Phase II: Sino-Nasal/Head & Neck Mucosal Melanoma Guideline Project – Invitation for Expressions of Interest in Joining Development Group
Background
Mucosal melanomas are rare, representing only about 1-2% of all melanomas. 55% of all primary mucosal melanomas occur in the head and neck region, with the nose and paranasal sinuses being the most common sites. Surgery at all stages frequently involves complex decisions about risk and benefit, and the value of adjuvant treatment – drug therapy or radiotherapy – is unclear. Medical treatment of advanced melanoma is evolving rapidly and its relevance to this group of patients requires clarification. There is no agreement about diagnostic imaging techniques or follow-up protocols. There is therefore a need for clinical guidance in this area.
As the principal UK melanoma charity, Melanoma Focus has a remit to lead in the development of clinical guidance for melanoma and is well-placed to sponsor the production of a guideline for sino-nasal/head & neck mucosal melanoma. This guideline will be developed in compliance with NICE accreditation requirements and published in relevant medical journals.
This initiative follows the charity’s support for the successful development of guidelines for uveal melanoma and ano-uro-genital mucosal melanoma. Melanoma Focus has NICE accreditation for its guideline methodology – see Guideline Development Methodology.
Composition and work of the GDG
The GDG will be led by Professor Kevin Harrington, with project management and methodological support & funding by Melanoma Focus. It will comprise approximately 12 members from appropriate specialisations and interests:
• Maxillofacial/Head & Neck Surgeon
• ENT Surgeon
• Oral & Facial Plastic Surgeon
• Medical Oncologist with an interest in melanoma
• Clinical Oncologist with an interest in head and neck oncology
• Surgeon with a major interest in melanoma
• Pathologist with expertise in melanoma and head and neck oncology
• Radiologist with expertise in melanoma and head and neck oncology
• CNS specialising in head and neck cancers
• CNS specialising in melanoma
• Patient Advocates/Representatives
Please pass this information on to colleagues or lay representatives who may be interested in this initiative.
Members will contribute to the group as individuals, drawing on their own areas of experience, rather than representing any particular organisation. The work will consist of:
- Contributing to the review of evidence and the drafting of the guideline within their area of expertise.
- Preparing for the topics to be discussed at the meetings. For each meeting, members will be expected to read through the papers, including evidence reviews, which will take approximately 2-4 hours.
- Contributing to the discussions, taking full account of the evidence to develop recommendations.
- Assisting with the drafting of the final guideline following the consultation phase.
GDG members will be expected to give this work their highest priority and to attend all the GDG’s meetings. Only those who are able to make such a commitment should apply. Members will be cited as co-authors of the guideline in resulting publications.
Timescales
We expect the process to take 18-24 months and involve 9 to 12 one-day meetings in London. The first meeting of the GDG is planned for 25 May.
Expenses
No fees will be paid but reasonable out-of-pocket and travel expenses will be reimbursed by Melanoma Focus.
How to apply
We now invite expressions of interest from people with requisite experience who would like to be considered for membership of the Sino-Nasal/Head & Neck Mucosal Melanoma GDG.
If you are interested in being considered or have any queries please email Nancy Turnbull, Project Manager, at mucosal@melanomafocus.com. We will send you an application form to record your professional details and the reasons for your interest. The deadline for the receipt of completed applications is 23 March.