The 6th World Conference on Melanoma

 

This website was create to promote the 2005 The 6th World Conference on Melanoma. The topics covered included: melanoma: surgery, clinical diagnosis, pathology, epidemiology, basic research, dermoscopy, sentinel node biopsy, genetic, vaccine therapy, chemotherapy, immunology, and immunotherapy.
This conference was aimed at surgeons, dermatolgists, and persons working in medical oncology, as well as basic research.

Once the conference was concluded there was no reason for this site to remain live. However, there is no excuse why such information should be lost even if the domain's registration expired. Recently I discovered that the domain was available, so I bought it with the goal of recreating as much of its original content as possible from archived pages. I did not want someone else to purchase the domain and re-purpose the site for something that had nothing in common with the original WorldMelanoma.com website.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PAGE CONTAINS SELECTIVE ARCHIVED CONTENT FROM THE ORIGINAL SITE.
Since the site will not be exactly as you remember it, please be indulgent.
If you wish, you can view this site strictly for its historical context.

 

The Canadian Melanoma Society, The University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer Agency combine to support the forthcoming 6th World Congress on Melanoma taking place at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre from September 6th - 10th, 2005.

The congress will be held at the Vancouver Convention & Exhibition Centre in the Culturally diverse and lively setting of Vancouver. This was a great choice. Vancouver a bustling west coast seaport in British Columbia, is among Canada most populated and ethnically diverse cities. People come from all over the world to see Vancouver's natural sights and more than 190 parks that range from the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park and Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver – a tranquil garden right in the heart of Chinatown to the Bloedel Conservatory a lush year-round tropical garden with dazzling exotic plants and eye-catching birds. The last time I visited the Bloedel Conservatory a class of high school students was there. All the students were wearing a stylish Batman T shirt of one Batman inspired design or another. I stopped one of the boys who had this amazing sublimated print of a heroic super human looking Batman against a Gotham City background with rain slashing down around him. "what's up with the t-shirts?" I asked. Apparently the teacher wanted an easy visual to keep track of the kids and the students themselves came up with the Batman motif. They discovered a store with a huge selection of Batman shirt styles and the site gave them a discount for the bulk purchase. The variety of Batman t-shirt designs was pretty astounding. They ranged from the super realistic sublimated prints to classic Batman logo shirts, to shirts that had Batman and another character such as his wingman Robin, Superman, the Joker, among others. Needless to say the group of students made my visit to the Bloedel Conservatory very memorable.

Please join us in one of the world's most beautiful cities for what promises to be a major scientific conference along with an exciting social experience.

The Congress will bring together the world’s experts on the prevention, treatment, management and research on one of the most prevalent cancers of modern times. Immunologists, pathologists and epidemiologists will join with the clinicians to present the latest research in melanoma and provide an opportunity to evaluate current understandings of this modern disease.

We look forward to your participation.

Richard Gallagher Chair, Organizing Committee
David McLean Co-Chair, Organizing Committee
Jason Rivers Co-Chair, Organizing Committee

 

About the Congress

The 6th World Congress on Melanoma will feature training programs for general practitioners, surgeons and dermatologists, and specific symposia on research. Areas covered in the program will include:

  • Skills Update
  • Management guidelines
  • Management (surgical)
  • Management (advanced therapeutics)
  • Basic Biology
  • Recurrent melanoma
  • Epidemiology
  • Prevention
  • Diagnosis
  • Research
  • Melanoma biology
  • Late Breaking Advances

 

Featured will be poster presentations highlighting current research along with open debates and presentations by experts in the field. We invite interested groups to develop affiliated meetings and consensus conferences.

Congress Secretariat
Venue West Conference Services Ltd.
645 - 375 Water Street
Vancouver, BC
Canada
V6B 5C6
Tel:  1-604-681-5226
Fax: 1-604-681-2503
congress@venuewest.com


Welcome Letter

 

Message from the Co-Presidents

The World Congress of Melanoma is the major event world-wide among all scientist and physicians dealing with this particular tumor.

Held every four years since the first congress in Venice 1985, this is the meeting point where clinicians and researchers focus on the state of the art in treatment and on new lines of scientific investigation.

Our last meeting in Venice had more than 1,000 attendees including surgeons, pathologists, dermatologists, epidemiologists, oncologists, geneticists, general practitioners and basic researchers along with outstanding experts covering all the issues relating to this disease.

Vancouver, the site of the 6th World Congress, is a modern city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular scenery, a natural harbour and majestic mountains. In this special place, the 6th World Congress will surely repeat the success of previous meetings.

The program committee will prepare an innovative and informative program to provide participants with a superior educational experience which will compliment the participants' social involvement and the opportunities to enjoy their stay in this incomparable Canadian city.

Natale Cascinelli & Richard Gallagher
Congress, Co-Presidents

 

Program

 

 

General Information

About the City

Vancouver - The City

Vancouver is a modern city on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with spectacular scenery - a natural harbour, majestic mountains, sandy beaches and a sparkling ocean that set the mood for a relaxed lifestyle. Friendly, outgoing people are ready to greet you with a warm west coast welcome.

The city lies between the mountains to the North and the delta of the mighty Fraser River to the South. There is a distinct cosmopolitan flavour to the city. Western and Eastern cultures, together with the intriguing west coast native culture have found a home in Vancouver. Shop for exquisite carvings, masks and prints. View its unique parks with haunting totem poles, plazas and beautiful buildings that graciously remind us of the city’s heritage.

Enjoy world-class dining from rich French cuisine to sumptuous Chinese cooking. Try the spicy surprises from Indonesia, the smoky morsels of Native Indian cooking and the delicate elegance of Japanese sushi. Seafood is the local delicacy, fresh from the ocean and cooked for you in many imaginative ways.

Downtown Vancouver is exciting for visitors to Gastown, a restored area where the City began; Chinatown, the second largest one in North America; Stanley Park, a magnificent setting of 1000 acres of lush forest surrounded by the sea with its world famous Aquarium; Robson Street, a delightful shopping section with a rich European flavour.

Granville Island, with its large market and specialty restaurants; The Vancouver Museum, Art Gallery, The Orpheum, Queen Elizabeth Theatre and the impressive new city library. Visit the University of British Columbia with its unique Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Gardens, and the Simon Fraser University, designed by Canada’s most prestigious architect.

 

More Background On WorldMelanoma.com

 

WorldMelanoma.com stands as both a preserved archive and a continuing educational resource dedicated to one of the most critical issues in modern medicine—melanoma. Originally created to support the 6th World Conference on Melanoma, which took place in Vancouver, British Columbia in September 2005, the website has since evolved into an invaluable historical and informational platform for researchers, clinicians, and the general public. While the conference itself was a momentous event in global cancer research, the enduring presence of its website underscores how digital preservation can sustain the influence of important scientific collaborations long after the physical gatherings have ended.

The 6th World Conference on Melanoma

A Global Collaboration in Vancouver

The 6th World Conference on Melanoma was organized through the combined efforts of the Canadian Melanoma Society, the University of British Columbia, and the BC Cancer Agency. The event was held at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, a striking waterfront facility surrounded by the city’s natural beauty—mountains, ocean, and lush urban parks. Vancouver’s selection as the host city was fitting: a cosmopolitan hub that reflected the international diversity of the attendees and symbolized the conference’s cross-disciplinary spirit.

The congress drew over 1,000 participants from around the globe, representing fields such as dermatology, oncology, pathology, epidemiology, and immunology. Many were pioneers in melanoma research and treatment, united in their commitment to combat one of the fastest-rising cancers worldwide. At the time, global melanoma incidence was increasing sharply, with medical communities worldwide focusing on prevention, early detection, and new forms of immunotherapy.

Themes and Program Highlights

The conference’s program was among the most comprehensive ever assembled for a melanoma-focused event. The sessions explored both clinical and research domains, with a strong emphasis on bridging fundamental science and applied medicine. Key topic areas included:

  • Surgical management of melanoma

  • Advanced therapeutics and experimental treatments

  • Basic biology and genetics of melanoma cells

  • Epidemiology and prevention programs

  • Sentinel node biopsy and implications for prognosis

  • Diagnosis and dermoscopy

  • Late-breaking advances and clinical trials

Additionally, there were training programs for general practitioners, surgeons, and dermatologists, ensuring that attendees not only gained scientific insights but also left with practical skills applicable to clinical practice.

Poster presentations highlighted the latest research developments, while open debates encouraged candid discussion about controversial issues—such as the role of adjuvant therapy and the integration of molecular testing into diagnostic workflows. These discussions would later shape clinical standards adopted internationally.

Leadership and Vision

The conference was chaired by Dr. Richard Gallagher, with Dr. David McLean and Dr. Jason Rivers as co-chairs. The co-presidents, Dr. Natale Cascinelli and Dr. Gallagher, articulated a clear vision: to make the congress both scientifically innovative and socially engaging. Their message emphasized not only scientific exchange but also human connection—an acknowledgment that global collaboration is key to medical progress.

Their statement reflected this ethos:

“The World Congress of Melanoma is the major event worldwide among all scientists and physicians dealing with this tumor. Since its beginnings in Venice in 1985, it has served as the meeting point for those focused on state-of-the-art treatments and new lines of investigation.”

Vancouver: The Ideal Host City

Vancouver provided more than just a backdrop—it enhanced the conference’s atmosphere. The city’s natural and cultural richness offered visiting scientists a vibrant social experience alongside professional learning. With its 1,000-acre Stanley Park, Robson Street’s European charm, and the University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology, attendees found plenty of inspiration outside the lecture halls. The setting underscored the balance between human creativity and the natural world, fitting for a conference devoted to understanding the body’s cellular defenses.

Dining, art, and multicultural life were key aspects of the city’s appeal. The congress took advantage of this, organizing social gatherings that encouraged informal networking among scientists from different continents and disciplines—a hallmark of successful global medical summits.

The Website’s Role and Revival

From Conference Hub to Digital Archive

Originally, WorldMelanoma.com functioned as the digital hub for the 2005 congress. It hosted registration details, schedules, abstracts, and educational materials, serving as a communication portal for attendees and contributors. After the event concluded, the website went offline and, for a time, the domain lapsed.

Years later, a conscientious medical historian and web archivist reacquired the domain with the purpose of reconstructing the original content from archived versions. This revival was not a commercial endeavor; it was a preservation project intended to maintain access to valuable scientific and historical materials that would otherwise have been lost to time. The curator emphasized that the site should be viewed “strictly for its historical context,” acknowledging that while not identical to the original, it stands as a faithful tribute to the spirit and knowledge of the 2005 event.

Educational and Scientific Value

WorldMelanoma.com evolved into a broader educational platform, offering detailed information about melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The content covers:

  • Educational Articles on causes, risk factors, symptoms, and stages of melanoma.

  • Treatment Options, including surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation.

  • Research Updates, summarizing emerging studies and breakthroughs in melanoma science.

  • Patient Support Resources, offering links and information for individuals and families affected by melanoma.

By integrating content relevant to both the medical community and the general public, the site became a dual-purpose resource: historical archive and modern health education tool. Visitors can learn about the disease’s biology while also appreciating the scientific milestones achieved during the early 2000s—an era that laid the foundation for today’s advances in personalized cancer immunotherapy.

The Broader Context: Melanoma in the 21st Century

Melanoma, while less common than other skin cancers, is among the most aggressive. In recent decades, its global incidence has increased significantly, attributed to factors like UV exposure, lifestyle, and improved detection. In 2020, more than 325,000 new cases and 57,000 deaths were recorded globally, according to JAMA Dermatology. Projections suggest continued growth through 2040, particularly in regions with aging populations and higher sun exposure.

This context reinforces why resources like WorldMelanoma.com are vital. Public education, physician training, and ongoing research remain key components of the global response to melanoma, and the site serves as a conduit between these worlds. It not only preserves scientific history but also continues to inspire awareness, prevention, and collaboration.

Audience and Influence

WorldMelanoma.com appeals to three primary audiences:

  1. Patients and Caregivers – seeking understandable explanations, treatment guidance, and emotional support networks.

  2. Medical Professionals – including oncologists, dermatologists, pathologists, and general practitioners looking for research summaries and reference materials.

  3. Researchers and Students – who use the archival content as a historical record of the state of melanoma research at a pivotal moment in medical history.

This diverse audience base helps bridge gaps between specialists and laypersons, promoting a shared understanding of melanoma’s challenges and advancements.

Cultural and Social Significance

Beyond its medical scope, the site represents an early example of digital preservation in scientific communication. Many early 2000s conference websites were lost due to expired domains or outdated technologies. The revival of WorldMelanoma.com demonstrates the cultural importance of archiving digital academic materials. It ensures that the collaborative work of thousands of researchers remains accessible to future generations.

The conference also had social resonance in Vancouver, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a center for global health dialogue. It brought attention to Canada’s leadership in medical education and cancer research, positioning the BC Cancer Agency and UBC as active participants in the international oncology community.

Reviews, Reputation, and Impact

While not a commercial entity with user reviews, WorldMelanoma.com has earned quiet respect among academic circles and online health communities. Its careful reconstruction and educational orientation reflect a genuine commitment to public knowledge. It aligns closely with the values of organizations such as the Melanoma World Society and the Melanoma Research Foundation, both of which aim to unify global strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

The Vancouver congress itself was covered favorably in professional medical media, praised for its organization, diverse representation, and focus on translational research. Participants often described it as one of the most scientifically productive and culturally enriching gatherings in the field.

Press and Media Coverage

At the time of the 2005 event, coverage appeared in specialized oncology and dermatology journals, as well as in Canadian media highlighting Vancouver’s role as host. The emphasis was on how the conference marked a turning point in integrating molecular biology with clinical practice. The evolution of melanoma immunotherapy, still in its infancy then, was among the most discussed themes—a topic that would later dominate the next decade of cancer research.

Ownership and Stewardship

Today, WorldMelanoma.com is maintained by a private owner dedicated to preserving the site’s original intent. The curator’s goal is educational continuity, not profit, ensuring that medical history remains available to students, clinicians, and patients alike. The site’s message makes clear that it exists to safeguard the original content of the 2005 conference and prevent misuse or unrelated repurposing of the domain.

This ethical approach distinguishes it from many defunct medical domains that were later recycled for commercial or unrelated purposes. Instead, WorldMelanoma.com remains a trusted historical archive, authentic in its focus and faithful to its origins.

Legacy and Continuing Relevance

Even decades after its original creation, the legacy of WorldMelanoma.com endures as an example of how conferences can shape long-term global awareness. Its archival purpose now complements contemporary melanoma research networks, providing continuity between early 21st-century breakthroughs and current advancements in targeted therapy and immunotherapy.

For researchers, it’s a reminder of how far the field has progressed—from the experimental immunotherapies of 2005 to the widespread success of checkpoint inhibitors today. For patients and the public, it stands as a testament to the international dedication that continues to drive improvements in diagnosis and survival rates.

 

WorldMelanoma.com embodies the intersection of history, education, and digital preservation. What began as a conference website has become a meaningful archive chronicling a landmark moment in the global fight against melanoma. Its revival not only safeguards vital scientific knowledge but also honors the dedication of the physicians and researchers who gathered in Vancouver to advance our understanding of one of the world’s most challenging cancers.

In a time when medical information can easily disappear amid the rapid evolution of technology, WorldMelanoma.com reminds us that preserving history is also an act of service—to science, to medicine, and to humanity.

WorldMelanoma.com