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Reviving a foe of cancer

Scientists have discovered a mechanism to reactivate the tumor suppressor p53 in metastatic melanoma cells, which were previously silenced by proteins iASPP and MDM2. Treatment with a combination of small molecules JNJ-7706621 and Nutlin-3 restored p53 function and suppressed tumor growth in mice.

SourceLudwig Institute for Cancer Research·JournalCancer Cell·DateApr 25, 2013

Moffitt researchers say effective immunotherapy for melanoma hinges on blocking suppressive factors

Researchers at Moffitt Cancer Center have found that blocking myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T-cell reconstitution improves adoptive T-cell therapy for melanoma. This blockade is achieved after total body irradiation eliminates these cells, leading to delayed tumor growth and enhanced survival in mice.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalThe Journal of Immunology·DateDec 11, 2012

Melanoma - The wolf in sheep's clothing

Melanoma cells can temporarily alter their external characteristics to become invisible to defense cells, allowing them to evade destruction. This knowledge forms an important foundation for improving combination therapies and may also be relevant to treatment with inhibitors of signal transmission in tumor cells.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature·DateOct 10, 2012

University of Hawaii cancer researchers discover gene defect responsible for cancer syndrome

Researchers at the University of Hawaii Cancer Center have identified a germline BAP1 mutation as the cause of a novel cancer syndrome characterized by malignant mesothelioma and various types of melanomas. This discovery provides a visual marker for identifying individuals at high risk, enabling early detection and treatment.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii Cancer Center·JournalJournal of Translational Medicine·DateSep 5, 2012

Cell senescence does not stop tumor growth

A collaboration between researchers has shown that cell senescence occurs spontaneously in melanoma cells but does not stop their growth, which is sustained by a small population of cancer stem cells. The study explains why inducing senescence alone is difficult to treat cancer cells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 19, 2012

Plasmacytoid DCs: Tumor-killing immune cells

Researchers found that imiquimod converts plasmacytoid DCs into tumor-killing effector cells, clearing tumors in a mouse model of melanoma. This discovery has implications for antitumor therapies targeting both skin cancers and other types.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateJan 17, 2012

Using Viagra to combat malignant melanoma

Researchers have found that sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, can neutralize chronic inflammation caused by malignant melanoma, allowing tumor-specific T cells to function properly. This study suggests that Viagra may improve treatment results for people with melanoma by boosting antitumor immunity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 8, 2011

Modelling melanocyte differentiation in zebrafish

The study combines genetic data with mathematical modelling to provide insights into cell differentiation. The findings demonstrate the utility of a systems biology approach, which could have implications for understanding and treating diseases such as cancers caused by abnormal cell function.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateSep 1, 2011

Heart transplant patients at risk for serious skin cancers

A new study found that heart transplant patients are more likely to develop skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. The incidence increased post-transplant by up to 30-fold, highlighting the need for improved patient education and screening.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJun 30, 2011