How our flexible funding supported melanoma research
Exploring vitamin D and melanoma treatment: the ViDMe study
This summer, the results of the ViDMe study were published. This study evaluated the use of vitamin D in the treatment of melanoma patients.
Previous research has shown that low vitamin D levels at the time of melanoma diagnosis are associated with thicker tumours and poorer outcomes. To address this, a team of researchers at the University Hospital of Leuven in Belgium set up a clinical study to determine whether monthly high-dose vitamin D supplements after surgery could prevent melanoma recurrence.
The study found that while monthly high-dose vitamin D supplementation is safe and increased vitamin D levels, it did not prevent recurrence of melanoma or improve survival.
Very disappointing, but at least now we know. In fact, we were close to never finding out at all.
A patient’s question sparked crucial research
In the spring of 2017, a patient contacted our information service My Cancer Navigator to ask about the role of vitamin D in melanoma. We reviewed the scientific literature to find answers. Although there were numerous publications on the topic, none provided strong evidence that vitamin D might be beneficial.
We also searched clinical trial databases and discovered a Belgian clinical trial relating to the patient's question. To learn more about the trial's status and any preliminary results, we contacted the principal investigator of the trial, Prof. Maria Garmyn, at the University Hospital Leuven.
At the time, the trial was still recruiting but was struggling with delays and funding shortages. The trial was at risk of being halted.
Bridging a funding gap for melanoma research
We discovered that a similar Italian study had recently been terminated and, it became clear that Prof. Garmyn’s study was the only trial that could answer this important question about vitamin D’s role in melanoma recurrence. Despite receiving initial funding, the grant had ended, and additional funding had not been obtained.
With other potential funding calls being several months away, and no other extra funding on the horizon for Prof. Garmyn’s team for at least a year, the Anticancer Fund understood the urgency and decided to provide interim funding to keep the trial running. Additionally, the Anticancer Fund assisted Prof. Garmyn in applying for the extra funding necessary to complete the trial.
During the year that we filled the funding gap, the trial recruited an additional 75 patients, allowing the researchers to successfully secure further funding. Our flexible approach turned out to be crucial in maintaining the trial’s momentum, preventing important, patient-focused, research from stopping prematurely.
The power of flexible philanthropy in cancer research
This example demonstrates the Anticancer Fund’s commitment to serve patients and science by supporting researchers, and highlights the impact of result-driven philanthropy.
At the Anticancer Fund, we believe that good, scientifically sound research must be given a fair chance to succeed. A rigid funding approach can lead to research waste, especially when important studies lack the resources to reach their conclusion. In some cases, valuable trials can be halted or left incomplete due to funding shortfalls, wasting previous efforts and leaving critical questions unanswered.
While we understand that everybody has their way of working and that applications need to be submitted through the proper pathways, a solution-oriented monitoring of projects and an expedited review of a well-justified extra budget request could greatly benefit the study, the researchers and - most important – the patients.
Just as we expect researchers to work efficiently and be flexible, funders should also strive to minimize administrative burdens and be open to adjustments or exceptions, all for the benefit of patients.
Publishing negative results: why it matters
Although the ViDME trial concluded that vitamin D does not benefit melanoma patients, it has been vital that the research was conducted and completed. We commend the researchers for their perseverance and encourage all researchers to strive to complete their work and publishing all data, including negative results. Because without these findings, questions about vitamin D’s role in melanoma would remain unanswered, creating uncertainty for both doctors and patients.
Sharing all data, including negative results, is essential for advancing scientific knowledge and ensuring future studies build on a complete understanding of previous research.
