 |
|
OHSU Cancer Instutute researchers find abnormalities in gene for melanoma
May 30, 2008Discovery could lead to effective treatments for host of previously untreatable melanomas
PORTLAND, Ore. - New research from the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer Institute about mutations in melanoma may bring a wellspring of hope to many patients.
Researchers have discovered that there are several different kinds of DNA abnormalities that can occur in a gene called the KIT gene. These abnormalities are associated with different kinds of acral and mucosal melanomas, which are less common, but highly malignant forms of skin cancer. Acral melanomas are found on the palms of hands, the soles of feet and under nails. Mucosal melanomas are found in the mucous membranes of some organs of the body.
If scientists can figure out the mutation, effective treatments can follow, explained Michael Heinrich, M.D., co-principal investigator, OHSU Cancer Institute member and head of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Section at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The co-investigator is Christopher Corless, M.D., Ph.D., OHSU Cancer Institute member.
The research will be presented Sunday, June 1, at 5 p.m. during the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.
This study builds on recent research about the first instance in which a woman's metastatic melanoma was driven into remission by the targeted therapy drug, Gleevec, which was developed at the OHSU Cancer Institute. Previously there had been few effective treatments for melanoma patients with metastatic disease. But not all melanomas respond so successfully to Gleevec.
In the current study, Heinrich and colleagues studied 129 samples gathered from people with different types of melanoma and found that there is a high rate of mutations in these cancers.
"This means that if we can find the melanoma early, it can be screened to see what type of mutations are present, and eventually you can get the right medication or treatment," Heinrich said.
Heinrich explained that it is similar to testing of breast cancer tumors to decide if patients should receive specific treatments such as hormonal inhibitors and/or the drug Herceptin. He predicts that drugs to treat the mutations found in melanomas could be developed in as little as 18 months.
'In the very near future, we can do DNA testing of melanomas to better know exactly what is driving the growth of the cancer and select the best treatment. When we know what is wrong, we can do something to fix it," Heinrich said.
The same KIT mutations as those found in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are present in mucosal and acral melanomas. Gleevec's effectiveness against tumors with KIT mutations was first demonstrated by Heinrich. Recent studies have found KIT mutations in 11 percent of acral melanomas 21 percent of mucosal melanomas and 17 percent of melanomas arising in sun-damaged skin.
Melanoma is found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. It is the most serious type of cancer of the skin. Each year in the United States, more than 53,600 people learn they have melanoma and the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30 years, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Oregon Health & Science University
If scientists can figure out the mutation, effective treatments can follow, explained Michael Heinrich, M.D., co-principal investigator, OHSU Cancer Institute member and head of the Hematology and Medical Oncology Section at the Portland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The co-investigator is Christopher Corless, M.D., Ph.D., OHSU Cancer Institute member.
The research will be presented Sunday, June 1, at 5 p.m. during the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology in Chicago.
This study builds on recent research about the first instance in which a woman's metastatic melanoma was driven into remission by the targeted therapy drug, Gleevec, which was developed at the OHSU Cancer Institute. Previously there had been few effective treatments for melanoma patients with metastatic disease. But not all melanomas respond so successfully to Gleevec.
In the current study, Heinrich and colleagues studied 129 samples gathered from people with different types of melanoma and found that there is a high rate of mutations in these cancers.
"This means that if we can find the melanoma early, it can be screened to see what type of mutations are present, and eventually you can get the right medication or treatment," Heinrich said.
Heinrich explained that it is similar to testing of breast cancer tumors to decide if patients should receive specific treatments such as hormonal inhibitors and/or the drug Herceptin. He predicts that drugs to treat the mutations found in melanomas could be developed in as little as 18 months.
'In the very near future, we can do DNA testing of melanomas to better know exactly what is driving the growth of the cancer and select the best treatment. When we know what is wrong, we can do something to fix it," Heinrich said.
The same KIT mutations as those found in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are present in mucosal and acral melanomas. Gleevec's effectiveness against tumors with KIT mutations was first demonstrated by Heinrich. Recent studies have found KIT mutations in 11 percent of acral melanomas 21 percent of mucosal melanomas and 17 percent of melanomas arising in sun-damaged skin.
Melanoma is found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. It is the most serious type of cancer of the skin. Each year in the United States, more than 53,600 people learn they have melanoma and the percentage of people who develop melanoma has more than doubled in the past 30 years, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Oregon Health & Science University
Melanoma Current Events and Melanoma News RSSChildren's National researchers develop novel anti-tumor vaccine
A novel anti-tumor vaccine for neuroblastoma and melanoma developed by scientists and clinicians at Children's National Medical Center in collaboration with investigators from the University of Iowa is showing significant impact on tumor growth in mice.
Researchers identify mechanism used by gene to promote metastasis in human cancer cells
Virginia Commonwealth University Institute of Molecular Medicine and VCU Massey Cancer Center researchers have discovered how a gene, melanoma differentiation associated gene-9/syntenin (mda-9/syntenin), interacts with an important signaling protein to promote metastasis in human melanoma cells, a discovery that could one day lead to the development of the next generation of anti-metastatic drugs for melanoma and other cancers.
Social class dictates cancer risk
Cervical and lung cancer are more common in poor people while rates of breast cancer and melanoma are higher in the wealthy.
Variant of vitamin D receptor gene linked to melanoma risk
A new analysis indicates an association between a gene involved in vitamin D metabolism and skin cancer. Published in the November 1, 2008 issue of CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study suggests that individuals with certain variants in a vitamin D-related gene, called BsmI, may be at an increased risk of developing melanoma.
Wistar researchers invigorate 'exhausted' immune cells
In battles against chronic infections, the body's key immune cells often become exhausted and ineffective. Researchers at The Wistar Institute have found a way to restore vigor to these killer T cells by blocking a key receptor on their surface, findings that may advance the development of new therapies for diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B and C, and cancer.
Nanomedical approach targets multiple cancer genes, shrinks tumors more effectively
Nanoparticles filled with a drug that targets two genes that trigger melanoma could offer a potential cure for this deadly disease, according to cancer researchers.
History of nonmelanoma skin cancer is associated with increased risk for subsequent malignancies
Individuals with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) are at increased risk for other cancers, according to a study published in the August 26 online issue of the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
Researchers discover scent of skin cancer
According to new research from the Monell Center, odors from skin can be used to identify basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. The findings, presented at the 236th meeting of the American Chemical Society, may open doors to development of new methods to detect basal cell carcinoma and other forms of skin cancer.
Fish cancer gene linked to pigment pattern that attracts mates
Though skin cancer is deadly to male fish, it also has one perk: The black melanoma splotches arise from attractive natural markings that lure female mates. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week shows that the melanoma gene can be conserved in swordtail fish because of its beneficial role in sexual selection.
Prototype test for predicting clinical outcome for melanoma patients
Investigators from the Melbourne Center of the international Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research (LICR) and Pacific Edge Biotchnology Ltd today reported that they have developed a test to predict whether a patient will progress rapidly from Stage III melanoma to metastatic Stage IV cancer and death.
More Melanoma Current Events and Melanoma News Articles
 | Melanoma: Prevention, Detection, and Treatment; Second Edition (Yale University Press Health & Wellness) by Catherine M. Poole, IV DuPont Guerry The incidence of melanoma has increased by 2000% since 1930, and one person dies each hour from the disease. This cutting-edge guide provides scientifically accurate information patients and their families need in order to understand melanoma and its treatment and to receive vital reassurance. It is also a resource for those who want information about preventing the disease or finding it early... |
 | 100 Questions & Answers about Melanoma & Other Skin Cancers by Edward F. McClay, Mary-Eileen T. McClay, Jodie Smith This book deals with skin cancer from a doctor's and a patient's... |
 | The Melanoma Book: A Complete Guide to Prevention and Treatment, Including the Early DetectionSelf-Exam Body Map by Howard L. Kaufman From the founder and Co-Director of the renowned Columbia University Melanoma Center, the first comprehensive guide to help you prevent—and survive—a diagnosis of melanoma. The fastest rising form of cancer worldwide, melanoma can strike at any age. Although rates of cure are higher than they used to be, experts often disagree about the best course of treatment and patients face a... |
 | Understanding Melanoma: What You Need to Know by Perry Robins; MD and Maritza Perez; MD Newly updated and now in its third edition, this handbook is written for melanoma patients, their families and friends, health professionals, and every person with an interest in the disease. This valuable book, written by two eminent dermatologist, tells all about melanoma from the moment of diagnosis through state- of-the-art treatments. Honest and straightforward, but reassuring in tone.... |
 | Melanoma Melodrama: A Medical Memoir by Chuck Myer Chuck Myer is an urban planner, freelance writer, playwright, consultant to arts, government, and religious organizations, and an actor and musician. He is described by many as a "Renaissance Man." Melanoma Melodrama is Chuck's graceful and courageous narrative of his battle with cancer. You will learn about a potentially fatal misdiagnosis doctors commonly make for malignant melanoma, about the... |
 | The Definitive Guide to Melanoma by Lowndes Harrison The reassuring tone and clear explanations in this medical handbook provide valuable information to patients and family members struggling to understand a diagnosis of melanoma. Each year, more than 50,000 people in the U.S. learn that they have melanoma, and many of them are either young or elderly. This guide fills the information gap that develops between the initial diagnosis in the doctor's... |
 | What You Really Need to Know about Moles and Melanoma (A Johns Hopkins Press Health Book) by Jill R. Schofield, William A. Robinson Throughout the world, the incidence of malignant melanoma is increasing at an alarming rate. This dramatic rise is largely due to more frequent and prolonged exposure to intense sun, the result of major changes in clothing styles, recreation, and lifestyle (including widespread access to midwinter resort vacations). Significantly, recent scientific studies have shown an increased number of moles... |
 | Pocket Guide to Malignant Melanoma by John Buchan, Dafydd Roberts The ability to diagnose melanomas and ensure that they are properly and swiftly treated can save lives.The latter part of this century has witnessed a rise in the incidence of this life-threatening form of skin cancer, which is linked to sun exposure. Public health campaigns have begun to raise awareness of the problem and people are now seeking medical advice about pigmented lesions. The reader... |
 | Histological Diagnosis of Nevi and Melanoma by Guido Massi, Philip E. LeBoit The interpretation of melanocytic tumors represents one of the most important topics and probably the most difficult challenge in the field of dermatopathology. This text and atlas depicts a broad range of the most important or challenging melanocytic lesions. It illustrates in detail melanocytic neoplasms of diagnostic interest encountered in daily practice. It presents a philosophy of... |
 | Lightning at the Gate by Jeanne Achterberg Jeanne Achterberg is an internationally known authority on the use of imagery to heal the body. She is best known for developing the technique known as guided visualization, and she was recently featured in Time magazine as one of the top innovators in the field of alternative medicine. In 1999 she was diagnosed with ocular melanoma, a rare and often deadly form of cancer of the eye. Lightning at... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |