MelaNostrum Consortium

The MelaNostrum Consortium studies genetic, environmental, and clinical determinants of melanoma risk and progression in Mediterranean, South American, and North African populations with predominantly dark pigmentation—groups largely underrepresented in melanoma scientific research. Although melanoma incidence is lower than in fair-skinned, sun-exposed populations, there are compelling reasons to study melanoma in these communities:

1. Unique value for genetic studies: because CM incidence is low, multiple affected individuals within a family are more likely to reflect inherited predisposition than shared sun exposure. Combined with long-term geographic stability and population bottlenecks, these populations are particularly powerful for identifying inherited risk factors, including founder mutations. 
    
2. Higher proportion of rare melanoma subtypes: because darker pigmentation protects against UV damage, these populations exhibit a higher proportion of rare, non-sun-exposed CM subtypes such as acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM). Their increased frequency facilitates investigation of these otherwise understudied tumors.
    
3. Urgent need for improved early detection: limited awareness and absence of routine screening in these populations frequently lead to late-stage diagnoses, when CM is often fatal. Understanding CM development and increasing awareness of the disease are key goals of the Consortium. What we learn in MelaNostrum also applies elsewhere, including in the U.S. where CM in non-White cases is diagnosed at more advanced stages, likely because of poor skin cancer education, socioeconomic barriers, and higher proportions of more aggressive subtypes.

The U.S. National Cancer Institute officially launched the MelaNostrum Consortium in 2017 in collaboration with centers in Mediterranean countries—Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Southern France, and Croatia—and has since expanded to include partners in Latin America (Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and more recently Guatemala, Honduras, Chile) and Northern Africa (Algeria, Morocco). 

Participants from clinical centers and universities provide expertise, data and biospecimens collected by detailed questionnaires and clinical examinations, creating a rich, growing database and sample repository for research on melanoma.

Goals of the MelaNostrum Consortium

• Identify genetic, environmental, and phenotypic factors associated with melanoma risk in population- and family-based studies
• Investigate molecular and immune-related features of melanoma histological subtypes and their precursor lesions in relation to disease development and clinical outcomes

Interested in knowing more about the ongoing projects? Contact Dr. Phuc Hoang.