State-of-the-art melanoma centre to transform cancer care

The name of the specialist facility was revealed for the first time at an event in Melbourne today – named after philanthropist Paula Fox, whose personal commitment to melanoma research and treatment has helped make the centre a reality.

The $152.4 million project on St Kilda Road, which backs onto the hospital, is set to be completed in early-2024 thanks to support from the Victorian and Commonwealth Governments, the Fox Family, Minderoo Foundation, and Monash University.

It will see leading skin cancer specialists and dedicated multi-disciplinary teams working together under one roof, enabling skin cancer patients to access their care in one purpose-built centre.

Alfred Health Chief Executive Professor Andrew Way AM said the project was a vital part of the effort to diagnose and treat melanoma.

“The centre will support the delivery of advanced cancer care – particularly for ‘Australia’s cancer’ melanoma – while playing a role in extending the availability of a range of cancer and other clinical trials into regional and rural areas,” Prof Way said.

“With early works nearing completion we’re pleased to join with key partners from government and major philanthropic donors to celebrate what will become a significant symbol of care and hope in the fight against cancer.”

Director of the Victorian Melanoma Service at The Alfred, Associate Professor Victoria Mar, who leads one of Australia’s multidisciplinary melanoma referral centres, said the development promises to drive further breakthroughs in cancer care.

“These state-of-the-art research and clinical trial laboratories mean that our researchers and clinicians can investigate and respond to the emerging needs being seen by clinicians, here in the same building,” A/Prof Mar said.

“What is so exciting about this centre is the investment in research and technology that has the capacity to change the way we deliver cancer care into the future.

“Along with treatment and research, the five-level facility will also house a world-leading wellness and education centre, reflecting the holistic and collaborative nature of cancer care and an Advanced Diagnostics and Telehealth Centre – both supported by Minderoo Foundation.

“We want our patients to feel as comfortable as possible, while they are receiving the very best of care,” she said.

Watch our videos and learn more about the Paula Fox Melanoma & Cancer Centre.