USC Clinical Trials will soon begin a clinical trial of an investigational medication to treat stage III or IV melanoma in patients who have not previously been treated with PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitors.

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer and in Australia is the most common form of cancer for those aged 15-39. According to Cancer Council Australia, melanoma is projected to soon become the third most common cancer diagnosed in this country.

USC Clinical Trials will work closely with Dr Hong Shue of the Sunshine Coast Haematology and Oncology Clinic to deliver this clinical trial.

Dr Shue said: “Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world, so we’re really pleased to be able to offer this potential treatment to patients on the Sunshine Coast.”

This clinical trial will use current standard best practice treatment in addition to an experimental new medication that is hoped to improve the anti-tumour response in those who are initially resistant to standard treatments.

The study will include a 28-day screening period, followed by up to 24 months or more of treatment, with follow-up phone calls occurring after the treatment period every 12 weeks.

Those aged 18 years or older who have medically diagnosed stage III or IV melanoma are invited to register their interest in this study. Further criteria apply and will be discussed at an initial screening visit.

Those who meet the eligibility criteria and are enrolled in the study will be reimbursed for any related expenses. Patients interested in participating can go to usc.edu.au/trials or call (07) 5456 3797.