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The prostate cancer cell that got away

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying prostate cancer, allowing them to track the behavior of individual cancer cells from birth to organ spread. The technique uses whole-organ imaging and artificial intelligence to create a 3D reconstruction of the organ at single-cell resolution.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 16, 2021

Trial stopped early: Giving immunotherapy before targeted therapy improves survival in advanced melanoma

A clinical trial found that giving immunotherapy before targeted therapy improves survival in advanced melanoma patients, with a two-year overall survival rate of 72% compared to 52%. The study suggests that immunotherapy should be the initial approach for treating metastatic melanoma patients, regardless of BRAF mutation status.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 15, 2021

Protecting the ozone layer is delivering vast health benefits

A new study by the National Center for Atmospheric Research found that the Montreal Protocol will spare Americans from 443 million skin cancer cases and 63 million cataract cases through the end of this century. The treaty phased out ozone-destroying substances, resulting in reduced UV radiation and corresponding health benefits.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 6, 2021

Moffitt researchers show beta-cutaneous HPV may be predictor of squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center identify beta-HPV as potential biomarker for predicting squamous cell carcinoma development in older adults. The presence of beta-HPV in skin swabs was significantly associated with an increased risk of developing squamous cell carcinomas, particularly in areas of UV skin damage.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalCancer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

U of A researchers successfully use 3-D 'bioprinting' to create nose cartilage

A team of University of Alberta researchers has discovered a way to use 3-D bioprinting technology to create functional cartilage in just four weeks, which can be used to restore nasal features in skin cancer patients. This method reduces the risk of complications and provides a more precise solution for reconstructive surgery.

Study suggests common drug could be used to prevent certain skin cancers

Researchers at Ohio State University suggest that an oral drug currently used to treat neuromuscular diseases could help prevent a common form of skin cancer caused by UVB radiation. The study found that the neurotransmitter dopamine can stop the development and progression of certain UVB-induced precancerous squamous skin cancers.

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalCancer Prevention Research·DateApr 13, 2021

Yale researchers develop injection to treat skin cancer

Researchers at Yale University have developed an injection treatment for skin cancer that uses polymer-based nanoparticles carrying chemotherapy agents. The treatment's bioadhesive properties allow it to kill cancer cells and stimulate the immune system, potentially eliminating the need for surgery.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2021

Scientists regenerate skin with stem cells to see how DNA defects in kids cause cancer

Researchers used bioengineered models of patient-specific skin to study how inherited DNA defects cause skin damage and deadly squamous cell carcinoma in children with Fanconi anemia. The study identified key biological connections important to skin formation and function, leading to accelerated blistering and disease progression.

Studying how skin cancer starts

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered how quickly certain pre-cancerous lesions can form on the DNA of our skin when exposed to sunlight, a finding that could lead to more effective prevention methods. The research reveals that these mutations can form in as little as three picoseconds after exposure to UV light.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 13, 2020

Skin stem cells shuffle sugars as they age

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba found that epidermal stem cells undergo a change in their complex sugar repertoire with age, which could serve as a biological marker of aging. This 'glycome shift' is characterized by an increase in sialylated complex type N-glycans and a decrease in mannose-type N-glycans.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalAging Cell·DateJul 21, 2020

Marine alga from the Kiel Fjord discovered as a remedy against infections and skin cancer

The GEOMAR research group has successfully discovered a marine alga from the Kiel Fjord that inhibits pathogenic bacteria and kills melanoma-type skin cancer cells with low cytotoxicity. The researchers used bioinformatics methods and machine learning tools to accelerate the discovery process, reducing it from 3-4 years to months.

Do elevated mercury levels in the blood increase skin cancer risk?

A study published in the British Journal of Dermatology found that higher mercury levels in the blood are associated with an increased prevalence of non-melanoma skin cancer. Participants with high total or methyl mercury levels had nearly double or 1.7 times greater odds of non-melanoma skin cancer, respectively.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateFeb 5, 2020

Telehealth increases primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions

A recent study published in the Journal of Telemedicine and Telecare found that a telehealth program increased primary care physicians' accurate diagnosis of skin conditions by nearly 84% for adult cases and 72% for pediatric cases. The program provided expert recommendations through videoconferencing sessions with dermatologists, redu...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·DateDec 12, 2019

Yale study finds 'hyperhotspots' that could predict skin cancer risk

Yale researchers have discovered hyperhotspots in the human genome that are up to 170-times more sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, potentially leading to a new way of predicting skin cancer risk. By analyzing these hyperhotspots, doctors could gain a better understanding of a patient's exposure history and skin cancer risk.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 13, 2019