Melanoma and skin cancer

When you come to the HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute Melanoma Clinic, you have access to leading-edge care for locally advanced and metastatic skin cancers. The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute has pioneered the development and treatment of advanced skin cancers, with a key focus on less common forms of skin cancer that have fewer treatment options available.

Treatments and clinical trials

Melanoma

Melanoma is an aggressive cancer that arises from the pigmented cells, or melanocytes of the skin. When it’s caught early, melanoma may be cured with surgery. However, if melanoma spreads to lymph nodes or other parts of the body, treatment may be more challenging. Our clinic offers the most in-depth treatment options for patients with all types of advanced melanoma.

The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute Melanoma Clinic is a leader in clinical trials for patients with refectory melanoma and offers clinical trials that aren’t available anywhere else in the Southwest. It’s also one of the few places in Arizona that can offer patients talimogene laherparepvec, an FDA-approved injectable treatment for advanced melanoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma

Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. Typically, squamous cell carcinomas are slow growing and can be caught and removed or radiated before they have the potential to spread or cause issues. Less commonly, squamous cell carcinomas can become invasive or spread. The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute Melanoma Clinic specializes in all types of skin cancer, offering patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma access to the most innovative and leading-edge treatments. 

Basal cell carcinoma

Basal cell carcinoma is another common form of skin cancer that is typically slow growing. Rarely, basal cell carcinoma can invade or spread and become advanced. The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute Melanoma Clinic led the development of vismodegib, the first FDA-approved treatment for patients with advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma. The clinic continues to be a leader in Arizona for the management of patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma.

Merkel cell carcinoma

Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive form of skin cancer with high risks of recurrence after standard treatment with surgery and radiation. The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute is a regional leader in managing patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma and offers patients clinical trials and other treatment and monitoring options.

Uveal melanoma

Uveal melanoma is a rare subtype of melanoma that arises in a part of the eye called the uvea. Patients with uveal melanoma may have a high risk of recurrence, which typically involves the liver. Once uveal melanoma spreads, treatment options are limited.

The HonorHealth Research and Innovation Institute Melanoma Clinic has a dedicated program specifically developed for patients with uveal melanoma. The clinic has multiple research programs aimed at trying to better identify who is at risk for developing metastatic disease and how best to treat it when it occurs. The clinic also offers the largest number of clinical trials in the region dedicated solely to patients with uveal melanoma.