Is a Melanoma Vaccine Right for You?

Welcome to MelanomaVaccine.com, a site specially designed to bring you information about melanoma, melanoma treatment options and research studies – including a clinical trial of an experimental melanoma vaccine treatment.

Is a melanoma vaccine right for you? Only your doctor can answer that question. But being informed can help you and your doctor make the best decisions to manage what lies ahead.

To continue, click on one of the links below or find answers to specific questions.

• The basics of melanoma
• Current treatments for melanoma
• About research studies
• Research study of Oncophage, an investigational melanoma vaccine treatment
• Information about participating in a trial of an investigational melanoma vaccine

The material on this website is adapted from an educational brochure that is available in printed format:

Understanding Melanoma A brochure for patients and their families explaining what melanoma is, current treatments available, and a special section on the Oncophage research study for melanoma. Download PDF version | Order a free printed brochure

Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding Melanoma

• What is melanoma?
• What is metastatic melanoma?
• How many people get melanoma?
• What causes melanoma?
• Can melanoma be prevented?
• How is melanoma diagnosed?
• What is cancer staging?

Treatment Options for Melanoma

• How is melanoma treated?
• Will I be back to normal after my cancer treatment?
• Is it normal to feel anxious and scared?

Understanding Clinical Trials

• What is a clinical trial?
• What is a protocol?
• What are clinical trial phases?
• What protections are there for people who participate in clinical trials?
• What is informed consent?
• Who can participate in a clinical trial?
• Who sponsors research studies?
• What happens during a clinical trial?
• What is a control or control group?
• What are side effects and adverse reactions?
• What are the benefits and risks associated with clinical trials?
• Can I leave a clinical trial after it has begun?

Oncophage Personalized Cancer Vaccine

• What is Oncophage?
• How does Oncophage work?
• What’s the difference between Oncophage and other treatments?
• Why is Oncophage being studied?
• How many people have used Oncophage?
• What are the side effects of Oncophage treatment?
• What will the Oncophage study be testing?
• Am I eligible for the research study with Oncophage?
• If I enroll in the study, will I definitely receive Oncophage?
• What is treatment with Oncophage like?
• Will using Oncophage guarantee that my cancer won’t return?
• Will my insurance cover the cost of participating in the study?
• How do I enroll in the study?
• What are some questions I can ask my doctor?