UA Skin Cancer Expert Available to Speak on Melanoma Diagnosis, Treatment and Survival

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with an estimated 3.5 million new cases diagnosed each year — more than all other cancers combined. Former President Jimmy Carter’s melanoma diagnosis, resonates in Arizona, where skin cancer rates rank among the highest in the world.

There are two categories of skin cancer, nonmelanoma skin cancer and melanoma. Nationally, one in five Americans will get skin cancer in their lifetime. The American Cancer Society has indicated that Arizona sees approximately 1,400 new cases of melanoma each year.

The Skin Cancer Institute unites the University of Arizona Cancer Center’s many skin cancer prevention activities, bringing together innovative research, clinical care, education and community outreach. [Lee D. Cranmer, MD, PhD]The Skin Cancer Institute is poised to serve as the model for community-based skin cancer research and care in the United States.

Lee D. Cranmer, MD, PhD, associate professor of clinical medicine and director of the UA Cancer Center Melanoma/Sarcoma Program, is available to speak to the media on former President Carter’s diagnosis and the skin cancer treatments available in Arizona.

A medical oncologist, Dr. Cranmer evaluates and treats patients with complicated and advanced forms of skin cancer, including metastatic melanoma. He also treats adult patients with bone and soft tissue sarcomas. His melanoma expertise led to the multi-disciplinary management for patients with brain metastases (spread of cancerous tumors to the brain). Dr. Cranmer also practices general internal medicine, general hematology and inpatient adult bone marrow/stem cell transplant.

Dr. Cranmer conducts both therapeutic and non-therapeutic clinical research in melanoma and sarcomas. In both areas, he maintains an extensive panel of active therapeutic clinical trials for patients afflicted with these disorders. He is working to develop clinical trials native to the UA Cancer Center in the areas of melanoma and brain metastasis management. In the laboratory, Dr. Cranmer’s research examines novel drugs to treat melanoma and sarcomas and biomarkers of response and prognosis.

Media Contact: Rebecca Ruiz McGill

Release Date: 
08/21/2015 - 8:15am