Melanoma Insights for Professionals

Melanoma Institute Australia

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. Developed by Melanoma Institute Australia, this podcast helps healthcare professionals stay ahead of developments in melanoma and complex skin cancer—while uncovering the thinking behind expert clinical decision-making.

  1. 4d ago

    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 increasingly nuanced conversations about treatment duration, rechallenge after progression and retreatment following toxicity. Led by Prof Georgina Long AO, the panel of experts deliver candid expert debate, practical insights and clinical nuance as they explore the evolving landscape of immunotherapy treatment decisions in melanoma care. The panel discusses:      when to stop immunotherapy and why less treatment may sometimes be enough how PET complete metabolic response (CMR) is influencing treatment duration decisions rechallenge strategies after progression or immune-related toxicity managing patients after ipilimumab/nivolumab toxicity the growing move from adjuvant to neoadjuvant treatment approaches. The discussion also tackles the biology behind durable immune responses, the role of surveillance imaging, and the emerging concept of “definitive immunotherapy”, highlighting how melanoma continues to lead the way in reshaping cancer care. Be sure to take a look at our earlier episodes from this series. This special edition vodcast from Melanoma Institute Australia is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals. SPEAKERS Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyProf Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyA/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaA/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyPlease note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia. This special vodcast is an initiative of ⁠Melanoma Institute Australia⁠ and made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. For more practise-changing education, visit MIA's ⁠Melanoma Education Portal⁠.

    28 min
  2. May 24

    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 the life-saving potential of immunotherapy. Led by Prof Georgina Long AO, the panel of experts share real-world insights from decades of combined experience, including: how to educate patients to improve early reporting of symptomswhen to pause treatment and why "less can be more"practical approaches to managing colitis, hepatitis, pneumonitis and neurological toxicitiesthe evolving role of steroids, infliximab and targeted immunosuppressionwhy early intervention can improve both quality of life and survival outcomes. Packed with nuanced clinical discussion, relatable patient scenarios and candid expert debate, this episode delivers valuable insights for healthcare professionals using immunotherapy across melanoma and other cancer settings. Be sure to take a look at our earlier episodes from this series. This special edition vodcast from Melanoma Institute Australia is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals. SPEAKERS Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyProf Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyA/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaA/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyPlease note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia. This special vodcast is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia and made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. For more practise-changing education, visit the Melanoma Education Portal.

    25 min
  3. May 17

    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 mutation status, to patient age, fitness and comorbidities. They unpack the evolving role of combination immunotherapy,including PD-1 monotherapy, ipilimumab/nivolumab and newer LAG-3 combinations, while weighing the balance between efficacy and toxicity. The discussion also dives into the promise and limitationsof biomarkers such as PD-L1, tumour mutational burden (TMB), interferon gamma signatures and MSI-high status, and examines why predicting response to immunotherapy remains one of the field’s greatest challenges. Blending practical clinical insight with emerging research,this episode offers a thoughtful and highly relevant discussion on personalising immunotherapy in the pursuit of more durable outcomes, and ultimately, cure. This vodcast is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals. SPEAKERS Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyProf Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyA/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaA/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney Please note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia. This special vodcast is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia and was made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb.

    23 min
  4. May 11

    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 so durable. They also discuss how immunotherapy differs from chemotherapy and targeted therapy—shifting treatment from directly attacking cancer to activating the body’s own immune response. Drawing on both clinical experience and emerging research, this episode sets the foundation for the series ahead—challenging traditional paradigms and offering a practical, clinician-focused lens on how immunotherapy is reshaping cancer care across tumour types. This vodcast is suitable for Medical Oncologists, Oncology Nurses and other health professionals. SPEAKERS Prof Georgina Long AO - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyProf Alexander Menzies - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of SydneyA/Prof Ines Silva - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaA/Prof Matteo Carlino - Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and The University of Sydney Please note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (April 2026) but may not reflect the rapidly evolving treatment landscape and approvals in Australia. This special vodcast is an initiative of Melanoma Institute Australia and was possible by an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol Myers Squibb. For more practice-changing education, visit MIA's Melanoma Education Portal.

    25 min
  5. 12/02/2025

    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 discussion to help strengthen your approach to melanoma follow-up care and covers: why follow-up schedules vary and how clinicians tailor them stage-specific approaches for all stages of melanoma the role of dermatological surveillance and patient education supporting psychological wellbeing, including managing scanxiety. This podcast is suitable for Surgeons, Dermatologists, Skin Cancer GPs, GPs, Nurses and other health professionals. If you require a Statement of Completion for your CPD records, please listen to this podcast via the the Melanoma Education Portal. SPEAKERS A/Prof Robyn Saw - Surgical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia | Head of Department in Melanoma and Surgical Oncology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital | Associate Professor in Surgery, The University of SydneyDr Mary-Ann El Sharouni - Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute Australia and Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre, Royal Prince Alfred HospitalClaire Gore - Senior Clinical Psychologist, Melanoma Institute Australia RESOURCES MIA’s Patient Resources (including Guides like Melanoma Prevention and Early Detection Guide and Patient Fact Sheet such as Scanxiety and How to cope with the fear of melanoma returning)Cancer Council’s SunSmart Global UV app Please note that this presentation was accurate at the time of recording (November 2025) 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 BMS, MSD and HEINE.

    30 min
  6. 10/21/2025

    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 emerging diagnostic tools and data. This podcast is suitable for multidisciplinary specialist, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. SPEAKERS Dr Peter Ferguson - Pathologist, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and Melanoma Institute AustraliaDr Christoph Sinz - Confocal Microscopy Dermatologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaClaire Gore - Senior Clinical Psychologist, Melanoma Institute AustraliaDr Ismael Vergara - Senior Computational Biologist, Melanoma Institute Australia | Adjunct Senior Lecturer, The University of Sydney RESOURCES MIA’s Patient Guides (e.g. Your Guide to Melanoma In-Situ) MIA’s Patient Fact Sheets (e.g. Scanxiety) REFERENCES Bjørch MF, Gram EG, Brodersen JB Overdiagnosis in malignant melanoma: a scoping review BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine 2024;29:17-28.Cramb SM, Duncan EW, Aitken JF, Soyer HP, Mengersen KL, Baade PD. Geographical patterns in melanoma incidence across Australia: Can thickness differentials reveal the key drivers? Ann Cancer Epidemiol 2020;4:11Daniel Lindsay, Katy J L Bell, Catherine M Olsen, David C Whiteman, Thanya Pathirana, Louisa G Collins, Estimating the magnitude and healthcare costs of melanoma in situand thin invasive melanoma overdiagnosis in Australia British Journal of Dermatology, 2024;191(6): 906–913,Patel VR, Roberson ML, Pignone MP, Adamson AS. Risk of Mortality After a Diagnosis of Melanoma In Situ. JAMA Dermatol.2023;159(7):703–710. Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (August 2025) 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 Bristol Myers Squibb, MSD and HEINE.

    40 min
  7. 08/15/2025

    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, recurrence risk and more. Through real-world case examples and expert insights, this episode offers valuable strategies for integrating personalised risk assessment into your practice. This podcast is suitable for multidisciplinary specialists, primary care physicians and other healthcare professionals. Resources: Melanoma Risk Prediction CalculatorsMIA's Patient ResourcesMelanoma Education Portal Speakers: Prof Anne Cust - Cancer Epidemiologist and Faculty Member, Melanoma Institute Australia | Interim Director, Daffodil Centre | Chair, Cancer Council National Skin Cancer Committee A/Prof Alex Varey - Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Melanoma Institute Australia and Westmead Hospital | Clinical Associate Professor, The University of Sydney A/Prof Linda Martin - Director of Dermatology Services, Melanoma Institute Australia | Staff Specialist, Sydney Children’s Hospital | Associate Professor of Dermatology, University of NSW Please note that this podcast was accurate at the time of recording (August 2025) 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 BMS, MSD and HEINE.

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

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. Developed by Melanoma Institute Australia, this podcast helps healthcare professionals stay ahead of developments in melanoma and complex skin cancer—while uncovering the thinking behind expert clinical decision-making.

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