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Summer sun safety

A recent study published in Dermatologic Surgery reveals a significant link between summer sun exposure and the development of melanoma. Sun protective measures such as sunscreen and clothing are necessary to prevent skin cancer, despite controversy surrounding current guidelines.

SourceBlackwell Publishing Ltd.·JournalDermatologic Surgery·DateMay 9, 2006

Recurrent melanoma may be more common than previously thought

Researchers found that 20% of participants developed additional melanoma within one year and 27% within two years after initial diagnosis. Those with atypical moles had a higher risk of developing additional melanomas, with those having three or more atypical moles being four times more likely to develop multiple tumors.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateApr 17, 2006

Invasive skin cancer a growing problem in Hispanics

The incidence of invasive melanoma has significantly increased among Hispanic males in California between 1988 and 2001. The rate of invasive tumors greater than 0.75mm thick is particularly concerning, with a notable increase among Hispanic men compared to non-Hispanic whites.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateJan 23, 2006

Study identifies risk factors for multiple melanoma skin cancer

A study of 4,484 patients with first primary melanomas found that 8.6% had multiple primary melanomas, with a higher risk for those with family history or dysplastic nevi. The estimated cumulative 5-year risk of a second primary tumor was 11.4%, with a significant increase in incidence for the development of third primary melanoma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 4, 2005

Kidney transplant patients face higher cancer risk

Renal transplant recipients are at increased risk for melanoma due to immunosuppression, with a 3.6-fold increase in incidence compared to the general population. The risk increases five percent per year after transplantation and is greater in men, who also experience rapid age-related increases.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateSep 26, 2005

Patients learn more facts from videos but need contact with doctor to soothe their anxiety

A study by researchers at the University of Michigan Health System found that patients learned more facts from educational videos than from their doctors during a clinic visit. However, the video was less effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels compared to face-to-face interactions with their doctors.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Dermatology·DateJul 25, 2005

Other highlights in the July 6 JNCI

A new study found long-duration regular use of aspirin or NSAIDs may lower prostate cancer risk by 18%. Gene variants associated with melanoma risk were also identified in a Mediterranean population study, while another study found no link between gene mutations and response to bevacizumab

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 5, 2005

Early detection of thick melanomas

The number of new melanoma cases in the US increased 60% from 1988-1991 to 1996-1999, with thick melanomas primarily composed of nodular subtype. The study suggests that current early-detection educational programs may not be effective for detecting this aggressive type of melanoma.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJun 20, 2005

PNAS highlights for the week of April 4 - 8

Archaeological findings reveal extensive ancient Maya salt workshops beyond royal control, while researchers investigate the role of Toll-like receptor 4 in inducing neuropathic pain. Atmospheric pollution is linked to wheat disease prevalence, and microarray technology helps diagnose skin cancer stages. Serotonin levels may regulate e...

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 5, 2005

Clues on cancer from a zebrafish model of melanoma

Researchers have developed a zebrafish model that shows human BRAF mutations can induce dramatic black pigmentation and aggressive melanomas. The study also found that p53 deficiency is crucial for melanoma development, providing new insights into melanoma genetics and drug development.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005

When does a mole become a melanoma?

Researchers genetically engineered zebrafish to develop black-pigmented moles with mutated human BRAF and p53 genes. The study shows that BRAF mutations are necessary for mole development, but insufficient for cancer. The model provides insights into how gene mutations contribute to melanoma

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2005

Other highlights in the May 19 JNCI

Researchers discovered feasible chemotherapy combinations that include trastuzumab for HER2-positive advanced breast cancer, with higher overall response rates and lower cardiac dysfunction. Two phase II clinical trials showed promising results, paving the way for future randomized phase III trials.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateMay 18, 2004

Skin cancer breakthrough

A recent study has identified a genetic risk factor for malignant melanoma in men, highlighting the importance of faulty genes in the development of the disease. The study found that variants in the BRAF gene are more common in people with melanoma, particularly in men.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalJournal of Carcinogenesis·DateNov 26, 2003

November's Ophthalmology journal

The American Academy of Ophthalmology has published several new studies on various eye conditions, including amblyopia, glaucoma, and corneal surgery. Researchers have explored the effectiveness of patching regimens for treating severe amblyopia in children and found promising results.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateOct 22, 2003

Study may help explain sunlight's role in melanoma development, have screening implications

Researchers have discovered a specific molecular pathway within cells that becomes mutated by ultraviolet light exposure, accelerating melanoma development. The study's findings suggest a rational method for risk stratification and screening of atypical skin moles, which could help identify patients with high-risk profiles.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2003

Early-warning procedure can help more melanoma patients than previously thought

A new study reveals that sentinel lymph node mapping can be safely performed on patients with melanoma in the delicate head and neck area, allowing for early detection of cancer spread. The technique has been shown to accurately stage patients and identify those who need further treatment, potentially improving survival rates.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJan 20, 2003

Presence of certain tumor markers for melanoma could signal best results for vaccine

A recent study by the American Association for Cancer Research found that patients with advanced melanoma expressing higher levels of melanoma-associated antigens (MAAs) experienced significantly improved survival outcomes. The study suggests that these tumors may be more responsive to immunotherapy, such as vaccines against melanoma.

SourceAmerican Association for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Research·DateJan 15, 2003

Signaling pathway in melanoma could provide target for diagnosis, prevention and treatment

A study by Emory University scientists identified the MAP kinase signaling pathway as a key player in early melanoma development. The researchers found that this pathway is abnormally activated in early melanomas, but not in precancerous moles. This finding has implications for diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

SourceEmory University Health Sciences Center·JournalClinical Cancer Research·DateDec 5, 2002

Genetic manifestation of melanoma linked to geographic location

A study found that genetic mutation penetrance for melanoma varies by geographic location, with higher risks in countries like the US and Australia. Researchers suggest environmental factors contribute to this variation, contradicting previous assumptions about gene mutations and their impact on disease expression.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJun 18, 2002