I scan?
With the advent of effective medical therapies for melanoma, a pertinent question has arisen: When should we scan our patients?
In this podcast, our multidisciplinary experts, led by A/Prof Sydney Ch’ng, discuss the balance of whether we should be more aggressive in our pursuit of identifying potential metastases or exercise caution to avoid unnecessary scans, radiation exposure and patient anxiet
When 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
Neoadjuvant 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 e
Unravelling 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 dif
Diagnosis 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 diagno
Getting 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
Critical 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
Toxicity 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 a
The 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 tra
Multidisciplinary 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-t
Multidisciplinary 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 melanomatips to help make a clinical diagnosisunderstanding the histological features for diagnosi
Multidisciplinary management of Merkel cell carcinoma
Due to the highly aggressive nature of Merkel cell carcinoma, accurate and timely diagnosis is essential to ensure optimal management. Although our understanding of the biology of the disease has advanced significantly in recent years, a clinical conundrum still exists regarding the ideal therapeutic strategy for each patient.
In this podcast, our multidisciplinary panel discuss:
the
Multidisciplinary management of SCC and BCC
Hear our expert multidisciplinary panel discuss the latest management options for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma - the most common forms of non-melanoma skin cancers. They have a wide clinical and pathological presentation, and early detection and treatment is vital to reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with these diseases.
In this podcast, our multidi
The complexities of adjuvant therapy in melanoma
The success of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in the treatment of advanced melanoma has led to the same therapies being used in the adjuvant setting to reduce the risk of recurrence.
In this podcast, A/Prof Matteo Carlino interviews fellow Medical Oncologist A/Prof Alexander Menzies on the evidence for adjuvant therapy to guide clinical decision-making. Understanding the complexities of
Emerging therapies in advanced melanoma in 2020
In the rapidly evolving treatment landscape for advanced melanoma, medical oncologists now have a suite of treatments to choose from for their patients. In this engaging podcast, A/Prof Menzies interviews fellow Medical Oncologist A/Prof Carlino on the rationale behind their clinical decision making when it comes to choosing the most appropriate therapy for their patients, including sequencing and
Melanoma in children and adolescents
Melanoma is one of the most common human malignancies, however we often don't often think of it as a disease that occurs in children. Although exceedingly rare, clinicians do need to be aware of paediatric melanoma and have a high level of suspicion for these lesions as they are often diagnosed late. In this podcast, a Surgeon, Dermatologist and Medical Oncologist discuss how melanoma presents
When should I refer to a melanoma clinic?
In the evolving treatment landscape of melanoma, it is important for GPs and Dermatologists to be confident in managing or knowing when to refer their melanoma patients. In this podcast, Surgeon A/Prof Robyn Saw, Dermatologist Dr Annika Smith and Skin Cancer GP Dr Adrian Quek discuss the ideal biopsy for a melanoma diagnosis, provides an overview of management of early stage disease, outlines the
What GPs need to know about melanoma patients on systemic therapies
In the last decade, the treatment landscape for melanoma has been transformative for patients with advanced disease. Although managed primarily by medical oncologists, it is important for GPs to be across which treatments are available for their patients as they are often the first point of contact when a patient becomes unwell.
In this podcast, Medical Oncologist Professor Georgina Long dis
Food, Mood and Move in Melanoma
Thanks to advancements in therapy, we are now seeing large numbers of patients surviving advanced melanoma, and with that comes well-being and psychological challenges that need to be addressed. Clinicians need to be cognisant of their patients' needs beyond the medical side.Dietitian Jane Freeman, Psychologist Michelle Davey and Physiotherapist Carol Morris discuss the role that food, mood an
Management of Brain Metastases in Melanoma
The management of melanoma patients with brain metastases has changed rapidly in the last five years, and patients now have much-improved survival rates. Brain metastases are no longer a death sentence and many people can have control of their disease with quality life.In this podcast, Medical Oncologist A/Prof Alex Menzies, Neurosurgeon Dr Brindha Shivalingam and Radiation Oncologist Prof Angela
