Understanding Melanoma and What It Means for Patients

In this opening episode of CURE Connections, medical oncologist James Smithy, MD, MHS, of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center introduces the treatment journey for people living with unresectable or metastatic melanoma. Alongside acute care nurse practitioner Mary Montefusco, ACNP, and Michael Goldman, who is living with advanced melanoma, Dr Smithy explains how melanoma develops. The most common cause is chronic UV damage to pigment-producing cells in the skin, though melanoma can also start in less common sites including mucosal surfaces and the eye (uveal melanoma). The panel walks through how melanoma is staged, from the thickness of the primary lesion through lymph node involvement to metastatic M1a to M1d disease, and why staging helps guide whether someone may benefit from surgery alone, preventive (adjuvant) systemic therapy, or full systemic treatment. Montefusco shares how her inpatient team helps people prepare emotionally and physically for admission.