Anticipated launch date: 30th June 2026
Melanoma Biology Course: Translating Science into Clinical Practice
Understanding the biology of melanoma is fundamental to providing safe, effective, and person-centred care.
Through 5 interactive self-paced modules, 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
This course has been designed to equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge of how melanoma develops, progresses, and impacts treatment pathways, to enhance confidence in clinical communication and decision-making.
The following video highlights the benefits of developing in-depth knowledge for healthcare professionals, and importantly, the patients in their care.
During this course, you will have the opportunity to explore:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Content warning
This course includes medical images and descriptions related to melanoma, which may be graphic and potentially distressing for some learners. Please take care while engaging with this material, particularly if you have had personal or clinical experiences that may make this content difficult. If you feel affected, consider reaching out to your GP, employee assistance program, or other relevant support services available in your area.
Funding acknowledgement
This work received funding from the Australian Government through the National Melanoma Nurses Program Grant ID: GO6122
Who will I learn from?
This course was developed by Melanoma Institute Australia and VCCC Alliance
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
Professor 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
Video content was produced by the Video and Media Team, The University of Melbourne, VIC with: Professor Grant McArthur and Dr Lavinia Spain, medical oncologists; Mr Daniel Clements, actor; and people with lived experience: Mr Peter Gourlay, Ms Julie McNamara, Ms Melissa Sheldon, Mr Tan Hock and Mr Paul Baden.
Resource details
This course is brought to you by
