Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Why does the immune system sometimes help tumors grow?

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.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2026

Melanoma treatment mystery gets new answers

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateAug 10, 2026

UCLA researchers receive NIH grant to boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

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.

Cancer vaccine sustains 49 percent melanoma reduction after 5 years

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.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 1, 2026

Garvan scientists capture ‘housekeeping’ immune cells attacking live 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.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2026

Nerves in skin can slow melanoma growth

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.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateApr 29, 2026

Cellular neighborhoods inside tumors may predict which patients with melanoma benefit from combination immunotherapy

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.

First-in-class dual HIF inhibitors eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice when combined with immunotherapy

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.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

Prospective evidence on AI−assisted melanoma diagnostics

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.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateMar 25, 2026

ECOG-ACRIN completes enrollment for 600-patient clinical trial focused on frontline therapy for advanced melanoma

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.

Pro-inflammatory macrophages increase melanoma cell aggressiveness via extracellular vesicles

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.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCell Communication and Signaling·DateMar 3, 2026

UCLA researchers develop mineral sunscreen that reduces white cast

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.

Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results

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.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2025

Tattoos could be a risk factor for melanoma

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.

SourceLund University·JournalEuropean Journal of Epidemiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 25, 2025

Moffitt study finds promising first evidence of targeted therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma

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.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2025

Nurses step up to tackle Australia’s skin cancer crisis

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCollegian Journal of the Royal College of Nursing Australia·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 8, 2025