MELCAYA

Research and Innovation actions supporting the implementation of the Mission on Cancer

01/01/2023 to 31/12/2024

In childhood, adolescence and young adults (CAYA), melanoma is under-studied and non-existing tailored clinical guidelines and
standardized approaches lead to a very low diagnostic accuracy. The MELCAYA project aims to understand risk factors and
determinants of melanoma to improve the prevention, diagnosis and prognosis of melanomas in CAYAs through a strong
international consortium with experts from 10 countries in different disciplines (e.g. oncology, paediatrics, ethics, policy making), and
sectors (e.g. academic centers, SMEs, hospitals, patient associations).
MELCAYA will work on different approaches. 1) By integrating existing reference European cohorts and registries, studies of genetic
and environmental risk factors and progression of melanoma in CAYA will be performed through different omic methods, and a novel
taxonomy of CAYA melanoma will be generated. 2) MELCAYA will also develop image-based robust and trustworthy machine
learning tools and a pan-European second-opinion platform for better diagnosis specifically designed for CAYA. 3) Moreover, the
validation of minimally and non-invasive disruptive tools based on artificial intelligence and volatilomics detection from exhaled
breath and skin will lead to earlier detection and more accurate prognosis of melanoma in CAYA. 4) Finally, through the evidence
gathered, MELCAYA will design and implement public health strategies and will actively involve patients and the general population.
The results of MELCAYA will maximize its impact by making its data and results accessible and re-usable through integration into
UNCAN.eu.