Resources for Melanoma Patients
This page provides patient-focused PDFs designed to support understanding of treatment options and decision-making. It features information on a non-invasive sticker test for evaluating lesions, using ctDNA tests to monitor treatment progress, and detailed insights into melanoma across Stages II, III, and IV.
Non-Invasive Genetic Sticker for Evaluation of a Suspicious Lesion
For patients undergoing a skin check or seeking care for a suspicious lesion, the evaluation process can feel mysterious and even frightening. Understanding the tools and methods used to assess these lesions can empower patients to actively participate in their own care. This is especially important for supporting shared decision-making, particularly when it comes to the use of non-invasive tools that could potentially help avoid unnecessary biopsies.
This resource aims to provide a clear overview of how suspicious pigmented lesions are evaluated, with a focus on the role of non-invasive tests, including the innovative non-invasive genetic sticker test. By sharing this resource with your patients, you can help them feel more informed and confident about their care, improving both the patient experience and health outcomes.
This resource will provide your patients with important information on:
- The process of evaluating suspicious pigmented lesions
- The various tools and techniques used to assess these lesions
- The role of non-invasive tests in making melanoma evaluations
- The potential benefits of the non-invasive genetic sticker test
- Why It’s Important for Patients to Understand the Evaluation Process
For many patients, the process of having a skin lesion evaluated for melanoma can feel overwhelming. By providing them with clear, accessible information about how lesions are assessed and the technology available for diagnosis, you help them feel more in control of their health. This understanding supports not only better decision-making but also a more positive, collaborative relationship between patients and their healthcare team.
We encourage you to share this PDF with your patients to help them feel informed and supported as they navigate the evaluation process.
We are grateful to Laura K. Ferris, MD, PhD, Professor of Dermatology at the University of Pittsburgh, and Orit Markowitz, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, for their expertise and review of these materials.
Is Immunotherapy Working for Me? What a Blood Draw Can Reveal
This downloadable guide, Is Immunotherapy Working for Me? What a Blood Draw Can Reveal, provides information for patients about the use of the Signatera™ test for monitoring the response to checkpoint inhibitors. Using plain language and a medical metaphor, the handout explains how cancer cells shed ctDNA and how the test can be used to monitor ctDNA in the blood. It explains how the test is set up using the patient’s personalized tumor characteristics and how that enables convenient blood monitoring over time. The guide also illustrates how the test can be used to address pseudoprogression, inform the choice of monotherapy vs combination therapy, and assist in the decision of whether to discontinue therapy.
Our sincere gratitude goes to Jill Weberding, MPH, BSN, RN, OCN, for her invaluable expertise and contributions to the development of this educational material.
For a primer on use of ctDNA testing for healthcare providers – click here.
Options for Stage II Melanoma: Making the Decision That’s Right For You
This guide is designed to support patients diagnosed with Stage II melanoma by providing clear, comprehensive information about treatment options. It empowers patients to make informed decisions in collaboration with their oncology care team. Presented in a Q&A format, Dr. Jason Luke, Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, addresses key topics, including an overview of melanoma, available therapies, and potential side effects.
Options for Stage III Melanoma: Making the Decision That’s Right for You
This guide offers valuable information for patients diagnosed with Stage III melanoma, outlining available treatment options in detail. It also provides a clear overview of the Stage III substages, long-term data on adjuvant therapies, and dedicated resources for caregivers, ensuring comprehensive support for everyone involved in the journey.
Stage IV Melanoma Treatment Options: Making the Decision That’s Right for You
This guide is designed to support patients diagnosed with Stage IV melanoma by offering comprehensive information about their condition and available treatment options. It highlights the critical role of biomarkers, explains the pathology of the disease, and addresses the management of brain metastases. The guide also explores the value of clinical trials, discusses survivorship, and provides insights into advanced care planning. To further assist patients, it includes a curated list of helpful resources.