Melanoma Research Institute of Excellence
The Melanoma Research Institute of Excellence (MRIE) at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center is a comprehensive program that works to expand the depth and breadth of uveal melanoma and skin melanoma research. Among its aims are to accelerate the development of novel research initiatives and facilitate multidisciplinary collaborations in melanoma research. Through lab-based, clinical, genetic, and population-based studies, the MRIE is unlocking insights previously unattainable.
The MRIE encompasses the Melanoma Program, a multidisciplinary group within the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center that offers patients current treatments for skin and eye cancer and conducts a multitude of both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials that makes new research available to patients. The Program employs a staff of clinical research coordinators and data managers, who are vital to the conduct of these studies. A hallmark of the Melanoma Program is the high level of personal, compassionate care provided to patients by physicians and research staff.
The Goal of the MRIE is Simple
Better prevention, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for melanoma patients at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center and far beyond.
Patient Care
Patient care is at the heart of all activities and initiatives undertaken by the MRIE and the Melanoma Program. Our physicians, researchers and staff are dedicated to providing compassionate, first-rate care to our patients and to investigating and developing new treatments to combat and find a cure for melanoma.
Research Program
The MRIE brings together uveal (ocular) melanoma and cutaneous (skin) melanoma specialties with the aim of fostering new, cutting edge research that will provide patients with next-generation therapies. The Melanoma Program conducts both industry-sponsored and investigator-initiated clinical trials, providing patients new, investigative treatment options.
Clinical Trials
Our clinical trials provide patients who may have limited standard of care (FDA-approved therapies) options an opportunity to participate in new, investigative treatments.
For information about melanoma clinical trials at Jefferson, please email CTO-Melanoma-Research@jefferson.edu or call our trials team at 215-955-9980.
MRIE Grants & Awards
Made possible through the generosity of benefactors, MRIE grants provide funding to worthy Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center investigators and their collaborators to conduct innovative melanoma research
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Pilot Awards
Pilot Awards provide funding which supports researchers to develop innovative solutions that will prevent, delay, eradicate and/or provide education about uveal and cutaneous melanoma.
MRIE is now soliciting aplications for this year's pilot awards. For additional information or to apply, please click link below.
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Team Award Program
Team Awards provide funding to support collaborative teams in exploring new frontiers in uveal and cutaneous melanoma research.
MRIE is now soliciting aplications for this year's Teams awards. For additional information or to apply, please click link below.
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Michael Mastrangelo
Michael J. Mastrangelo, MD, Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University/Sidney Kimmel Medical College, and a former Director of both the Division of Medical Oncology and the Solid Tumor Service, passed away on December 6, 2024.
Upcoming Events
2026 Uveal Melanoma Patient &Caregiver Educational Symposium
The 2026 Uveal Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Educational Symposium will take place on Saturday, September 19. The event will be held at the Dorrance H. Hamilton Building (Connelly Auditorium), from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by a networking dinner.
We are also honored to welcome Dr. Carol Shields of Wills Eye Hospital, who will open the event as part of the Michael J. Mastrangelo Memorial Lecture Series.
For additional information and registration details, please click the link below.
Michael J. Mastrangelo Memorial Lecture & Skin Melanoma Clinical Management Conference
The Second Annual Michael J. Mastrangelo Memorial Lecture was held on January 9, 2026, welcoming nearly 100 attendees from diverse clinical and research backgrounds. Featured speaker Paul B. Chapman, MD (Weill Cornell Medicine / NewYork‑Presbyterian) delivered an impactful lecture on the evolution of melanoma treatments and growing understanding of the disease.
The lecture was followed by the Inaugural Skin Melanoma Clinical Management Conference, highlighting current best practices, surgical management, metastatic disease care, and emerging therapies. The event fostered strong interdisciplinary engagement and meaningful discussion across melanoma care and research communities.
Below are the links to recordings of the event
2025 Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Educational Symposium
The 2025 Uveal Melanoma Patient and Caregiver Educational Symposium was held on October 4, 2025. Approximately 150 patients and family members attended and heard presentations by experts in the field, including clinicians, researchers, and patient advocacy groups. Important and timely information covering a wide range of topics was presented.
Below are links to view a recording of the event
Artificial Intelligence
The MRIE is exploring the use of artificial intelligence applications as diagnostic and treatment tools for metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM). Shingo Sato, the MRIE’s associate program manager, completed a fellowship in Japan in early 2024, where he gained hands-on experience with the AI team at Osaka Metropolitan University, who are developing algorithms for medical imaging. In November 2025, Shingo will return to Japan to collaborate with the team at Osaka Metropolitan University on developing an algorithm to enhance early diagnosis of MUM from MRI scans. Additionally, in 2026, a radiologist from Osaka will join our team to contribute to this project.