Melanoma Initiative To Fund Research

NEW YORK--The Cancer Research Institute and Cancer Care, Inc. have announcedThe Melanoma Initiative, a program to support public awareness of melanoma,resources for melanoma patients, and clinical research. The Initiativeis funded by an unrestricted educational grant from Schering-Plough Corporation.

Under the auspices of the Initiative's research component, the CancerResearch Institute will establish a program to support phase I/II clinicaltrials aimed at testing novel immunotherapies for melanoma. Close to $1million in grants will be awarded from 1997 to 1999.

Patient outreach services will include counseling and practical assistance;telephone support groups and educational seminars; a "buddy"program where melanoma patients can talk with other patients; guidanceon medical services; a referral program identifying local community resources;and guidance on how to obtain home care, transportation, child care, andfinancial assistance.

These services will be available through Cancer Care's offices, itsNational Counseling Line, 1-800-813-HOPE, and its Web Site (http://www.cancercareinc.org).The centerpiece of the educational outreach component is the creation offour advertisements for People magazine.