Articles tagged with Melanoma
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.
A preclinical study suggests combining targeted therapy against the BRAF/MAPK pathway with immunotherapy may improve durability of responses in treating melanoma. Researchers found that inhibiting the MAPK pathway resulted in increased antigen expression, leading to improved recognition by T-cells.
RG7204, a BRAF inhibitor, has shown significant preclinical activity against melanoma by inhibiting proliferation of tumor cell lines and inducing partial or complete tumor regression. The compound also improved survival rates without associated toxicity in preclinical models.
Identification of IKKβ as a crucial signaling molecule in melanoma development may lead to new targeted therapies. The study suggests that treating patients with specific genetic profiles could enhance treatment efficacy.
Researchers found that adding sorafenib to chemotherapy regimens does not improve patient survival in advanced melanoma patients. The study, sponsored by ECOG, enrolled 823 patients and did not confirm promising results from previous phase II studies.
A new chemotherapy delivery method has shown promising results in treating advanced melanoma patients with liver metastasis. The phase III trial demonstrated a significant increase in progression-free survival rates and controlled tumors in the liver.
A nearly 2,300-person study by the University of Minnesota definitively links indoor tanning to increased risk of melanoma, with frequent users facing a 74% higher likelihood. The study found that risk is associated more with how much a person tans and not the age or device type.
Researchers from the NYU Cancer Institute will present studies on improved ways to diagnose melanoma in lymphatic vessels and investigate genetic differences between melanoma subtypes. Laura Hogan, a pediatric hematology and oncology fellow, is also honored for her outstanding work in pediatric oncology research.
Researchers found warning young women about the effects on their appearance caused a 35% drop in indoor tanning visits. The study suggested that focusing on appearance is more effective than just skin cancer warnings, and offering alternative options can help individuals change their behavior.
A fish model experiment reverses an earlier finding linking early life UVA exposure to melanoma development. The study finds that UVB exposure is a significant cause of melanoma in the model, contradicting previous research. This new evidence sheds light on the role of UVA and UVB in skin cancer.
Researchers found that late-stage melanoma treatment for people over 65 years old results in substantial economic burdens, with average monthly charges ranging from $902 to $3,933. Early detection and treatment can significantly reduce these costs by up to 40-65%.
Two studies reveal a significant increase in non-melanoma skin cancers in the US, with over 13 million Americans affected by 2007. The disease is associated with substantial illness and cost, and continues to be a major public health concern.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a noninvasive infrared scanning system to help doctors determine whether pigmented skin growths are benign moles or deadly melanoma. The system works by looking for tiny temperature differences between healthy tissue and growing tumors.
A study published in Genome Research has identified 11 novel gene fusions and 12 cases of chimeric transcripts in melanoma tumors. These genomic alterations, including rearrangements of genes and altered protein function, may play a role in the disease.
A study found that melanoma incidence rates increased 2.4 percent per year among white non-Hispanic individuals, while Hispanic and black patients had more advanced melanoma at diagnosis, suggesting the need for targeted education and screening campaigns to address disparities in melanoma outcomes
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have identified hundreds of genes linked to patient survival in advanced melanoma. The study used DNA-microarray technology to find genes involved in the immune response and gene proliferation, providing a new framework for personalized medicine.
A recent study found that radiation therapy significantly improves regional recurrence control in melanoma patients who underwent lymphadenectomy. The treatment reduced the risk of cancer returning to the lymph nodes by 12 percentage points compared to observation.
A team of University of Alberta researchers successfully synthesized a natural substance called Palmerolide A, which shows exceptional potential to specifically treat melanoma. The potency of palmerolide is exceptional and may prove to be more effective with less toxicity than current chemotherapy approaches.
A survey of resident physicians found that many are not trained in skin cancer examinations, with only a small percentage reporting skill levels in performing the procedure. The study highlights the need for comprehensive training programs to teach this essential skill.
Researchers found that tanned very-light-skinned children with no red hair develop more nevi than untanned counterparts. The study suggests tanning avoidance may reduce melanoma risk in this population.
Researchers have identified a new group of genetic mutations involved in melanoma, with ERBB4 being the most frequently mutated PTK gene. The discovery could lead to specific therapies for melanoma patients with ERBB4 mutations.
A study found that dermatologists detected 56.3% of all melanomas and 60% of in situ melanomas, compared to 54.5% for patient-detected cases. Dermatologist detection was also associated with thinner melanomas, with median depths of 0.33mm for physician-detected cases versus 0.55mm for patient-detected cases.
A recent randomized trial found no association between antioxidant supplementation and melanoma risk in women. Long-term use of beta carotene and selenium also showed no link to melanoma risk. The study included over 69,000 participants and provided new insights into the potential benefits and harms of antioxidant supplements.
A phase II trial found that budesonide did not reduce the rate of diarrhea in patients with stage III or IV melanoma taking ipilimumab. The study showed a median overall survival of 17.7 months among those treated with budesonide, similar to those receiving placebo.
Researchers identified eight risk factors for the transformation of choroidal nevi, benign flat pigmented growths inside the eye, into melanoma. These factors include tumor thickness greater than 2mm, fluid beneath the retina, and orange pigment.
Researchers are testing a tumor-specific protein called recombinant human melanoma antigen A3 (MAGE-A3) to track down and kill cancer cells in patients with recurring melanoma. The study aims to generate a search-and-destroy program targeting deadly melanoma cells through the immune system.
Primary care physicians will receive web-based training on melanoma screening through a new program developed with a team of researchers. The goal is to improve detection and reduce mortality rates from melanoma.
A TGen-led research team has been awarded a $1 million grant by the Melanoma Research Alliance to identify novel melanoma risk genes. The team, led by Dr. Jeffrey Trent, aims to characterize genes influencing melanoma risk and develop targeted screening or prevention efforts.
Scientists at QIMR have discovered two genes that significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma in people with multiple moles. This groundbreaking research will help develop new screening techniques and potentially lead to new therapies for this deadly skin cancer.
A new region of the genome associated with an increased risk of melanoma has been identified by researchers at Leeds University and IDIBAPS, funded by the European Commission. The study found a link between this region and skin pigmentation, as well as two previously identified regions linked to melanoma risk.