Articles tagged with Melanoma
Elizabeth Shenk, a BU Biomedical Engineering and Pharmacology Training Program student, received the Research Scholar Award from the Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation. The $10,000 grant supports her research on determining which melanomas are likely to metastasize using a three-dimensional engineered platform.
A new study found that women taking aspirin have a reduced risk of developing melanoma, with the longest users showing the lowest risk. Aspirin's anti-inflammatory effects may help protect against this type of skin cancer.
A study published in Science Signaling identified a critical protein role in the spread of melanoma to the lungs. Researchers found that inhibiting the adenosine diphosphate ribosylation factor 6 (ARF6) protein reduces melanoma metastasis.
Researchers have discovered a connection between a genetic variant in the FTO gene and an increased risk of developing melanoma. The study, published in Nature Genetics, suggests that this gene plays a role in various diseases beyond obesity and BMI.
Researchers discovered an identical gene mutation in the telomerase gene in all family members with malignant melanoma, leading to overactive telomerase and virtual immortality. The mutation was also found in non-inherited melanomas, suggesting a link between sun exposure and cancer development.
Scientists at Washington University School of Medicine identified a mutated gene, SF3B1, in eye melanoma tumors that predict a good outcome. The mutation is found in a distinct subtype of melanomas unlikely to spread and become deadly.
A study found that four smartphone applications assessing melanoma risk had varying levels of accuracy, ranging from 6.8% to 98.1% sensitivity and 30.4% to 93.7% specificity. Many apps incorrectly classified most melanomas as non-concerning.
A study found that smartphone apps incorrectly diagnose 30% or more melanomas as 'unconcerning', potentially delaying doctor visits and life-saving treatment. The apps often lack regulatory oversight and are marketed to nonclinical users, increasing the risk of harm to the uninsured or economically disadvantaged.
Researchers found that drug-resistant melanoma tumors can be controlled by using an on-again, off-again treatment schedule. This approach may prolong the effectiveness of the drug for people with late-stage disease.
Thousands of melanoma patients are undergoing sentinel node biopsy despite a lack of clear evidence, with up to 96% of cases resulting in unnecessary surgery. The BMJ calls on funders and researchers to demand prompt publication of the full results of the MSLT-I trial.
Scientists at Virginia Commonwealth University have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how cancer spreads, discovering that a specific protein can be inhibited to stop melanoma metastasis. The research could lead to new targeted therapies and diagnostic tools for patients with melanoma and potentially other cancers.
Researchers identify red/blond pigment as contributor to melanoma formation in fair-skinned individuals, suggesting a new mechanism to explain the elevated risk. The discovery may lead to improved sunscreens and measures directly addressing this pigmentation-associated risk.
Researchers discovered a unique immune gene signature linked to microscopic lymph node-like structures in metastatic melanoma, which may predict better survival and enable personalized immunotherapy.
Researchers found a significant increase in malignant melanoma cases in the Västra Götaland region of Sweden, with men and women exposed to more hours of sunlight during their summer holidays. The study suggests that intermittent sun exposure contributes to the development of melanoma.
Transplant recipients and lymphoma patients are at higher risk of developing melanoma, which can be fatal if not detected early. They should be aware of their skin changes and consult a dermatologist regularly.
Phase I and II trials of combining drugs to treat melanoma, including dabrafenib and trametinib, demonstrate a clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival, response rate, and duration of response. These studies suggest the potential for new drug combinations to delay resistance to BRAF inhibitors.
Researchers at MD Anderson Cancer Center have identified a promising therapy for NRAS-mutant melanoma patients. By combining two drugs that inhibit proteins Mek and Cdk4, scientists found that the combination shrinks tumors in genetically engineered mouse models.
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have discovered a new biomarker for melanoma, a deadly skin cancer. The findings reveal that certain biochemical elements in DNA are absent in melanoma cells, serving as a key indicator for malignant melanoma.
A new CT linked technique improved the detection of positive sentinel lymph nodes and increased disease-free survival rates among melanoma patients. The study found that patients who underwent preoperative SPECT/CT imaging had a higher rate of metastatic node detection and longer disease-free survival.
Researchers found evidence that melanoma manifests differently in children than in adults, particularly with regard to the likelihood and significance of lymph node metastases. Despite higher rates of metastases to sentinel nodes, survival rates for children are comparable or better than those for adults.
A University of Colorado Cancer Center study found that parents' concern about skin cancer does not affect their children's outdoor play time or obesity rates. The research suggests that children can get plenty of physical activity and prevent skin cancer by using sun protection measures.
A recent study published in Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals suggests that high-dose interleukin-2 (IL-2) should continue to be the initial treatment for patients with stage IV metastatic melanoma. The researchers recommend intensive IL-2 therapy as a viable option, either alone or in combination with newer therapeutic agents.
A GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences study published in Nature Communications reveals that traditional sun protection may not be effective against skin cancer. The research found that UVA radiation induces melanin formation, which is directly involved in melanoma formation, contradicting the notion of a 'safe tan'.
Agnieszka Gembarska and Chris Marine discovered a new way to combat melanoma by inhibiting the interaction between MDM4 and p53, restoring tumor suppressive effect in melanoma cells. This approach shows promise for improving clinical response to treatment, particularly when combined with BRAF inhibitors.
Researchers identified six genes with driving mutations in melanoma, three of which have recurrent 'hotspot' mutations caused by UV light exposure. The study provides potential targets for new treatments and offers insights into the frequency and characteristics of driver mutations.
Researchers discovered an uncommon mutation of the BRAF gene in melanoma patients that responds to MEK inhibitor drugs. The BRAF L597 mutation is adjacent to the V600 mutation and was found in 4% of tumor samples, suggesting potential benefits from MEK inhibitors.
A new immunotherapy using nanolipogels (NLGs) delays tumor growth, sends tumors into remission, and increases survival rates in mice. The NLGs deliver two components: an inhibitor drug that counters TGF-β and interleukin-2 to boost the immune response.
Researchers at LA BioMed are conducting a study to evaluate the effectiveness of an immune-stimulating topical cream called Imiquimod in treating melanoma. The study aims to assess how Imiquimod combats melanoma tumors at the genetic level and may lead to personalized immune therapy.
The new drug dabrafenib has shown significant improvements in progression-free survival for patients with BRAF mutation-positive melanoma, with an average of 5.1 months compared to 2.7 months with existing treatment dacarbazine. The results also suggest that dabrafenib may have fewer severe side effects than other BRAF inhibitors.
Researchers found that the SETDB1 gene accelerates cancer progression in zebrafish with human BRAF mutations, similar to its effect in humans. The study suggests that SETDB1 may be a master regulator of melanoma and could lead to new treatments.
In a phase I clinical trial, dabrafenib successfully shrank tumors in 9 out of 10 patients with brain metastases. The drug also showed activity in other cancer types with the BRAF mutation. Researchers recommend an oral dose of 150 mg twice daily for future trials.
Dabrafenib, a BRAF inhibitor, demonstrates substantial tumor shrinkage in patients with brain metastases from melanoma. The study also reveals potential for the treatment to prolong survival beyond 12 months.
A team of scientists has sequenced the whole genomes of 25 metastatic melanoma tumors, confirming the role of chronic sun exposure and revealing new genetic changes. The study identified a gene called PREX2, which is mutated in 44% of patients and appears to accelerate tumor development.
Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found a new way to overcome resistance to drugs that target the BRAF gene mutation in melanoma. The study, led by Jeffrey S. Weber and Keiran S. Smalley, showed that an inhibitor called XL888 can restore effectiveness in patients who have developed resistance to existing treatments.
The incidence of melanoma has escalated, with a dramatic rise in women in their 20s and 30s. Researchers attribute this to increased use of indoor tanning beds and childhood sunburns, leading to higher lifetime risk of melanoma.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that UV photographs can predict melanoma risk factors in 12-year-olds. The study's results suggest that primary care physicians can use UV photography to provide better sun protection counseling, potentially preventing melanoma cases.
A phase 2 trial found that ipilimumab improved disease control and long-term survival in patients with advanced melanoma and brain metastases. The treatment was associated with similar immune-related side effects as those reported for patients without brain metastases, suggesting a potential new standard of care for this population.
Researchers found a high response rate of 56% and median survival of nearly 16 months for patients with metastatic melanoma treated with vemurafenib. This was higher than other therapies, with rapid responses and common toxic effects, but also potential resistance mechanisms under investigation.
Researchers report a rare phenomenon where localized radiation therapy leads to disappearance of metastatic tumors, suggesting an immune system-activating effect. The combination of ipilimumab and radiation may offer a promising approach for treating advanced melanoma.
Researchers at UCLA's Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have uncovered a mechanism by which melanoma becomes resistant to the BRAF inhibitor Zelboraf. By amplifying the mutated BRAF gene, cancer cells can overproduce the drug target protein, rendering the treatment ineffective.
A newly approved drug for metastatic melanoma has nearly doubled median survival times, changing the way this deadly form of skin cancer is treated. The drug, Zelboraf, blocks a mutated BRAF protein and has been shown to have a significant impact on patient outcomes.
A new melanoma drug, vemurafenib (Zelboraf), has been shown to nearly double the median overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma. The Phase 2 trial found that 53% of patients responded to treatment and experienced improved survival rates.
A study by the American Cancer Society finds that recent declines in melanoma mortality rates are largely confined to the most educated individuals. The study reveals a widening disparity in melanoma mortality rates by education, with higher death rates among those with lower levels of education.
Women with breast cancer who take anti-estrogen supplements may be decreasing their risk for melanoma. Risk for melanoma was 60 percent higher among patients who did not receive anti-estrogen therapy compared to those who received it.
Researchers developed a new genetic screening tool to investigate possible treatments for patients with melanoma and unique genetic mutations. The study found that vemurafenib was most effective in melanomas with the V600E mutation, while vincristine only worked on those without BRAF gene mutations.
Researchers identified a novel gene mutation in the MITF gene that increases the risk of both inherited and sporadic cases of malignant melanoma. The mutation, known as E318K, was found to block sumoylation of MITF, leading to overactivity and significantly increasing melanoma risk.
Researchers developed a nanomedicine-based tool to target malignant melanoma, which showed promising results in preclinical studies. The system's ability to deliver targeted therapies with high affinity and selectivity holds great potential for improved diagnosis and therapy.
A recent meta-analysis notes that current evidence is not adequate to determine the best margin for common melanoma presentations. A new study adds to the evidence base with no significant difference in overall survival or recurrence-free survival for patients with a melanoma thicker than 2mm and two centimeter resection margins.
A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a 2cm excision margin for skin melanomas thicker than 2mm is safe and effective, with similar levels of recurrence and death compared to a larger 4cm margin. This finding challenges current recommendations and may lead to changes in treatment guidelines.
A survey of 304 hair professionals found that 69% would give customers a skin cancer pamphlet and 25% share general health information. The study suggests that hair professionals are acting as lay health advisors for skin cancer detection and prevention, and could be trained to become confident educators.
Researchers discovered three new DNA faults linked to melanoma, which are not related to hair, skin, or eye color. The genes, MX2, ATM, and CASP8, increase the risk of developing melanoma by 30 percent, particularly in people with two copies of these gene faults.
Researchers analyzed medical records of 717 children and 1,368 young adults diagnosed with melanoma. Children were found to have a higher risk of metastases in lymph nodes compared to adults. Survival rates did not differ significantly by age among those with metastatic melanoma.
Researchers at the University of Leeds found that people with fair skin are more likely to have sub-optimal vitamin D levels. The study suggests that these individuals may need vitamin D supplements to maintain optimal health levels, particularly in areas with limited sunlight.
A new treatment, percutaneous hepatic perfusion (PHP), has been shown to significantly extend the time patients with liver-dominant metastatic melanoma can live without disease progression. On average, PHP patients survived for 8.1 months, compared to 1.6 months in the control group.
A U-M study found that decreased core muscle density is linked to increased cancer spread and poorer outcomes. Patients with lower muscle density had higher recurrence rates, regardless of tumor size or age.
A new study from the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center confirms that sentinel lymph node biopsy is a safe and effective way to determine the status of regional nodal basins for head and neck melanoma patients. The procedure was found to be accurate in identifying cancerous nodes, with only 4% false-negative results.
A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that physician-detected melanomas are thinner and more often detected in the early stage compared to patient-detected lesions. Physician-based screening was associated with a higher overall patient-detection rate, with most lesions found by patients due to changes in appearance.
The European Commission has approved YERVOY (ipilimumab) for treating adult patients with previously-treated advanced melanoma. The treatment showed long-term survival rates of 46% and 24% at 1 and 2 years, respectively. YERVOY works by stimulating the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
A combination of calcium and vitamin D may cut the chance of melanoma in half for some women at high risk of developing this life-threatening skin cancer. The study found that women who took the calcium-vitamin D supplements developed 57 percent fewer melanomas than those who were not given the supplements.
Researchers found that people with Parkinson's disease are twice as likely to develop melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Women with Parkinson's disease are also at higher risk, particularly for aggressive forms of the disease.