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Why does the immune system sometimes help tumors grow?

Salk Institute researchers have discovered a novel pathway that links chronic interferon II exposure to mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to immunosuppression and enhanced tumor growth. By blocking prostaglandin E2, they found a viable target to restore immune system function and combat immunotherapy resistance.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateSep 10, 2026

Melanoma treatment mystery gets new answers

Researchers developed a mathematical model that suggests adjusting treatment schedules over time may be more effective in managing tumors than rigid treatment plans. The study found that continuous therapy, rather than on-and-off treatment, can control the tumor and reduce toxicity, improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalMathematical Biosciences·DateAug 10, 2026

City of Hope shows outreach to bone marrow transplant survivors and their primary care doctors can markedly cut skin cancer risk

A new study published in JNCCN finds that a cost-effective education program targeting survivors and their doctors can increase screening rates for skin cancer. The study showed that practical solutions can close the gap between elevated risks and low screening rates, especially after transitioning out of specialty care.

SourceCity of Hope·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateAug 6, 2026

UCLA researchers receive NIH grant to boost the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center are developing drug-based strategies to enhance cancer immunotherapy for melanoma and potentially other cancers. They identified two promising compounds that could strengthen T cell interaction with cancer cells or make tumor cells more susceptible to destruction by T cells.

Cellular neighborhoods inside tumors may predict which patients with melanoma benefit from combination immunotherapy

Researchers found that tumor genetics alone did not explain which patients responded to combination therapy, but rather the tumor's immune environment. Patients with active networks of cancer-killing T cells were more likely to benefit from treatment, while those with dense clusters of plasma cells were less likely.

First-in-class dual HIF inhibitors eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice when combined with immunotherapy

Researchers developed first-in-class dual HIF inhibitors that, when combined with immunotherapy, can completely eliminate breast, colorectal, melanoma, and prostate tumors in mice. The drugs target HIF-1/2 transcription factors, which are key regulators of cancer progression.

SourceRockefeller University Press·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2026

ECOG-ACRIN completes enrollment for 600-patient clinical trial focused on frontline therapy for advanced melanoma

The ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group has completed enrollment of 600 patients in the phase 2/3 trial EA6141, evaluating dual checkpoint blockade with nivolumab and ipilimumab plus sargramostim for unresectable stage 3 or 4 melanoma. The trial aims to assess overall survival, progression-free survival, and treatment tolerability.

Preclinical study reveals new cream may prevent or slow growth of some common skin cancers

A preclinical study reveals a new topical cream that activates the skin's immune defenses and suppresses tumor growth in two models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune-activating pathways in the skin, prompting immune cells to attack tumors.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2026

IVF not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but study shows differences in some cancers

A large Australian study of over 417,000 women found that fertility treatments were not linked to higher overall cancer rates, but some cancers were slightly more common, while others were less common. Women who received fertility treatment were more likely to develop uterine and ovarian cancer, as well as melanoma, but the overall ris...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 11, 2026

Pro-inflammatory macrophages increase melanoma cell aggressiveness via extracellular vesicles

Recent research from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that pro-inflammatory M1 macrophages accelerate melanoma progression through extracellular vesicle secretion. These vesicles contain inflammatory mediators that activate cancer cells, creating a favourable environment for tumour growth and invasiveness.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalCell Communication and Signaling·DateMar 3, 2026

UCLA researchers develop mineral sunscreen that reduces white cast

Researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center developed a new zinc oxide formulation that significantly reduces the white, chalky cast associated with traditional mineral sunscreens. The tetrapod-shaped particles provide strong protection against UV radiation while staying evenly distributed in the sunscreen.

Treating cancer with medication before surgery continues to increase, report shows

The report shows a notable increase in medication treatments, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy, used before surgery to treat many cancers. Neoadjuvant systemic therapy increased notably for certain cancers, including gynecologic cancers, pancreatic cancer, and rarer abdominal lining cancers.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 22, 2026

Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results

A new study by researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that lower doses of approved immunotherapy drugs can give better results against tumours, while reducing side effects. The regimen with the lower dose of ipilimumab was more effective, with a higher proportion of patients responding to treatment and longer overall survival.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·TypeObservational study·DateDec 7, 2025

Nurses step up to tackle Australia’s skin cancer crisis

A new nurse-led model in Australia is utilizing primary care nurses trained in dermoscopy and AI to detect suspicious skin lesions, resulting in over 1200 screenings and 96 suspected melanoma cases. The initiative aims to bridge healthcare gaps and save thousands of lives by empowering nurses to lead skin cancer detection.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalCollegian Journal of the Royal College of Nursing Australia·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 8, 2025