Ocumel Canada
Ocumel Canada, an initiative of Save Your Skin Foundation, was formed to increase awareness, advance treatment options, and build a supportive community for those diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic ocular melanoma (OM), also known as uveal melanoma. Ocumel Canada is in close collaboration with a global Medical Advisory Board and partner patient representation organizations with the goal of building on international best practices to improve patient outcomes for Canadians touched by this disease.
​
This rare cancer is a challenge in so many ways. The small number of diagnoses in Canada makes it challenging for the mainstream Cancer Agencies to provide adequate services. In some provinces and territories, there are no services at all.
​
We envision a future when ocular melanoma will be a treatable and manageable disease and where patients in Canada can easily find support and courage after diagnosis.
Our Work
In 2020, Ocumel Canada surveyed Health Care Providers to assess the services currently provided by centres working in the ocular melanoma treatment landscape. In Spring 2021, and again in 2022, we conducted an ocular melanoma patient/caregiver survey to assess the patient experience as it is today, across Canada.
We are now working with multiple OM Patient Care Providers across the country to address gaps in the system and advocate for standardized care and improved access to treatment and clinical trials in Canada.
OCULAR MELANOMA WEBINARS
2023 Behind the Lens of Ocular Melanoma:
Dr. Marcus Butler's Insights
November 27th, 2023
​
Together, we shed light on the latest developments and advancements in the realm of ocular melanoma (OM). Ocular melanoma, a rare and challenging cancer, necessitates increased awareness, a supportive community, and improved treatment options for those affected. During this webinar, Dr. Marcus Butler provided updates on the current state of ocular melanoma research, highlighting breakthroughs and innovations that can significantly improve patient outcomes.
Discover Ocumel Canada's collaborative efforts with a global Medical Advisory Board and partner patient representation organizations, specifically tailored to benefit Canadians diagnosed with primary and/or metastatic OM.
​
2023 Canadian Ocular Melanoma Patient & Caregiver Symposium
APRIL 15 & 16, 2023
The Symposium was brought to you by Ocumel Canada and featured four key presenters. It consisted of 7 virtual sessions over 2 days and provided up-to-date information on primary and metastatic disease, treatment options, testing, and the psychosocial experience of patients. Patients living with primary and metastatic ocular melanoma also shared their experiences.
​
Key presenters:
-
Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
-
Dr. Hatem Krema, Director, Ocular Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/UHN
-
Dr. Ezekiel Weis, Provincial Medical Lead, Alberta Ocular Brachytherapy Program
-
Monica Tan, Social Worker, Telus Health/ Private Practice
Ocular Melanoma: Innovative Treatments and Beyond
FEBRUARY 2019
​
With Dr. Marcus Butler, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada & Dr. Omid Hamid, The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, Los Angeles, California
​
This webinar provides an update on the landscape of metastatic ocular melanoma treatment in Canada and the United States. Dr. Hamid and Dr. Butler share their knowledge of current practices and care pathways, identifying the most pressing needs for patients. They also discuss new and emerging treatment options such as IMCgp100 (now named Tebentafusp), as well as clinical trials available to Canadian patients with ocular or uveal melanoma.
​
Prognostic Testing and What It Means to Ocular Melanoma Patients
SEPTEMBER 2022
​
With Katherina Alsina, PhD, Castle BioSciences and Dr. Marcus Butler, Medical Oncologist, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
​
This webinar helps patients understand the prognostic testing possibilities when diagnosed with Ocular Melanoma. It also discusses options for health care professionals for prognostic testing, what it can mean to patients and how it can affect treatment decisions.
​
For more information about ocular melanoma, please click on the following links to download-able documents we have created with the permission of CureOM, an initiative of Melanoma Research Foundation.
Thank you to the team at CureOM for their inspiration and support
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
​
Listed above are a few sources of information and support you might find useful. These groups are not connected to Save Your Skin Foundation. We are providing the links as useful sources of information but do not monitor content for accuracy and quality.
NOTE: The information on the Save Your Skin Foundation website is not intended to replace the medical advice of a doctor or healthcare provider. While we make every effort to ensure that the information on our site is as current as possible, please note that information and statistics are subject to change as new research and studies are published.
​
​