Division of Solid Tumor Oncology

Jefferson has become the national destination of choice for many patients with advanced melanoma. Each year, around 350 new cutaneous melanoma patients from the tri-state area are treated by the expert physicians at the center. A defining feature of the melanoma program is the highly personalized care provided by our specialists. Every new patient—whether their growths are benign, they have terminal melanoma, or fall anywhere in between—receives thorough attention. As a trained medical student, you gain valuable knowledge working with our physicians as they develop detailed histories, conduct comprehensive exams, and carefully review pathology slides before providing a complete assessment and tailored treatment recommendations.

Our team has pioneered breakthrough treatments for skin cancer, transforming research discoveries into tangible improvements in patient care. Takami Sato, MD, PhD is the Director, of the Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Group and is a renowned expert in the field of cancer immunotherapy. He is a prominent physician-scientist with expertise in developing novel cancer treatments that harness the body’s immune system to target and eliminate cancer cells. Dr. Sato is particularly known for his work in cancer vaccines and immune system modulation, and he has contributed significantly to advancing immunotherapeutic strategies for various types of cancer. His research and clinical efforts are focused on improving outcomes for cancer patients through personalized treatment approaches that utilize cutting-edge immunotherapy techniques. Dr. Sato is affiliated with major institutions in the field of oncology and continues to lead research initiatives aimed at revolutionizing cancer treatment. We also offer a wide range of cutting-edge clinical trials and are deeply engaged in ongoing skin cancer research.

In addition, Jefferson serves as a national referral center for patients with uveal melanoma, a rare form of melanoma that affects the eye. Regardless of the stage, patients with uveal melanoma can access compassionate, state-of-the-art care at Jefferson Health. We collaborate closely with the Ocular Oncology Service at Wills Eye Hospital, the nation’s largest eye cancer center, dedicated to diagnosing and treating various eye tumors and cancers. Our Metastatic Uveal Melanoma Program at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC) is one of the few in the U.S. specializing in melanoma of the eye. Rino Seedor, MD, is one of our medical oncologists and she is an expert in the field of melanoma, specializing in the treatment and research of melanoma and other skin cancers. Her role at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Jefferson, is in advancing the care of patients with melanoma, including those with advanced or metastatic disease.  Dr. Seedor is known for his expertise in immunotherapy and targeted therapies for melanoma, particularly in the context of clinical trials and novel treatments. She works closely with other specialists to provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for patients with melanoma, incorporating cutting-edge therapies into their treatment plans. As a researcher, Dr. Seedor is involved in exploring new therapeutic strategies for melanoma, with a focus on improving patient outcomes and exploring the potential of immunotherapy and other innovative treatments. He contributes significantly to advancing melanoma care through his clinical work and research endeavors. We perform over 650 procedures annually to treat metastatic ocular melanoma. Our multidisciplinary team has pioneered immuno-embolization techniques that improve survival for patients with liver involvement. We are also leaders in ocular melanoma clinical trials, providing our patients with early access to promising new treatments.

Finally, the Melanoma Research Institute of Excellence (MRIE) further ensures that our patients benefit from next-generation therapies for these complex cancers. Located at the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center (SKCCC), MRIE combines expertise in both uveal and cutaneous melanoma, bringing together internationally recognized specialists and pioneering scientists. Marlana Orloff, MD, is the Alexander & Johnston Family Endowed Clinical Director in Uveal Melanoma, Assistant Professor of medical oncology with expertise in the treatment of uveal melanoma, a rare form of eye cancer that arises in the uvea (the middle layer of the eye). Here at SKCCC, she plays an important role in the care of patients with uveal melanoma. Dr. Orloff is particularly known for her involvement in clinical trials and her focus on advancing treatment options for patients with this rare and complex cancer.  In addition to her work in uveal melanoma, Dr. Orloff also has expertise in other areas of oncology, particularly in managing metastatic cancers. She collaborates closely with other specialists in the multidisciplinary teams at Jefferson, including ocular oncologists, radiation oncologists, and surgeons, to offer comprehensive care for patients with uveal melanoma and other related malignancies. Her work aims to improve patient outcomes by exploring new therapies and clinical trial opportunities, making her a key figure in the field of uveal melanoma research and treatment.

This collaborative program is focused on rapidly translating research discoveries into clinical treatments, providing patients with access to innovative, first-in-field therapies. With a proven track record of bench-to-bedside breakthroughs, MRIE is at the forefront of advancing melanoma care and improving patient outcomes.