Articles tagged with Melanoma
Haizhen Wang, a MUSC Hollings Cancer Center researcher, has received a $225,000 Young Investigator grant from the Melanoma Research Alliance. She will investigate the function of protein CDK6 in T-cells to improve melanoma therapy outcomes.
A clinical trial found that nearly half of patients treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab were alive six-and-a-half years after treatment, outperforming those who received either drug alone. The combination therapy demonstrated a durable benefit for advanced melanoma patients.
A new study reveals that small uveal melanomas have molecular genetic alterations, making them highly metastatic tumours. Prompt treatment can significantly increase the chances of cure for these patients.
Researchers at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center discovered that acral nevi have a distinct mutation profile compared to acral melanoma, with activating mutations in the BRAF gene being very common in acral nevi. The study found that only 10% of patients had activating mutations in the NRAS gene.
A recent study found that banning tanning beds among U.S. minors would significantly reduce the number of melanoma cases in adolescents, with estimates suggesting up to 15,101 cases prevented over the lifetime of 17.1 million minors. The study also estimated that such a ban would save millions of dollars in healthcare costs.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Cancer Center have discovered an NLRP3 inhibitor that can reduce inflammation in melanoma cells, potentially leading to reduced tumor growth and progression. The study's findings suggest that inhibiting NLRP3 could improve patient care for those resistant to checkpoint inhibitors.
Chronic side effects among melanoma survivors after anti-PD-1 immunotherapy treatment are more common than previously recognized, affecting 43% of patients. The most frequently affected organs were joints and the endocrine system.
Pre-clinical study finds NCOA3 activation contributes to melanoma development after exposure to ultraviolet light, promoting survival advantage and accumulation of DNA damage. A single nucleotide polymorphism in NCOA3 decreases protein production, increasing sensitivity to UV-mediated cell death.
A new grant will enable researcher Neil Box to conduct further follow-up work with a longitudinal study of mole development in kids, aiming to determine the effects of early sun exposure. The study aims to develop more sophisticated measures of sun damage and explore its relationship with melanoma risk.
A neural network system analyzes photographs to rank and distinguish suspicious skin lesions, suggesting it can aid clinicians in spotting precancerous marks during clinical visits. The platform's performance was demonstrated with a sensitivity and specificity of 90.3% and 89.9%, respectively, in identifying 'ugly duckling' lesions.
A new study found that altering the gut microbiome can take a patient with advanced melanoma who has never responded to immunotherapy and convert them into responders.
A new AI algorithm has demonstrated the ability to accurately diagnose skin melanoma, rivaling that of experienced dermatologists. The study used machine learning to analyze 937 images and 200 cases, with results showing no significant difference between human dermatologists and the algorithm in making classifications.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers investigated the role of metabolites in melanoma growth and spread. The team found significant differences in metabolite amounts between primary melanoma and surrounding tissues, suggesting that these substances may be responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance.
Increased diagnostic scrutiny is linked to rapid rise in melanoma diagnoses, according to a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine. Melanoma incidence has doubled among adults 65 and older over the past two decades, despite stable mortality rates.
A review of 13 studies found that individuals with skin of color are at increased risk of developing melanoma due to UV exposure. The study suggests that prolonged UV light exposure is a significant risk factor for melanoma in this population.
Researchers analyzed ten cancer patients with refractory melanoma and found that fecal microbiota transplant improved patient outcomes in three out of ten cases. The treatment was safe and feasible, suggesting a potential role in overcoming resistance to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
A new study published in the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology found that tanning bed use and sunburns may increase a woman's chances of developing endometriosis. The research analyzed data from over 116,000 women and found a higher risk among those who used tanning beds frequently or got sunburnt during teenage years.
A computational method combining clinicodemographic variables and deep learning of pre-treatment histology images accurately predicts response to immune checkpoint blockade. The model, validated in an independent cohort, achieves high accuracy and can stratify patients into high versus low risk for disease progression.
A new study uses artificial intelligence to predict which patients with metastatic melanoma will respond well to immune checkpoint inhibitors. The algorithm achieves an accuracy rate of 80%, outperforming current predictive tools in a significant way.
A new diagnostic system was developed by Lithuanian scientists, achieving over 90% accuracy in detecting melanoma from skin lesions. The non-invasive method combines data from optical spectrophotometry and ultrasound imaging technologies.
Younger patients with resected melanoma showed a benefit from adjuvant bevacizumab treatment, while older patients did not. The study suggests that sFRP2 may promote angiogenesis in older patients with melanoma, which is superseding the role of VEGF.
A key blood marker of cancer could be used to select the most effective treatment for melanoma, according to an Edith Cowan University study. The discovery has the potential to improve melanoma survival rates by identifying patients who may benefit from more aggressive treatments.
A new study has discovered that accumulated DNA damage in skin cells can be used to estimate the risk of deadly skin cancer. Researchers sequenced DNA from individual melanocytes and found a significant number of mutations associated with melanoma, even in people without visible moles.
Researchers found people with pale-colored melanomas are more likely to have an albinism gene mutation, which prevents brown pigment synthesis and increases skin cancer risk. This discovery could lead to personalized medicine and earlier treatment for patients with one mutated albinism gene.
People with pale-colored melanomas are more susceptible to developing rare genetic mutations associated with albinism. Researchers plan to collect samples to compare genotype and develop personalized monitoring for patients with one albinism gene mutation.
A collaborative study has uncovered new markers uniquely present on melanoma tumours that can be recognised by the immune system. These markers, known as spliced peptides, can be used to develop therapeutic vaccines to combat melanoma.
Scientists have discovered a rapid, inexpensive, and non-invasive method to track malignant melanoma using fluorescent molecules in urine samples. The technique allows doctors to diagnose and monitor the disease without requiring invasive biopsies.
A consensus statement evaluates the use of prognostic genetic expression profile testing in melanoma, cautioning against routine use due to limitations. The statement aims to assist clinicians in determining when and how gene expression profiling should be adopted in clinical practice.
Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys discovered that PRMT5 inhibitors can sensitize unresponsive melanoma to immune checkpoint therapy, enhancing antigen presentation and innate immunity. The study suggests that these inhibitors may also be effective in tumors of other types, providing a potential breakthrough for cancer treatment.
This study defines the mutation profile of SUM in Caucasians using next-generation sequencing-based genomic analysis, identifying frequently mutated genes. The most abundant mutations were found in KIT and NRAS, while BRAF was only present in 3% of cases, providing insights into the genetics of subungual melanoma.
A study of 34,000 biologic-treated patients found an increased melanoma risk compared to 135,000 conventional therapy patients. The results suggest a potential association between long-term use of biologics for inflammatory diseases and the development of melanoma.
Scientists have identified two genes responsible for a melanoma that develops near the tails of male highland-sheepshead hybrids. These findings provide insight into the genetic causes of hybrid dysfunction and its effects on disease, highlighting the importance of understanding gene interactions in different species.
Researchers found improved survival among patients with malignant melanoma who used desloratadine and loratadine, particularly in the age group 65 and older. The study suggests these antihistamines may also reduce the risk of new malignant melanoma cases.
Researchers identified 33 new regions and confirmed 21 previously reported regions linked to melanoma risk, shedding light on the immune system's role in the disease. The study also uncovered associations between melanoma and common genetic variants in the TP53 gene.
Prolgolimab, a Russian original PD-1 inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The drug demonstrated significant antitumor activity and manageable safety in a phase II study, with 42 out of 126 patients experiencing an objective response.
Researchers developed an AI algorithm that can classify cutaneous skin disorders, predict malignancy, and suggest primary treatment options. The algorithm improved the diagnostic accuracy of clinicians, including dermatologists and the general public, by up to 86.8%.
Death rates from metastatic melanoma dropped by nearly 18 percent between 2013 and 2016, thanks to new therapies that harness the immune system or target specific gene mutations. These advances in treatment have led to the largest yearly declines in deaths due to melanoma ever recorded.
Research published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that bereaved individuals have a 17% higher risk of dying from melanoma compared to non-bereaved persons. Those who had lost a partner were also 12% less likely to be diagnosed with melanoma, highlighting the importance of skin checks for early detection and improved survival.
A recent study funded by the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found a potential link between partner bereavement and skin cancer. Researchers discovered that individuals who experienced the loss of a partner had a decreased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma, but an increased risk of dying after diagnosis.
A pilot study by researchers at the University of Cincinnati shows that radiation therapy before immunotherapy may increase patient survival for those with brain metastases. The combination therapy was found to be superior to radiation alone, with genes associated with cell death signaling and inflammation present in tissue.
A new study reveals wide state-by-state variation in melanoma rates attributed to ultraviolet radiation, with highest rates found on the East and West Coasts. States like Hawaii, Utah, Vermont, and Minnesota have high UV-attributable incidence rates, likely due to outdoor activities and sun protection.
A review of evidence published in The BMJ found that smartphone apps assessing mole risk cannot detect all skin cancers. While AI-powered apps offer potential for earlier detection and treatment, limitations and variable performance indicate insufficient promise to recommend their use.
A study published in Clinical Cancer Research found that circulating tumor cells were associated with a decrease in relapse-free survival at six months, and this association persisted at a 54-month longer-term follow-up. This suggests that CTC assessment may be useful in identifying patients at risk for relapse who could benefit from m...
Researchers found improved survival times of 13.6 months and 17.8 months for uveal melanoma patients with liver metastasis treated with new therapies, compared to 5.3 months in earlier years. The shift from systemic chemotherapy to targeted liver treatments has led to significant benefits.
Isolated limb infusion (ILI) is a new method for treating melanoma metastases confined to an extremity, offering a more targeted and less exhausting alternative to systemic chemotherapy. The study found an overall response rate of 76% and long-term limb salvage rate of 90%, comparable to high-volume centers in the US and Australia.
Researchers developed a new technique to predict which primary melanoma patients are at risk for cancer recurrence and spread by analyzing T-cell fraction in skin lesions. Patients with lower T-cell fraction (less than 20%) were found to be 2.5 times more likely to have cancer metastasize.
Researchers at University of Bath identified a molecule called DIRC3 that acts as a tumour suppressor to block melanoma cell growth and spread. High levels of DIRC3 expression in patients were linked to increased survival rates, suggesting its potential as a new treatment for skin cancer.
A study at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that patients who received Mohs surgery for melanoma reported a 95% long-term satisfaction rate with their results. The highly precise excision technique resulted in minimal scarring and a nearly 99% cure rate for early melanoma.
A study found that popular gym chains offer tanning beds in over 78% of their locations, despite public health warnings about the dangers of indoor tanning. Gyms are undermining health by marketing tanning beds to physically active people who are at increased risk for melanoma.
Prof. Carmit Levy receives Young Investigator Award from SMR for her significant contributions to melanoma research, discovering key elements of metastasis and laying groundwork for future therapies.
Researchers at University of Queensland have discovered markers in blood that differentiate benign moles from melanoma, as well as detect cancer spread to other areas. The blood test may monitor very early signs of the disease, allowing for better screening of patients with eye naevi.
Cases of melanoma declined among US adolescents and young adults from 2006 to 2015, with incidence rates dropping by 4% per year for males and 4.5% per year for females in the two age groups. Public health efforts advocating sun protection may be contributing to this trend.
A study analyzing US melanoma data found a decline in adolescent and young adult cases between 2006 and 2015, while older adults experienced an increase in melanoma rates during the same period. The research used registry data to determine age-specific annual rates of melanoma.
Researchers investigated weight loss surgery and skin cancer risk among 4,000 Swedish patients. The study found a significant association between the two, suggesting that weight loss surgery may reduce skin cancer risk.
Researchers developed a new approach to diagnosing melanoma using microRNA biomarkers, achieving high sensitivity and specificity rates. The method overcomes challenges of tumor heterogeneity and improves diagnostic accuracy, potentially leading to earlier detection and better patient outcomes.
A combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab has stopped or reversed melanoma progression for five years in nearly half of patients, offering new hope for advanced melanoma patients. The Checkmate 067 trial found a 52% five-year overall survival rate, with 74% treatment-free after five years.
Researchers found that combination immunotherapy increases the 5-year overall survival rate to 52%, compared to 26% for ipilimumab monotherapy, and preserves quality of life. The therapy has a high cure rate and is effective even in patients who stop treatment due to side effects.
Researchers have identified a combination therapy of MDM2 compounds and CDK4/6 inhibitors as a possible solution for overcoming resistance to these drugs in melanoma patients. The therapy was shown to reverse resistance mechanisms in multiple mouse models and human tumor slice culture assays.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have identified specific gene variations that affect mole patterns and melanoma risk. By studying the number and types of moles on the body, doctors can provide more holistic care to patients who may be at risk of developing melanoma.
A recent study published in Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research has found that genetic factors significantly influence not only the number of moles but also their location on the body. In women, the largest genetic impact is seen on the lower limbs, with a higher concentration of moles in this area compared to men.