Following the success of our Courses in 2017, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, the objectives of the Sixth International Melanoma Course in 2026 will continue to stress due diligence and practical diagnosis of melanocytic lesions. We will emphasize the theme of “Acknowledging uncertainty and avoiding over diagnosis of melanoma”, as well as updates of all cutting-edge knowledge on difficult melanocytes lesions relevant to practicing pathologists and clinicians.

This 2026 venue will again include expertise from the SIRIC (Integrated Cancer Research Site at Institut Curie), the final WHO 5th Edition Classification of Melanocytic Tumours, the revised and updated MPATH- Dx Classification schema (2023), the MPATH Group, and he International Melanoma Pathology Study Group.

The revised updated MPATH-Dx Classification

• The revised and updated MPATH (Version 2.0) schema provides a simplified two category system for benign melanocytic lesions: Class I. Low-grade and Class II. High-grade lesions. Practical criteria allow for the mapping of all benign melanocytic lesions with diverse terminologies into hese categories.
• The classification of melanoma is refined by the recognition of a low-risk category of T1a melanoma in the new Class III.
• The schema provides estimates of risk for disease progression and
  guidelines for practical management.

The course program and content

• The Course will consist of didactic lectures and interactive sessions during the two-day program.
• An approach of practical diagnosis is based on the extensive experience of the international faculty in the Course.
• The latest advances in ancillary diagnostic techniques including immunohistochemistry and molecular genetics will be emphasized.
• Particular attention will be given to predictive biomarkers for targeted, immune and checkpoint inhibitors therapies.