UCF researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on immune cells, focusing on transfer RNA (tRNA) as a pathway to treatments for cancers, infections, and autoimmune disorders. By modifying tRNA in T cells, the team aims to fine-tune immune responses to multiple diseases.
Salk Institute researchers have discovered a novel pathway that links chronic interferon II exposure to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth. By blocking prostaglandin E2, they found a viable target to restore immune system function and combat immunotherapy resistance.
Researchers found that melanoma cells suppress LL-37 production in neighboring keratinocytes, weakening a local epithelial defense pathway. This mechanism, mediated by melanoma-derived exosomal signals, can be targeted for therapeutic strategies.
Researchers created a detailed map of B cell development and behavior in melanoma tumours, revealing new insights into immunotherapy response. The study identified an 'inflamed' B cell state that persists throughout disease progression and after treatment.
Researchers developed a mathematical model that suggests adjusting treatment schedules over time may be more effective in managing tumors than rigid treatment plans. The study found that continuous therapy, rather than on-and-off treatment, can control the tumor and reduce toxicity, improving patient outcomes.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.
Researchers have developed an experimental drug that tricks cancer cells into consuming more sugar than usual, then blocks their backup fuel source – fat. This approach puts cancer cells under so much stress that many die, demonstrating effectiveness in treating aggressive melanoma in mice.
Researchers have identified a unique type of melanoma that spreads between catfish in Lake Memphremagog, behaving like parasites. The discovery sheds light on the spread of cancer in wild animals and raises questions about its origin and ecological impact.
A new drug, daraxonrasib, has been identified as a potential treatment for patients with NRAS-driven melanoma. The therapy targets and inhibits RAS protein, which drives cancer growth when mutated. Early results from preclinical models suggest the drug may be effective in treating advanced disease.
A new compound called ampyrone safely increases melanin production in human skin, offering a potential treatment for hypopigmentation disorders. The discovery could improve visual function and enhance patient quality of life for those with severe genetic forms of albinism.
Researchers from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have identified a specific gut bacterium, Bacteroides uniformis, and its metabolites that can positively impact the body's immune response to cancer. The study found that these metabolites can suppress tumor growth and boost anti-tumor immunity in mice.
The study identified two proteins, BCL2 and MCL1, as predictive biomarkers for matching patients to specific drug combinations. Combining BRAF-MEK inhibitors with a BCL2 inhibitor induced tumor regression in previously resistant tumors.
Researchers develop novel PROTACs to target molecular drivers of cancer, showing effectiveness against aggressive tumor cells and limited side effects. The new approach offers a promising strategy for treating treatment-resistant cancers and improving survival rates.
Researchers at the University of Turku have developed a reliable laboratory model to study BAP1-deficient melanomas, which are resistant to immunotherapies. The new tool could lead to novel immunotherapy combinations for aggressive melanomas.
Researchers found that eliminating a protein called DHHC3 in melanoma cells led to increased oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and activation of anti-tumor immune cells. This suggests that DHHC3 plays an immunoregulatory role in melanoma growth.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
A new study shows that a cancer vaccine in combination with immunotherapy reduces the risk of skin cancer recurrence and death by 49 percent. After five years, patients who received the combination therapy had a 68.8% chance of remaining cancer-free compared to 50.2% for those receiving immunotherapy alone.
Researchers at UC San Diego have identified a naturally occurring peptide that significantly slows melanoma growth, reduces tumor spread, and restores sensitivity in drug-resistant cells. The findings suggest CST could serve as the foundation for a new class of peptide-based therapies against advanced and therapy-resistant melanoma.
Scientists at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research captured 'housekeeping' immune cells actively attacking and engulfing live melanoma cells. These macrophages patrol the edges of melanoma tumours, steadily engulfing cancer cells and slowing tumour growth. The discovery has big implications for immunotherapy.
Researchers from ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group will present updated outcomes from the STAMP study on Merkel cell carcinoma, primary results from studies in glioblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer, and emerging approaches in precision oncology. AI-driven insights from the TAILORx breast cancer trial will also be showcased.
Researchers found that nerves of the sympathetic nervous system inhibit tumor growth by reducing local tumor-supportive macrophages, a type of immune cell. The findings may inform future therapeutic strategies targeting sympathetic nerves within tumors or alpha adrenergic receptors on tumor-associated macrophages.
A study published in PLOS Medicine found that age at initial diagnosis, sex, and type of first cancer significantly affect the risk of developing a subsequent primary cancer. Older age and male sex were associated with a higher risk, while survivors of lung, bladder, and skin melanoma were also at increased risk.
Researchers found that tumor genetics alone did not explain which patients responded to combination therapy, but rather the tumor's immune environment. Patients with active networks of cancer-killing T cells were more likely to benefit from treatment, while those with dense clusters of plasma cells were less likely.
Researchers found that younger mice had lower cancer spread, while middle-aged mice were more likely to experience aggressive melanoma. Middle-aged mice also had fewer immune cells called gamma delta (γδ) T cells, which help prevent cancer from spreading.
A new study reveals that cancer cells may begin escaping therapy much earlier, triggered by a stress response that drives them into a temporary drug-tolerant state. Researchers identified an early molecular trigger: NF-κB, which acts as a regulator of cellular stress and survival.
Researchers developed a platform called PerturbFate to map genetic variations and identify common control points driving changes in cell behavior. The study shows that targeting these shared regulatory nodes can lead to combination therapies for complex diseases like cancer, with potential applications beyond melanoma drug resistance.
Researchers from UT MD Anderson Cancer Center present studies on single-cell technologies, integrative computational approaches, and experimental therapeutics, highlighting innovations in mRNA vaccines and spatial multi-omics techniques. The studies aim to improve immunotherapy responses and detect treatment-resistant glioma cells.
A landmark study of 100,000 Queensland residents found that the incidence of second primary invasive cutaneous melanomas has plateaued after a decades-long rise. The stabilization is attributed to the cumulative impact of long-running sun safety campaigns and increased skin cancer surveillance.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 2026
Researchers developed first-in-class dual HIF inhibitors that, when combined with immunotherapy, can completely eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice. The drugs target HIF-1/2 transcription factors, which are key regulators of cancer progression.
Researchers found that the three-drug combination increased autophagosome formation and autophagic flux in uveal melanoma cells, killing them via enhanced autophagy. The study suggests a potential therapeutic approach for treating metastatic uveal melanoma, particularly in liver-targeted disease.
AI systems demonstrate comparable diagnostic accuracy to dermatologists for melanoma detection, potentially enhancing performance when used as a decision-support tool. However, the risk of bias and limited generalizability of current studies highlight the need for broader validation in unselected patient populations.
The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has completed enrollment of 600 patients in the phase 2/3 trial EA6141, evaluating dual checkpoint blockade with nivolumab and ipilimumab plus sargramostim for unresectable stage 3 or 4 melanoma. The trial aims to assess overall survival, progression-free survival, and treatment tolerability.
Recent research from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages accelerate melanoma progression through extracellular vesicle secretion. These vesicles contain inflammatory mediators that activate cancer cells, creating a favourable environment for tumour growth and invasiveness.
Researchers found that sunscreens with the same SPF of 50 and active ingredients can range from $0.04 to $3.79 per application, highlighting huge variations depending on product price and skin exposure.
A new study found that acral melanoma, a rare and aggressive type of skin cancer, varies among individuals with distinct gene expressions linked to different outcomes. The research analyzed the genetic makeup of over 100 tumours from Mexican patients and uncovered three groups showing unique patterns of gene activity.
A new study found that a key protein HOXD13 drives melanoma tumor cells' ability to grow with oxygen and nutrients. The researchers also discovered that HOXD13 suppresses the activity of cytotoxic T cells, which recognize cancer cells as abnormal and kill them.
Researchers at Oregon State University developed a new nanoparticle that enables the removal of melanoma tumors with a low-power laser. The system uses resonance energy transfer to heat up and destroy cancer cells without harming healthy tissue.
A study of US veterans has identified a possible link between exposure to Agent Orange and acral melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. The researchers found that veterans exposed to the herbicide had a 30% higher odds of developing this type of melanoma.
Researchers have established that Candida albicans fungus makes melanoma more aggressive by activating signaling pathways and creating conditions for malignant cells to acquire oxygen and energy. The study's findings suggest potential new avenues for cancer treatment using antifungal therapies.
Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new zinc oxide formulation that significantly reduces the white, chalky cast associated with traditional mineral sunscreens. The tetrapod-shaped particles provide strong protection against UV radiation while staying evenly distributed in the sunscreen.
A new clinical trial shows that treating desmoplastic melanoma with immunotherapy before surgery dramatically shrinks or eliminates tumors, improving quality of life for patients. The study found that 71% of patients had no detectable cancer remaining at the time of surgery.
Researchers discovered a mechanism allowing melanoma cancer cells to paralyze immune cells by secreting extracellular vesicles, which can disrupt immune cell activity and even kill them. This breakthrough has promising therapeutic implications, enabling strengthening of immune cells and blocking molecules that enable vesicle adhesion.
A new study led by Northwestern University finds that tanning bed use increases melanoma risk by almost threefold, with DNA changes detected in areas protected from sun exposure. The study's findings support a broader field of DNA injury caused by tanning beds.
Researchers found that indoor tanning users in their 30s and 40s have more skin mutations than people twice their age, particularly in areas exposed to tanning beds. This can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that lower doses of approved immunotherapy drugs can give better results against tumours, while reducing side effects. The regimen with the lower dose of ipilimumab was more effective, with a higher proportion of patients responding to treatment and longer overall survival.
A study published by Lund University suggests that tattoos could be a risk factor for melanoma. Researchers found a 29% increased relative risk among tattooed individuals compared to non-tattooed individuals. The link may be due to the immune system's response to tattoo ink, which can lead to exposure to potential carcinogens.
Researchers have identified a protein complex that drives T cell exhaustion in tumors and show that disrupting it can revive exhausted anti-tumor CTLs. The study's findings offer new hope for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
A deep learning system developed by Incheon National University integrates images and clinical details to improve early skin cancer diagnosis. The model achieved 94.5% accuracy, outperforming popular image-only models.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati Cancer Center found a promising combination of immunotherapy medications that helps overcome treatment resistance in refractory melanoma patients. The IGNYTE trial results showed increased immune response and tumor activation in approximately one-third of patients.
Researchers have discovered a new way to understand cancer and its vulnerabilities by targeting FSP1, a protein that helps cancer cells survive. The study found that FSP1 inhibitors can effectively reduce the growth of metastatic melanoma cells in lymph nodes.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center report the first clinical activity of a RAS inhibitor in patients with NRAS-mutant melanoma, achieving complete and partial responses in two patients. The therapy blocks downstream signaling that drives tumor growth and immune escape, while activating the immune system to fight cancer.
A UCLA study finds that DNA copy-number changes enable melanoma cells to resist immune attacks, leading to tumor relapse. The researchers suggest a strategy to make tumors more prone to self-destruction after immune attacks, potentially extending the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
A new genomic test can identify people with melanoma as being at low or high risk of cancer spreading to their lymph nodes. The test uses gene expression profiles from a tumor sample, eliminating the need for additional biopsies, and may help guide treatment decisions.
A team of researchers developed a battery-free wearable patch that measures bioimpedance to detect skin lesions, distinguishing between healthy and abnormal skin. The patch's effectiveness was tested on 10 volunteers, showing significant differences between healthy and suspicious moles.
Researchers discovered craters on the surface of melanoma cells that serve as immune hubs and facilitate local tumor killing. These structures, termed CRATERs, may serve as a more accurate marker of immunotherapy's success in treating solid tumors.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a nanoparticle-based vaccine that prevents melanoma, pancreatic and triple-negative breast cancer in mice. The vaccine achieved remarkable survival rates, with up to 88% of vaccinated mice remaining tumor-free.
A new nurse-led model in Australia is utilizing primary care nurses trained in dermoscopy and AI to detect suspicious skin lesions, resulting in over 1200 screenings and 96 suspected melanoma cases. The initiative aims to bridge healthcare gaps and save thousands of lives by empowering nurses to lead skin cancer detection.
Commercial sunbeds are being touted as integral to wellness by social media, despite causing melanoma and other skin cancers. Experts argue that a ban is necessary to protect vulnerable populations and reduce the national skin cancer burden.
Researchers at Sutter's California Pacific Medical Center have identified potential new therapeutic strategies for patients with advanced melanoma who no longer respond to immunotherapy. The study found several druggable genes and pathways, including those involved in MAPK signaling, angiogenesis, and apoptosis.
The study found a significant association between higher serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and increased risks of nonmelanoma skin cancer, melanoma, and other skin cancers. Risks were highest in males, older adults, and individuals with obesity.