Cancer News: Skin
Striking remission achieved for some metastatic melanoma patients
An immune-system based therapy for metastatic melanoma produced lasting remissions (for more than 2 years in some cases), in a phase 1 trial.
Non-melanoma skin cancer survivors at higher risk of other cancers later
Non-melanoma skin cancer survivors were found at higher risk for developing 30 other types of cancer later in their lives, especially those under 25 years old.
Experimental vaccine for advanced melanoma effective in trial
A late-stage study with an experimental vaccine was found effective, shrinking tumors in a way that indicates that it triggered the intended immune response.
New melanoma treatment recommended for approval in Europe
European regulators have recommended the drug Mekinist (trametinib) for approval as a treatment for unresectable or metastatic melanoma in certain patients.
Risk of skin cancer increases a little with UV nail salon lamps
Lamps for drying nail polish radiate UV-A, which can cause skin cancer. However, the exposure is brief and the risk remains small, according to researchers.
Metastatic melanoma patients benefit from combination treatment
New data support the potential of cobimetinib combined with vemurafenib, for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
Resistance to skin cancer drugs prevented using new approach
Researchers believe rapid resistance to vemurafenib (a treatment for a type of advanced melanoma) could be prevented by blocking a druggable family of proteins.
Experimental melanoma drug response depends on tumor size
Scientists relate the difference between the responses to an experimental immunotherapy melanoma treatment primarily to the size of the tumor before treatment.
Immunotherapy for advanced melanoma prolongs survival in trial
In a study, the immunotherapy drug "nivolumab" was used in advanced melanoma patients. Early results showed promise that it is likely to prolong survival.
Skin cancer drug combination benefits patients in trial
An experimental drug, combined with an existing treatment in skin cancer patients in a clinical trial, prolonged their survival without disease progression.
Sun exposure and low vitamin D levels: a lethal combination?
A study had the controversial outcome that women who avoid sun exposure are twice as likely to die compared to those who do. Could vitamin D levels be the cause?