Cancer Grand Challenge: Melanoma – 21st February 2017

The Pitch

With 10 member institutions representing a collective total of 1,400 researchers, the Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre brings together a critical mass of intellect, expertise and experience to tackle the grand challenges of cancer. To tap this pool of wisdom, we’re tabling some big, key questions, the answers to which have the potential to change research directions, treatments – and patients’ lives.

In the inaugural VCCC Cancer Grand Challenge, our Melanoma Research & Education Lead (and incoming Executive Director), Professor Grant McArthur and the VCCC Melanoma and Skin Cancer Strategy Group have challenged three multi-institution teams of melanoma experts to develop a collaborative research project of international significance.

The teams’ ideas will be pitched in a 20 minute presentation at a unique open clinical forum. Guided by Professor McArthur and facilitator, Liz Mullins, the audience will be invited to question, challenge and discuss the proposed projects. Ultimately, one project will be selected to progress as the inaugural VCCC Cancer Grand Challenge: Melanoma Project.

Despite the novel format, this is a serious undertaking with distinct criteria, designed to draw out excellent, innovative, collaborative ideas, consider their importance and feasibility, and of course, their potential impact.

The successful project will receive mentorship from Professor McArthur, assistance seeking research funding, meeting facilitation and assistance with contributors and supporters, as well as (pending ethics approval) full access to Melbourne Melanoma Project resources and samples.

The pitches:

Thin melanomas with poor outcomes
Champion: Victoria Mar, Skin & Cancer Foundation and The Alfred Hospital

Treatment of brain metastases of melanoma
Champion: Mark Shackleton, Peter Mac

Personalised/risk stratified follow up for those with previous melanoma diagnosis
Champion: David Gyorki, Peter Mac/Austin Health, and Andreas Behren, Austin Health/Olivia Newton John Cancer Research Institute

Professionals from all cancer disciplines are invited to join the discussion and help us tackle a grand challenge of cancer.

Please join Professor McArthur and the VCCC Melanoma and Skin Cancer Strategy Group for The Pitch.

Tuesday 21 February

3.30pm – 5.30pm

Lecture Theatre C, Level 7

Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre

305 Grattan St, Melbourne

Seats are limited – book yours now!