Melanoma Biology: Translating Science into Clinical Practice | 6 hours 1

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Understanding the biology of melanoma is fundamental to providing safe, effective and person-centred care.

Through 5 interactive self-paced modules hosted on the VCCC Alliance website, this course demystifies complex concepts and empowers learners to translate scientific knowledge into meaningful clinical conversations, patient education and collaborative care planning:

• Module 1: Foundations of Melanoma
• Module 2: Staging, Diagnostics and Tumour Progression
• Module 3: Treatments and Their Mechanism of Action
• Module 4: Treatment Selection in Clinical Practice
• Module 5: Advanced Disease, Resistance and Toxicity

1. The key molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the development and progression of melanoma, including genetic mutations (e.g. BRAF), tumour microenvironment, and metastatic pathways.
2. The clinical relevance of melanoma-specific pathological features, such as mitotic rate, mutational burden, and staging, and how these factors influence treatment planning and prognosis.
3. How prognostic tools and risk stratification models are used to assess the likelihood of melanoma progression, and support clinical decision-making regarding surveillance and care planning.
4. How evolving staging systems and emerging therapies influence the management of melanoma, with a focus on knowing the rationale behind treatment pathways rather than specific regimens.
5. How in-depth knowledge of melanoma pathophysiology enhances clinical practice and multidisciplinary care, particularly in supporting early detection, patient education, and interdisciplinary communication around care decisions.

• Ms Rebecca Johnson, National Melanoma Nurses Program Manager, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Dr Thomas Bennett, Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Dr Amelia Taylor, Medical Oncologist, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Ms Michelle Rosano, National Melanoma Nurse Program Education Manager, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Dr Sharon de Graves, Senior Program Manager, Cancer Nursing, VCCC Alliance
• Ms Kathe Holmes, Project Manager, Cancer Nursing, VCCC Alliance
• Education Development and Design Team, VCCC Alliance

• Ms Michelle Barrett, Director of Education, VCCC Alliance
• Ms Rebecca Biviano, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Ms Caitlin Broomhall, Program Coordinator, Nursing Education, VCCC Alliance
• Ms Shahn Coburn, Nurse Practitioner, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Mr Aled Gaynor, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Ms Maria Gonzalez, Director of Clinical Care, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Ms Danielle Goss, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Ms Julie Harland, Project Officer, Melanoma Institute Australia
• Prof Mei Krishnasamy, Professor of Nursing (Cancer), The University of Melbourne; Research and Education Lead, Nursing, VCCC Alliance
• Ms Julie McNamara, person with lived experience
• Ms Kyleigh Smith, Associate Director of Education, VCCC Alliance
• Ms Sue Smith, person with lived experience

• Module1.1
  Melanoma Biology: Translating Science into Clinical Practice | 6 hours
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