Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer that has historically posed significant challenges for patients and healthcare providers. In the UK, there are around 48 new cases of Melanoma per day, and is the 5th most common cancer. In recent years, clinical trials have driven progress in treating the disease, offering hope to patients and providing insights to medical professionals.
Here at Simbec-Orion, we are a specialist CRO (Contract Research Organisation) company, helping organisations throughout the full lifecycle management of clinical trials. We assist through each phase, alongside services such as Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance.
What is Melanoma Cancer?
Melanoma Cancer is a form of skin cancer where damage to melanocytes cause them to grow out of control. These usually give your skin, hair and eyes their colour but Melanoma skin cancer is often caused by harmful UV rays. According to Cancer Research, over the last decade, cases of melanoma have increased by 31% in the UK and since the 1990s cases have increased by 147% – proving that new treatments are becoming more important for patients.
Despite not being the most common form of skin cancer, early detection for Melanoma is crucial as it can be aggressive in spreading to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of Melanoma Cancer
The symptoms of Melanoma often start with new or changes to existing moles or growth on the skin. The NHS states that these can appear anywhere on the body, but often are in places are exposed more to the sun. Though this doesn’t mean you cannot get Melanoma on other parts of the body but it is rarer.
You should monitor and check your moles for:
- A change in shape or uneven edges
- Mixture of colour
- Change in colour
- Size – larger moles or ones that you can see growth
- Itching, redness or swelling
It is important to note that not all changes or skin marks are Melanoma but it is important to see your GP if you have any concerns.
While early-stage melanoma can often be treated effectively with surgery, advanced stages of the disease demand more sophisticated approaches, including systemic therapies and immune modulation. Melanoma skin cancer survival has doubled in the UK in the last 50 years and it is important to build upon this survival rate.
Who Does Melanoma Cancer Affect?
Melanoma is often a result of exposure to ultraviolet (UV), so many cases can be avoided by limiting exposure. Some factors can make you have an increased chance of developing the disease, such as, increased sun exposure or sunbed usage, red or blonde hair, blue or green eyes, existing moles or having a family history of cancer. It is the fifth most common cancer in the UK for females and the fourth most common cancer for men – usually affecting older adults but younger people are still at risk.
Melanoma Cancer Awareness Day 2025
Melanoma Awareness Month is annually in May, to raise awareness, educate and fundraise for disease research. Campaigns that happen are centred around encouraging the public to check their skin for new or changes in growths alongside educating people on the importance of sun safety. This can range from, how to properly apply sunscreen to showing images of mole changes to look out for.
You can get involved by sharing a social media post, sharing your story if you or a loved one has been affected, or hosting a creative fundraiser.
The Importance of Clinical Trials for Melanoma Cancer
For melanoma, clinical trials have been critical in revolutionising care. From the advent of checkpoint inhibitors that harness the power of the immune system to target cancer cells, to targeted therapies addressing specific genetic mutations like BRAF and MEK, each breakthrough has been made possible through rigorous clinical testing. The knowledge gained from these studies not only improves patient outcomes but also helps refine treatment protocols and expand the understanding of the disease.
Clinical trials also test combinations of existing therapies, approaches to surgery or radiation, and advanced diagnostic tools. By participating in clinical trials, patients gain access to cutting-edge treatments that are not yet widely available, offering potential benefits when standard options haven’t been successful.
Simbec Services To Help Melanoma Cancer Treatment
Being a full CRO service, our services cover the full management process, including the phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 stages.
The Simbec-Orion team brings almost 50 years of expertise in a range of clinical trial management services, collaborating with global clients to manage clinical trials and serve as a vital extension of their teams. If you’re looking for a flexible, client-focused approach supported by specialised professionals, explore our full range of CRO services and connect with us through our contact form.