UPMC Hillman Cancer Center | March 21, 2026
The 2026 UPMC Living With Melanoma Symposium
Presented by AIM at Melanoma and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, this virtual and in-person symposium brings together leading experts to discuss the latest in melanoma research, treatment, and patient care.
As an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center is at the forefront of cancer care, education, and cutting-edge research.
Time: 8:00am – 11:30am (EST)
Location: For in-person attendees, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Cooper Conference Center, Registration opens at 8:00 am
Register below for both In-person and Virtual attendance.
Presenters & Topics
8:30 AM EST
Welcome
John M. Kirkwood, MD
Distinguished Service Professor of Medicine
Usher Professor of Medicine, Dermatology and Translational Science
Co-Leader, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
The Following Talks Hosted by: John M. Kirkwood, MD
Each presentation includes a 5-minute Q & A Session
8:40 AM ET
Oncolytic Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Melanoma
Yana G. Najjar, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Clinical and Translational Research Center
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
9:00 AM ET
Using Blood Proteins to Predict Immune Side Effects in Melanoma Patients Treated with Immunotherapy
Sabrina Bruno, BS
MS3, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
9:20 AM ET
The Promise of Opiod Antagonist (Axelopran) as an Avenue to Overcome Immunotherapy Resistance in Melanoma
Nosakhare Paul Ilerhunmwuwa , MBBS, MSc
Fellow, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
9:40 AM ET
Background and Goals of a New Trial of Sulforaphane for Melanoma Prevention (EA6232)
Emma Kozuch, BS
MS3, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
The Following Talks Hosted By: Hassane M. Zarour, MD
Professor of Medicine, Immunology and Dermatology
James and Frances McGlothlin Chair in Melanoma Immunotherapy Research
Co-leader, Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program
Co-leader, Melanoma and Skin Cancer SPORE
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Each presentation includes a 5-minute Q & A Session
10:10 AM ET
From Plate to Patient: Dietary Influences on Immunotherapy
Diwakar Davar, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Clinical Director, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Program
UPMC Hillman Cancer
10:30 AM ET
Dietary Interventions in Melanoma Patients
Ryan C. Camacho, BS
MS4, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
10:50 AM ET
Role of Radiotherapy in Metastatic Melanoma
Ravi Patel, MD, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology,
University of Pittsburgh
Director of Radiopharmaceuticals, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
11:10 AM ET
What You Need to Know About Sunscreens
Kathryn Hickey, MPAS, PA-C
Physician Assistant
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center