The Sydney Melanoma Unit Database was established in the mid 1960s by Dr Gerald Milton and Dr Helen Shaw. Maintained ever since and migrated through a series of IT systems, this database holds comprehensive clinical and histopathological information on over 24,500 patients with melanoma. 

All patient information at SMU is treated confidentially. Data used for research purposes is in a de-indentified form, ie individual patients cannot be identified.

The SMU database is an invaluable national and international resource for research on diagnosis, prognostic indicators and treatment outcomes in melanoma patients. Research studies are conducted within the SMU and in collaboration with SMU affiliates and visiting international researchers. These studies cover a broad field of expertise in melanoma including surgical and medical oncology, pathology, genetics, immunology, radiation therapy and diagnostic imaging. The knowledge gained from these studies assists in the management of melanoma patients world wide. For example, the SMU made a major contribution of data to the melanoma staging system revision by the American Joint Committee on Cancer in 2001.

SMU Publications