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Newfound roadblock to interferon effectiveness against malignant melanoma
September 22, 2005Researchers have uncovered a significant contributing factor to interferon resistance of malignant melanoma cells. The finding represents a step forward in understanding the molecular events that govern the growth of this type of cancer and the changes in gene expression and cellular signaling that underlie resistance to established therapies.
Malignant melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, and if not treated successfully, it can spread to affect the liver, lungs, or brain. Chemotherapy fights the disease with limited efficiency, and the use of interferon has become the most established immunotherapy for advanced-stage melanoma. However, melanoma tumors often develop a resistance to the drug, posing one of the major obstacles in the clinical treatment of this cancer.
Now Professor Manfred Schartl and Dr. Claudia Wellbrock, scientists at the University of Würzburg, believe they have an explanation for how this interferon resistance is acquired. They have found that when a gene called STAT5 is too active in melanoma cells, it can counteract the anti-cancer effect of interferon. Interferon normally impedes the growth of cancer cells, whereas STAT5 is thought to act to promote cellular growth.
The new work, published by Professor Schartl and his colleagues in Current Biology, shows that interferon actually activates STAT5 in melanoma cells but that under normal conditions, this does not interfere with the inhibitory potential of the drug. However, when cancer cells posses too much STAT5 activity to begin with, the further activation of STAT5 function by interferon induces a mechanism that blocks the ability of the drug to effectively inhibit growth.
Confirming this initial finding, the researchers found that when they inhibited STAT5 in interferon-resistant melanoma cells, they were able to restore the effectiveness of interferon. This demonstrates the relevance of STAT5 and its contribution to the behavior of melanoma cells in the late stage of the disease.
The findings explain the frequent failure of interferon therapies and thus further our understanding of melanoma in its late, and most aggressive, stage. In the future, a routine analysis of the STAT5 status in melanoma patients might help to improve and personalize therapies.
Cell Press
The new work, published by Professor Schartl and his colleagues in Current Biology, shows that interferon actually activates STAT5 in melanoma cells but that under normal conditions, this does not interfere with the inhibitory potential of the drug. However, when cancer cells posses too much STAT5 activity to begin with, the further activation of STAT5 function by interferon induces a mechanism that blocks the ability of the drug to effectively inhibit growth.
Confirming this initial finding, the researchers found that when they inhibited STAT5 in interferon-resistant melanoma cells, they were able to restore the effectiveness of interferon. This demonstrates the relevance of STAT5 and its contribution to the behavior of melanoma cells in the late stage of the disease.
The findings explain the frequent failure of interferon therapies and thus further our understanding of melanoma in its late, and most aggressive, stage. In the future, a routine analysis of the STAT5 status in melanoma patients might help to improve and personalize therapies.
Cell Press
Malignant Melanoma Current Events and Malignant Melanoma News RSSQuarter of a million children in England at risk of skin cancer from sunbeds
An estimated quarter of a million 11-17 year olds in England are being put at increased risk of developing malignant melanoma by using sunbeds, warn researchers in a letter to this week's BMJ.
A potential new imaging agent for early diagnosis of most serious skin cancer
Scientists in Australia are reporting development and testing in laboratory animals of a potential new material for diagnosing malignant melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
Trial of new treatment for advanced melanoma shows rapid shrinking of tumors
Researchers have made significant advances in the treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma - one of the most difficult cancers to treat successfully once it has started to spread.
Team identifies a molecular switch linking infectious disease and depression
Researchers at the University of Illinois report that IDO, an enzyme found throughout the body and long suspected of playing a role in depression, is in fact essential to the onset of depressive symptoms sparked by chronic inflammation.
Special gold nanoparticles show promise for 'cooking' cancer cells
Researchers are describing a long-awaited advance toward applying the marvels of nanotechnology in the battle against cancer. They have developed the first hollow gold nanospheres - smaller than the finest flecks of dust - that search out and "cook" cancer cells.
A new measure for the malignancy of melanoma
Every tumor, starting from a size of a few millimeters, depends on a supply of nutrients and oxygen. Therefore, using special growth factors, it induces vascular wall cells of neighboring blood vessels to sprout new capillaries in order to get connected to the blood circulation.
Beach vacations may increase future skin cancer risk in children
Vacationing at the shore led to a 5 percent increase in nevi (more commonly called "moles") among 7-year-old children, according to a paper published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Dangerous skin cancer
The German Cancer Society has worked out new guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of malignant melanoma-a disease with unfavorable prognosis.
Benign or cancerous?
Research into a cancer that is on the rise in the UK is to be presented at the University of Leicester.
Substance tackles skin cancer from 2 sides
By playing it safe and using a two-pronged attack, a novel designer molecule fights malignant melanoma. It was created and tested by an international team of researchers led by the University of Bonn.
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Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma by Michael Piepkorn (Editor), Klaus J. Busam (Editor), Raymond L. Barnhill (Editor) Highly acclaimed and considered the leading reference in the field, Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma has now been fully revised and updated to accomodate rapid advances in the field of melanoma pathology. Drs. Michael Piepkorn and Klaus Busam have now joined Dr. Barnhill, world-renowned expert in dermatology and pathology, to expand the text with new sections on the genetics and cytogenetics of melanoma, sentinal lymph node biopsy, the new AJCC TNM staging system for melanoma, the mechanisms of melanoma metastasis. The successful focus and format of the first edition have been preserved. Each lesion and diagnosis is clearly illustrated, now with more than 340 new, digitally enhanced full-color photomicrographs and over 125 tables. A corresponding precis, or concise... |
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Lumio Skin Examination Device by 3GEN Lumio Skin Examination Device is the ideal device for general skin exams where an in-depth, glare-free image of the skin is essential. With its 75 mm lens offering a magnification of 2x, the power of 40 bright-white LEDs (light emitting diodes), and cross-polarization, Lumio is a great tool for a variety of dermatological exams: Varicose veins, pigmented skin lesions, hair follicles and much more. Lumio is powered by AA batteries that allow for a minimum of 250 exams at 30 seconds each.This Dermatoscope includes a magnification lens, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, and polarizing filters for glare reduction. These polarizing filters eliminate the need for skin contact and the required liquids, allowing a much quicker, more convenient examination.Lumio provides a bright image free of... |
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Pathology of Malignant Melanoma by Raymond L. Barnhill (Author), M.J. Trotter (Contributor) This book provides a highly practical approach to the histopathological diagnosis of melanoma of the skin. Emphasis is placed on the differential diagnosis of major forms of conventional melanoma and also discusses unusual or rare variants that are difficult to recognize. This portable, user- friendly handbook addresses epidemiology, criteria for diagnosis and classification of melanoma, risk factors, and other morphological and cytological variants. More than 30 easy to read tables provide at-a- glance reference and over 100 full color illustrations complement the text. |
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Pocket Guide to Malignant Melanoma by John Buchan (Author), Dafydd Roberts (Author) Pocket-sized guide for medical and nursing professionals in primary care and dermatology. It focuses mainly on diagnosis, prevention, and post-treatment follow-up, but also includes an overview of secondary care treatment options. Contains color photographs and a guide to interpreting the pathology report. Softcover. |
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Epidemiology of Malignant Melanoma (Recent Results in Cancer Research) by R. P. Gallagher (Editor) | |
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Melanogenesis and Malignant Melanoma: Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Molecular Biology, Pathophysiology, Diagnosis and Treatment by Y. Hori (Editor), V. J. Hearing (Editor), J. Nakayama (Editor) Hardbound. The purpose of this symposium was to promote communication and to increase the level of exchange of information on melanogenesis, pigmentary disorders and malignant melanoma. The rapid progress in both the basic science and clinical medicine has necessitated a better understanding of the biological significance of melanin and malignant melanoma in order to be able to cure malignant melanoma. This book will be of help to the readers by stimulating both further study and the promotion of more extensive understanding of melanogenesis, pigmentary disorders and treatment of malignant melanoma. All the presented papers in this symposium have been collected and published in this book. | |
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Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health: Malignant melanoma by Jr., MD, DrPH L. Fleming Fallon (Author) The article is excerpted from Gale Encyclopedia of Nursing and Allied Health. This 5-vol. set provides more than 850 entries covering topics in nursing and allied health written for students and professionals in the field. Alphabetically arranged entries cover topics in body systems and functions, conditions and common diseases, issues and theories, techniques and practices, and devices and equipment. The Encyclopedia covers all major health professions, including nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, medical lab technology, emergency medical technology, dental assistance, pharmacology and nutrition. In addition, the set features approximately 400 photographs and illustrations; appendices of related organizations, agencies and associations;... | |
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Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma arising from different areas in an adult.(Letter to the Editor): An article from: Southern Medical Journal by Mevlut Kurt (Author), Sadettin Kilickap (Author), Sercan Aksoy (Author), Gulten Tekuzman (Author) This digital document is an article from Southern Medical Journal, published by Thomson Gale on December 1, 2005. The length of the article is 749 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser. Citation Details Title: Malignant fibrous histiocytoma, malignant melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma arising from different areas in an adult.(Letter to the Editor) Author: Mevlut Kurt Publication: Southern Medical Journal (Magazine/Journal) Date: December 1, 2005 Publisher: Thomson Gale Volume: 98 Issue: 12 Page: 1228(2) Article Type: Letter to the Editor Distributed by... | |
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Human Malignant Melanoma (Yarbro, Bornstein & Mastrangelo clinical oncology monographs) by Wallace H. Clark (Editor), etc. (Editor) |
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