Navigating Malignant Melanoma: A Unique Physician, Nurse, and Patient

Seminar SeriesMiami, FL – January 25, 2014

Speakers

2

· Katherine Rosenthal, RN, BSN, OCN, CCRP

Cedars Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

· Shelby Moneer, MS, CHES

Education Program Manager, MRF

Objectives

· Learn how you can manage a melanoma diagnosis· Learn what to expect with treatment· Understand ways to improve communication with your

treatment team· Learn how to get involved in clinical trials· Learn about patient resources and how you can get involved

in the fight against melanoma· Hear from other melanoma patients

3

Managing a Diagnosis

· Questions to ask your doctor– See MRF handout in folder· Second opinions· Caregivers · Be proactive

4

What to Expect with Treatment

· Side effects of treatment– Pain– Lymphedema– Psychosocial Issues· There are many different treatment options and everyone

responds differently

5

What to Expect with Treatment

· Get to know your melanoma treatment team– Nurses, Doctors, Nutritionists, Social Workers,

Dermatologists, Spiritual Support· There are many different treatment options and everyone

responds differently

6

QUESTIONS?

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Clinical Trial Overview

· If you are a late stage patient and your doctor hasn’t at least mentioned clinical trials to you, consider finding a new doctor· Patient safety is the main focus in a trial – screening process

ensures patients meet the eligibility criteria· What is considered an ‘acceptable response’?· Participating trial sites have regular communication so all

parties are continually informed of issues

8

Clinical Trial Overview

Consenting for Clinical Trials· All trials are voluntary· Consent can be withdrawn at any time· If you need more time to think about it, just ask· Patients on clinical trials are monitored more closely

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Clinical Trial Drug Development

Important notes on trial drugs· By the time a drug reaches humans, it has already been

tested on animals· Patients usually have access to medications that are not

available otherwise· Side effects should be reported immediately· The absence of side effects does NOT mean the drug isn’t

working…and vice versa

10

Clinical Trial Common Myths

· Myth: If I enter a clinical trial, I'll be treated like a guinea pig.

· Myth: I'm going to get a sugar pill while other patients are getting actual medication.

· Myth: Clinical trials are too risky for me.

Find a clinical trial by visiting the MRF’s Clinical Trial Finder:

http://www.emergingmed.com/networks/MRF/

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QUESTIONS?

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Who We Are

13

Research

AdvocacyEducation

Patient Resources

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Melanoma patients who are well-

informed and well-supported, live

longer, better lives

Melanoma Patients Information Page

(MPIP)

Toll-Free Helpline

Melanoma Clinical Trial Finder

Melanoma Treatment Center Finder

MRF website melanoma.org

In-person educational symposia

Educational

webinars

Volunteer Phone Buddy

program

Ask the MRF Nurse email

program

Educational print

materials

Get Involved!

· Become a MELANOMA MESSENGER!– Volunteer to be (or get) a phone buddy– Share educational materials with your community

•Doctor’s offices, health fairs, schools, etc.– Put on a fundraiser– Participate in the MRF’s advocacy work

•MRF’s Day on the Hill – March 6, 2014· Participate in or volunteer at a Miles 4 Melanoma event

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Patient Panel

· John Doe· Jane Doe

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QUESTIONS?