A Message From Our Program Leader
Arizona has one of the highest rates of Melanoma and Skin Cancer in the U.S.
Although many patients with advanced Skin Cancers will have long term benefit from immunotherapy, most patients will not. The HonorHealth Research Institute Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic provides expert level care for patients with advanced Skin Cancers, as well as developing new treatment options for patients who do not benefit from currently available treatments.
About Our Program
The HonorHealth Research Institute Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic has a long history of leading the development of new treatment options for patients with advanced Skin Cancers, starting nearly 20 years ago when they treated the first patient in the world with vismodegib, the first approved treatment option for patients with advanced Basal Cell Carcinoma.
More recently, the Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic was the first in Arizona to offer patients Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (TIL) Therapy, the first cellular therapy approved for patients with refractory Melanoma, and the first cellular therapy approved for any solid tumor.
The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Clinic specializes in the treatment of patients with all types of advanced skin cancers, including Melanoma, Basal Cell Carcinoma, Merkle Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, and other types of rare skin cancers.
Melanoma and Skin Cancer Facts and Figures
Melanoma burden: ~324,000 new cases globally (2020) and ~97,600 cases in the U.S. (2023), with ~57,000 global and ~7,180 U.S. deaths annually
High impact despite lower incidence: Melanoma accounts for ~75% of all skin cancer deaths and is the most common cancer in U.S. men ages 15–39
Primary risk factors: UV radiation is the leading cause; risk is significantly higher in fair-skinned individuals and increases by ~75% with indoor tanning before age 35
Prevention is effective: Daily SPF 30+ sunscreen can reduce risk by ~50%, avoiding peak UV exposure by ~30%, and protective clothing adds additional protection
Early detection saves lives: When caught early, melanoma has a ~99% survival rate—but outcomes are much worse if it spreads
Take action: Check your skin regularly and talk to your doctor about any new or changing moles or spots
