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 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 melanoma incidence is low, multiple cases within the same family are unlikely to be phenocopies driven by sun exposure; they are more likely to reflect true genetic predisposition. These populations also tend to remain in the same geographic regions over generations and have undergone historical epidemics (such as the plague) that caused severe population bottlenecks. Together, these factors make them particularly informative for identifying inherited risk factors.
2. Higher proportion of rare melanoma subtypes: Darker pigmentation provides substantial protection against UV damage, which means that these populations exhibit a relatively higher fraction of rare, non–sun-exposed melanoma types—such as acral melanoma on the soles of the feet—whose etiologies remain unclear. Their increased relative frequency offers a sufficient sample size for studying these understudied melanoma subtypes.
3. Urgent need for improved early detection: Limited awareness and absence of routine screening often lead to late-stage diagnoses, when melanoma is frequently fatal. Understanding disease development and increasing awareness of the disease in the population are important goals of the Consortium.

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 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.

While our research centers on these populations, the Consortium collaborates broadly with institutes worldwide to compare findings and integrate data across melanoma studies.