The UVA Weber Symposium will discuss the latest research and advancements in metastasis, a complex area of cancer research and care. The event will bring together top scientists and physicians to present findings on cancer metastasis, genetics, and treatment considerations.
Researchers developed LC-OCT, combining optical coherence tomography and confocal microscopy, to create 3D images of skin at a micrometer scale. The AI-assisted method provides color-coded probability values for basal cell carcinoma detection, allowing early diagnosis and potential treatment with creams instead of surgery.
UCF researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on immune cells, focusing on transfer RNA (tRNA) as a pathway to treatments for cancers, infections, and autoimmune disorders. By modifying tRNA in T cells, the team aims to fine-tune immune responses to multiple diseases.
Researchers at Fox Chase Cancer Center have identified a promising new approach to rebuilding tissue after skin cancer surgery, using the DermiSphere Hydrogel Dermal Regeneration Template. This hydrogel-based template encourages the body's own cells to regenerate healthy tissue, reducing the need for extensive reconstructive procedures.
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.
Researchers found that melanoma cells suppress LL-37 production in neighboring keratinocytes, weakening a local epithelial defense pathway. This mechanism, mediated by melanoma-derived exosomal signals, can be targeted for therapeutic strategies.
Researchers created a detailed map of B cell development and behavior in melanoma tumours, revealing new insights into immunotherapy response. The study identified an 'inflamed' B cell state that persists throughout disease progression and after treatment.
Aging reprograms skin genetic activity by increasing inflammatory gene expression in the epidermis, leading to a loss of skin function. This mechanism is mediated by the collaboration of two proteins, BMAL1 and YAP, which normally maintain skin homeostasis.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that immunosuppressed patients with non-melanoma skin cancer have macrophages that fail to communicate effectively, leading to tumor progression. The study's findings suggest that boosting the functionality of these immune cells may lead to new treatment opportunities for these patients.
A NIH-funded research project has generated a comprehensive collection of patient-derived tumor models, covering 25 types of cancer from thousands of donor tissues. These models closely match their parental tumors in terms of genetic alterations and gene expression signatures, enabling researchers to explore tumor evolution and diversity.
This study found that young, non-Hispanic white women who are physically active and drink heavily are more likely to engage in intentional outdoor tanning. Intentional tanning is associated with increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, highlighting the need for targeted strategies to reduce this behavior.
Researchers developed microneedles that guide and scatter light to improve photodynamic therapy's reach in deep tissue. The technology could simplify treatment and enhance precision for skin cancer patients. Further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness in real-world conditions.
The study identified two proteins, BCL2 and MCL1, as predictive biomarkers for matching patients to specific drug combinations. Combining BRAF-MEK inhibitors with a BCL2 inhibitor induced tumor regression in previously resistant tumors.
Researchers at the University of Turku have developed a reliable laboratory model to study BAP1-deficient melanomas, which are resistant to immunotherapies. The new tool could lead to novel immunotherapy combinations for aggressive melanomas.
Researchers discovered a molecular seesaw that regulates healthy skin development. Modulating this balance with topical drugs could aid wound healing and slow skin cancer growth. The study found ubiquitin-like proteins trigger progenitor cells to mature or self-renew, leading to changes in immune cell populations.
Researchers found that eliminating a protein called DHHC3 in melanoma cells led to increased oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and activation of anti-tumor immune cells. This suggests that DHHC3 plays an immunoregulatory role in melanoma growth.
A recent study found that melanoma disproportionately affects Florida's senior population, with older men experiencing twice as many skin cancer-related deaths as women. The study highlights gaps in prevention and early detection, particularly among men and non-Hispanic populations.
Researchers from Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute presented various studies on cancer treatments, including the efficacy of lung cancer drug neladalkib and a psychosocial digital app for patients with multiple myeloma. An electronic frailty index was also used to identify high-risk older adults receiving CAR-T cell therapy.
Researchers from ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group will present updated outcomes from the STAMP study on Merkel cell carcinoma, primary results from studies in glioblastoma and non-small cell lung cancer, and emerging approaches in precision oncology. AI-driven insights from the TAILORx breast cancer trial will also be showcased.
Researchers found that a common asthma drug can help fight aggressive cancers by blocking the CysLTR1 molecule. The study used mouse models and human tissue samples to demonstrate its potential in treating triple-negative breast cancer and other tough tumors.
Researchers at the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center presented several studies at ASCO 2026 exploring new treatment options for patients with advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and melanoma. These include velzatinib, a targeted therapy for GIST patients, and PRAME-directed T-cell receptor therapies for synovial sarcoma.
Researchers developed a cancer assessment tool that can identify high-risk patients and specific cell populations linked to their risk. The tool, called scSurvival, predicts survival outcomes more accurately than traditional methods by analyzing single-cell data at cellular resolution.
A new study found that high school students who perceive sun protection as inconvenient or uncomfortable are less likely to engage in sun-safe behaviors. Teens who view tanning as enhancing appearance or social appeal also tend to neglect UV radiation protection.
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.
A new study has identified the WWOX protein as a molecular guardian that prevents common skin tumors from undergoing a dangerous metamorphosis and spreading to other parts of the body. The loss of this protein allows cancer cells to transform into more aggressive, invasive forms.
A new study reveals that cancer cells may begin escaping therapy much earlier, triggered by a stress response that drives them into a temporary drug-tolerant state. Researchers identified an early molecular trigger: NF-κB, which acts as a regulator of cellular stress and survival.
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.
Researchers have developed a potential non-invasive treatment for melanoma using a stretchy, heat-activated skin patch that releases copper ions to kill cancer cells. The patch reduced melanoma lesions by 97% in a preliminary animal study, with no damage to surrounding tissue.
The review emphasizes surgical excision as the cornerstone of curative treatment, with recommended margins depending on tumor risk stratification. Reconstruction should be individualized according to defect size, anatomic subunit involvement, and patient factors.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Researchers found that sunscreens with the same SPF of 50 and active ingredients can range from $0.04 to $3.79 per application, highlighting huge variations depending on product price and skin exposure.
A study of US veterans has identified a possible link between exposure to Agent Orange and acral melanoma, a rare form of skin cancer. The researchers found that veterans exposed to the herbicide had a 30% higher odds of developing this type of melanoma.
Researchers have established that Candida albicans fungus makes melanoma more aggressive by activating signaling pathways and creating conditions for malignant cells to acquire oxygen and energy. The study's findings suggest potential new avenues for cancer treatment using antifungal therapies.
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.
A new clinical trial shows that treating desmoplastic melanoma with immunotherapy before surgery dramatically shrinks or eliminates tumors, improving quality of life for patients. The study found that 71% of patients had no detectable cancer remaining at the time of surgery.
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.
Researchers discovered a mechanism allowing melanoma cancer cells to paralyze immune cells by secreting extracellular vesicles, which can disrupt immune cell activity and even kill them. This breakthrough has promising therapeutic implications, enabling strengthening of immune cells and blocking molecules that enable vesicle adhesion.
Researchers found that indoor tanning users in their 30s and 40s have more skin mutations than people twice their age, particularly in areas exposed to tanning beds. This can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.
A new study led by Northwestern University finds that tanning bed use increases melanoma risk by almost threefold, with DNA changes detected in areas protected from sun exposure. The study's findings support a broader field of DNA injury caused by tanning beds.
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.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center are investigating novel immune-based approaches to prevent keratinocytic skin cancers. They aim to identify early immune signals that can activate the body's own immune defenses to prevent cancer before it starts.
Researchers found a significant link between cultivated cropland, herbicide use, and increased melanoma incidence in Pennsylvania. The study suggests that environmental exposure beyond occupational settings may contribute to skin cancer risk.
A deep learning system developed by Incheon National University integrates images and clinical details to improve early skin cancer diagnosis. The model achieved 94.5% accuracy, outperforming popular image-only models.
Researchers at the University of Chicago discovered that YTHDF2 regulates RNA metabolism to suppress inflammatory responses, potentially preventing skin cancer. The study found that UV exposure triggers a decrease in YTHDF2 levels, leading to increased inflammation and tumorigenesis.
Researchers developed a new approach combining genetic ancestry, lifestyle, and social determinants of health to identify individuals with skin cancer. The AI model achieved 89% accuracy in identifying skin cancer across all populations, with 90% accuracy for European ancestry and 81% accuracy for non-European ancestry.
A UCLA study finds that DNA copy-number changes enable melanoma cells to resist immune attacks, leading to tumor relapse. The researchers suggest a strategy to make tumors more prone to self-destruction after immune attacks, potentially extending the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
A team of researchers developed a battery-free wearable patch that measures bioimpedance to detect skin lesions, distinguishing between healthy and abnormal skin. The patch's effectiveness was tested on 10 volunteers, showing significant differences between healthy and suspicious moles.
Patients with advanced lung and skin cancer who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy drugs lived significantly longer. The vaccine was associated with a near doubling of median survival, from 20.6 months to 37.3 months in lung cancer patients.
A new clinical trial by ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group found pembrolizumab reduced cancer recurrence risk to 73% in patients receiving the treatment after surgery. Patients also showed a 42% lower risk of developing distant metastases.
Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that pembrolizumab therapy results in a trend toward improvement in survival rates for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma. After two years, 73% of patients taking pembrolizumab showed no signs of cancer recurrence.
A recent study found that patients with advanced lung and skin cancer who received a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine within 100 days of starting immunotherapy drugs lived significantly longer than those who did not get the vaccine. The observation marks a significant step toward a long-awaited universal cancer vaccine to boost tumor-fighting eff...
Researchers at MD Anderson have discovered a previously unknown mechanism that explains how bacteria can drive treatment resistance in patients with oral and colorectal cancer. The study also identifies a new biomarker for improved immunotherapy responses in solid tumors.
Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new cancer treatment that uses LED light and SnOx nanoflakes to precisely target cancer cells without harming healthy ones. The treatment achieved remarkable effectiveness in neutralizing colorectal and skin cancer cells, with up to 92% kill rate in just 30 minutes of exposure.
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.