MD, PhD
Irene and Robert Alan Briggaman Distinguished Professor, Dermatology
UNC-Chapel Hill
Melanoma Program
Cancer Epidemiology
Area of Interest
I am an investigator for the large international population-based Genes, Environment, and Melanoma (GEM) Study. A major focus of our research has been improving the understanding of melanoma risk, tumor heterogeneity, and divergent pathways in melanoma. In GEM, we also are studying inherited genetic and tumor factors in relationship to survival. I am also an investigator for the large international InterMEL Consortium. InterMEL is conducting a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-funded Program Project: Integration of Clinical and Molecular Biomarkers for Melanoma Survival (P01 CA206980) to identify molecular and clinical factors that are prognostic for survival. Our overarching hypothesis is that we can identify factors in the primary melanoma tumor that will lead to more aggressive outcomes. Through the UNC Skin Cancer and Melanoma Program, we also conduct many translational projects. A recent focus has been identification of molecular diagnostic markers for melanoma. Through the NCI-funded grant: High-Throughput DNA-Methylation Profiling from Fixed Melanocytic Tissues (R33 CA160138), we developed a proof-of-principle 40-CpG melanoma classifier that demonstrated high diagnostic accuracy.
Awards and Honors
- Graduate of the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine®️ (ELAM) Program for Women, 2012
- Selected for The Best Doctors in America database, 2009-present
- Scientific Advisory Board, Melanoma Research Foundation, 2008-present
- President (2008), President-Elect (2007), Secretary/Treasurer (2006), North Carolina Dermatology Association
- Dermatology Foundation, Physician Scientist Development Award, 2003
- National Institute of Health, Career Development Award, 2003
News and Stories
Melanoma patient has bright outlook after bout with cancer
A melanoma diagnosis started Bob Harding on a cancer journey that brought him to the experts at the North Carolina Cancer Hospital.
New studies aim to improve melanoma diagnosis
A pair of studies led by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers could aid in improved diagnosis for melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The studies, led by UNC Lineberger’s Nancy Thomas, MD, PhD, Irene & Robert Alan Briggaman Distinguished Professor and Chair in the UNC School of Medicine Department of …
