St Vincent's novel treatment for melanoma leads to clinical trial You are here:HomeNewsroomNews St Vincent's novel treatment for melanoma leads to clinical trial 22 Jan 2021 After exhausting all traditional treatments for advanced melanoma, St Vincent’s patient, Charles Hanna’s health continued to deteriorate after recommended melanoma treatments failed, and his cancer had spread to his brain and abdomen. Molecular investigation showed Charles’ melanoma had a genetic mutation linked to breast and ovarian cancers. With few options left, treating Oncologist, Prof Anthony Joshua began treating Charles with Lynparza, a drug commonly used for ovarian and breast cancers. In a short time, the tumours significantly shrunk and remained stable for more than six months, and the tumours in his upper abdomen disappeared entirely. "It’s one of the most gratifying responses I’ve seen as a senior oncologists”, said Prof Joshua. These encouraging results have prompted a formal clinical trial, led by The Melanoma Institute - currently under way. Click here to watch the story on 9 News.