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New insights into melanoma development and therapy

Researchers from Osaka University have identified a novel mechanism by which GREB1 Isoform4 is involved in pyrimidine synthesis and causes malignant melanoma. The study found that GREB1 Is4 promotes cancer cell proliferation and regulates pyrimidine metabolism, suggesting it as a new therapeutic target for melanoma.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOncogene·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 5, 2023

USPSTF statement on screening for skin cancer

The USPSTF finds the current evidence is insufficient to assess the balance of benefits and harms of visual skin examination by a clinician to screen for skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the U.S., with melanomas causing the most skin cancer deaths.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateApr 18, 2023

JNM publishes appropriate use criteria for lymphoscintigraphy in sentinel node mapping and lymphedema/lipedema

The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging has issued new appropriate use criteria (AUC) for lymphoscintigraphy in sentinel node mapping and lymphedema/lipedema. The AUC covers four clinical categories of cancer, including breast cancer, skin cancer, and others, and addresses pediatric considerations.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateApr 17, 2023

Cellular messengers improve cancer therapy

Extracellular vesicles from immune cells have been shown to activate the immune system in mice with skin cancer, rendering them sensitive to checkpoint inhibitor therapy. The treatment improved survival rates when used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCancer Immunology Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

Grape consumption helps counter UV damage to skin

A recent human study published in Antioxidants found that consuming grapes protected against ultraviolet (UV) damage to the skin. The study showed increased resistance to sunburn and unique microbiomic and metabolomic profiles in subjects who consumed whole grape powder, suggesting a correlation between the gut and skin.

SourceCalifornia Table Grape Commission·JournalAntioxidants·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

Thirdhand smoke can trigger skin diseases

A UC Riverside-led study found that acute THS exposure initiates mechanisms of inflammatory skin disease and elevates urinary biomarkers of oxidative harm. The researchers discovered elevated molecular biomarkers in blood associated with early-stage activation of contact dermatitis, psoriasis, and other skin conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEBioMedicine·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system developed by University of Rochester researchers could mean near-instant biopsy results

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a novel 2-photon fluorescence microscopy imaging system that can detect basal cell carcinoma with perfect accuracy and squamous cell carcinoma with high accuracy. The system shortens the biopsy process to two minutes, enabling immediate treatment decisions for patients.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Dual checkpoint inhibitor blockade shows promise as first-line and salvage therapy for merkel cell carcinoma patients

A phase 2 study found that combining nivolumab and ipilimumab showed a high response rate with durable results for patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. The addition of stereotactic body radiation therapy did not improve efficacy in this dual checkpoint inhibitor therapy.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Lancet·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 12, 2022

Moffitt researchers use computer modeling to understand how self-renewal processes impact skin cell evolution

Moffitt researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate the impact of skin homeostasis on driver and passenger mutations. They found that larger subclones are likely due to persistence and older age, not selective sweeps.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 30, 2022

Oncotarget | Glypican-3 (GPC3) is associated with MCPyV-negative status and impaired outcome in Merkel cell carcinoma

Researchers found that Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) Glypican-3 (GPC3) is expressed in nearly 70% of MCC tumors and up to 90% of MCPyV-negative cases. GPC3 expression is associated with worse prognosis, including increased risk of death from MCC. This makes GPC3 a promising target for chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

UCLA study finds strategy to degrade a key cancer cell-surface protein to invigorate immune attack on tumors

Researchers from the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified a method to degrade tumor cell-surface PD-L1 using a small molecule activator of ITCH protein. This approach suppresses relapses of melanoma in animal models by reducing PD-L1 accumulation, allowing T-cells to target tumors more effectively.

New method melds data to make a 3-D map of cells’ activities

Researchers developed PASTE, a method to analyze spatial transcriptomics data in three dimensions, enabling biologists to better understand cell environments and identify rare cell types. The technique can integrate information from multiple tissue slices, providing a more complete picture of gene expression within tissues.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 2022

Can a blood test help diagnose skin cancer?

Researchers developed a blood test to detect circulating melanoma cells, which can help diagnose skin cancer and monitor treatment response. The test uses the Melanoma-specific OncoBean platform conjugated with melanoma-specific antibodies.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced NanoBiomed Research·DateApr 20, 2022

Patients with rare skin cancer face 40% recurrence rate

Patients with Merkel cell carcinoma face a high risk of recurrence, with 95% of cases occurring within the first three years. The study found that advanced age, male sex, immunosuppression, and known primary lesions are associated with higher recurrence rates, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJAMA Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2022

Eye imaging technology breaks through skin by crossing beams

Duke researchers developed a method to increase the depth of view of optical coherence tomography (OCT), allowing for clear images from beyond a millimeter beneath the skin's surface. The new technique, known as dual-axis OCT, tilts the light source and detector to collect more scattered light from deep tissues.

SourceDuke University·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

New imaging technology developed by UCLA research team may reduce need for skin biopsies

A new virtual histology technology may reduce the need for invasive skin biopsies, providing a biopsy-free solution for rapid diagnosis of malignant skin tumors. The technology uses deep-learning frameworks to transform images of intact skin into detailed, virtually stained images.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021