The Institute’s melanoma program uses a multidisciplinary team approach for the diagnosis and treatment of the disease. Its goal is to provide state-of-the-science care for patients diagnosed with melanoma and other skin malignancies.

Appointments are available for new patients referred to the Institute, for second opinions or for care. Patients are seen and examined, and their X-rays and pathology slides reviewed.

Qualifications of Members
 
The Institute assembled a team of melanoma experts that makes its program one of the best in the nation. Faculty represent Wayne State University departments of medical oncology, oncologic surgery, thoracic surgery, otolaryngology, neuro oncology, dermatology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology. Included are national leaders in melanomas -- recognized experts in the treatment of melanoma and skin cancers at national cooperative groups and other institutions. Several team members are among the “Best Doctors in the U.S.” and several have authored and edited articles and book chapters on melanoma and skin cancers. They are actively involved in clinical research in melanoma as part of our National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Team Members

Lawrence Flaherty, M.D., (Team Leader) Medical Oncology
Michael Carron, M.D., Facial Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery
Christopher Steffes, M.D., Surgical Oncology
Donald Weaver, M.D., Surgical Oncology
Alice Watson, M.D., Dermatology
Amy Weise, D.O., Medical Oncology
George Yoo, M.D., Otolaryngology

Cindy Marsack, Nurse Practitioner
Grace Marshall, RN, MDT Coordinator

The team also includes representatives from the Institute's Clinical Trials Office.
 
Clinical Trials

When appropriate, patients are given the opportunity to participate in a number of national and local clinical research trials. The spectrum of investigations has included vaccines for early stage disease, clinical trials of chemotherapy, biologic therapies, and novel new treatment agents for both advanced and regional disease states. A strong collaboration within the Institute’s Phase I program allows early introduction of new and novel therapies for melanoma.

Patient Participation

The program approach is most beneficial to:

• Patients with previously untreated local-regional cancers of the skin, especially, melanoma;
• Patients who have undergone surgery for malignancies of the skin before being seen at the Institute; and
• Any patient with melanoma or other cutaneous malignancies who specifically requests being seen by the melanoma program at the Institute to initiate treatment or for a second opinion.

On Appointment Day

Each patient receives personal attention from Multidisciplinary Melanoma Team staff persons and the appropriate team member. A team physician evaluates the patient, reviews all records, and presents the patient’s records, X-rays and pathology slides to the multidisciplinary team.

If other tests are required, or if other specialists need to be seen as part of the proposed therapy, those appointments are made the same day or at the earliest convenience of the patient. This allows team members to quickly assess the case and make recommendations, greatly reducing the stress and anxiety for the patient and their family induced by long waits between tests and visits.

Appointments

Referring physicians or patients may call (800) KARMANOS (1-800-527-6266). A specially trained program coordinator answers questions and schedules appointments. Patients are asked to bring the following to their appointments:

• Medical records from recent care provided at other medical facilities;
• Pathology slides and reports;
• Chest X-rays, CAT scans of the chest and abdomen, brain MRIs, bone scans, and whole body PET scan films and reports, if available; and
• Any recent blood tests.

The Institute’s Multidisciplinary Melanoma Team is located at 4100 John R, Detroit, Michigan. Valet parking and ample security are provided.