Articles tagged with Melanoma
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 from NYU Cancer Institute presented studies on the association between MC1R variants, ultraviolet light exposure, and melanoma risk. They also identified serum-based microRNAs as biomarkers for melanoma recurrence. These findings suggest that naturally occurring genetic variations in MC1R may increase an individual's predis...
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.
Researchers found loss of PTEN and mutations in MEK2, CDK4, and CDKN2A to be associated with patient response to GSK436. This study provides new insights into personalized approaches to melanoma therapy.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found shave biopsies to be a safe and accurate method for initial evaluation of melanoma. The study analyzed 600 consecutive patients who underwent shave biopsies, revealing that 97% of the results were accurate in determining T-stage and depth data.
Researchers have found that repeated topical application of ISC-4 can reduce tumor cell expansion by 80-90% and decrease tumor development in mice skin by about 80%. The compound is safe and kills melanoma cells two to five times more effectively than normal cells.
A blood test has identified seven plasma biomarkers that can predict the risk of metastasis in melanoma patients. The test was tested on 216 individuals and showed a high accuracy rate of 0.898, indicating its potential for use in clinical settings.
Researchers from the NIH have completed a comprehensive genome analysis of skin cancer, revealing key mutations that contribute to melanoma. The study identified 16 genes deemed to be melanoma driver mutations, including the oncogene BRAF and the ionotropic glutamate receptor gene GRIN2A.
Researchers found a significant association between Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma. The study, using the Utah Population Database, also identified a reciprocal risk for PD among individuals with these two cancers and their relatives.
Researchers have identified a new gene, SETDB1, that promotes the growth of melanoma and may play a role in up to 70 percent of malignant melanomas. The discovery was made using zebrafish and could lead to better therapeutic strategies for patients with melanoma.
The molecular disease model for melanoma (MDMM) classifies the disease into molecular subtypes and provides treatment guidelines for each subtype. The MDMM is maintained online and updated continuously based on input from the melanoma community.
A new gene called SETDB1 has been found to promote melanoma growth and invasion in a zebrafish model. The researchers also discovered that SETDB1 is present at high levels in 70% of human melanoma samples, suggesting its potential role in the formation of most cases.
A US study found that adolescent girls and young women living in high socioeconomic neighborhoods are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma. The incidence of melanoma increased over time among these groups, highlighting the need for targeted prevention efforts.
Researchers at Duke University developed a laser-based tool that can identify substantial chemical differences between cancerous and healthy skin tissues. The technique uses two lasers to pump energy into suspicious moles, analyzing the way it redistributes in the skin cells to pinpoint microscopic locations of different skin pigments.
A study found that women with melanoma report higher levels of both positive and negative impacts of cancer, including increased worries about UV radiation. Women also adjust their sun behavior more often and experience difficulties in getting life insurance as a result of their diagnosis.
A new study found that young people with a family history of melanoma are still ignoring sun safety advice, despite being aware of the risks. The research showed that younger women in particular viewed tanning as healthy and were less likely to use sunscreen.
A new study reveals that a biomarker test for DNA methylation is technically feasible and could aid in earlier and more precise diagnosis of melanoma. The test distinguishes malignant melanomas from non-malignant moles, with high predictive value.
A follow-up program for high-risk patients appears to detect melanomas at early stages and with good prognosis. The study found that 70% of melanomas diagnosed through the follow-up group were in situ, compared to 27.9% in the referred group.
Researchers at Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute have unraveled the relationship between MITF and ATF2, a transcription factor involved in melanoma development. The study reveals that the ratio of ATF2 to MITF in melanoma cells can predict survival in melanoma patients.
Researchers at Mount Sinai School of Medicine have discovered a protein that suppresses the progression of malignant melanoma by regulating an oncogene called CDK8. The study found that when macroH2A is present in early-stage melanoma, it slows down the disease's growth and metastasis.
A study of US adults found that women are more likely to use indoor tanning facilities than men, while few tanners mention reducing skin cancer risk. The prevalence of indoor tanning among US adults is relatively low, with 18.1% of women and 6.3% of men reporting use in the past year.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine introduce a potent anti-tumor gene into mice with metastatic melanoma, resulting in complete remission and permanent immune reconfiguration. The gene therapy uses modified lentivirus to deliver a T cell receptor gene that recognizes specific melanoma proteins.
Researchers have identified a novel oncogene GNA11 associated with uveal melanoma in over 40% of tumor samples. This discovery offers new targets and treatments for the disease, which affects about 1,500 people in the US each year.
A survey of patients undergoing skin cancer screening reveals that women are more likely to seek screening due to a skin lesion, family history, or sun exposure concerns. In contrast, men over 50 tend to only seek screenings after a previous skin cancer diagnosis.
A new melanoma treatment has shown a robust activity in shrinking brain metastases in patients with advanced disease. The drug, GSK2118436, targets the BRAF protein mutation common in human melanomas and has been found to control and reduce brain tumor size in nearly all patients.
A phase 1 clinical trial showed that PLX4032 significantly shrinks tumors in over 80% of patients with metastatic melanoma and the mutated BRAF gene. The drug has also improved quality of life by reducing symptoms such as pain and fatigue within a week.
A new targeted therapy called PLX4032 has been linked to an 80% response rate in treating advanced melanoma. The treatment, which targets the BRAF protein, has shown significant tumor shrinkage and improved quality of life for some patients.
A study comparing melanoma incidence in Florida to national estimates found that Hispanic men had a 20% higher rate, while female non-Hispanic black individuals had a 60% higher rate. In contrast, female Hispanic patients were 30% less likely to develop the disease.
A new study from Queen's University has found that the growth of malignant melanoma can be slowed when MicroRNA 193b is added. Increased levels of miR-193b led to lower levels of cyclin D1 and decreased melanoma cell growth.