Multiple variables impact prostate and breast cancer incidence, including genetic heredity as well as environmental and societal influences.
All Melanoma News
Swedish Melanoma Detection Device To Be Piloted at Dallas-Area Bare Dermatology Clinics
Doctors can often identify signs of a melanoma through a visual examination of a patient’s skin, by using a dermoscope or other tools.
Detecting Melanoma Copy Number Variation: Novel CDKN2A Quantitation Using Droplet Digital PCR
Doctors can often identify signs of a melanoma through a visual examination of a patient’s skin, by using a dermoscope or other tools. But additional information is sometimes needed to make a precise diagnosis, according to SciBase, a medical tech company based in Stockholm, Sweden—which has developed a device it says provides exactly that.
FDA Approves Melphalan Hepatic Delivery System for Adult Patients With Unresectable Hepatic-Dominant Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
On August 14, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the HEPZATO KIT, a melphalan hepatic delivery system, as a liver-directed treatment for adult patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and unresectable hepatic metastases affecting less than 50% of the liver and no extrahepatic disease, or extrahepatic disease limited to the bone, lymph nodes, subcutaneous tissues, or lung that is amenable to resection or radiation.
Atkins Assesses the Differences Between Immunotherapy Strategies in Advanced Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Michael B. Atkins, MD, discussed with participants what factors influence the choice of first-line immunotherapy for a patient with BRAF–wild-type metastatic melanoma.
Study Identifies a Causal Relationship Between Psoriasis and Cutaneous Melanoma
Psoriasis increases the risk of cutaneous melanoma, according to the findings of a new study.
A 78-Year-Old Man With Metastatic Melanoma and a 67-Year-Old Woman With Stage IV Melanoma
Hussein Tawbi, MD, PhD, presents the case of a 78-year-old man with metastatic melanoma and shares his initial impressions.
Nurse Practitioner Lisa Kottschade Discusses Immune-Related Adverse Events, Biomarkers
Lisa A. Kottschade, RN, CNP, FAPO, discussed immune-related adverse events, which she presented on at The American Journal of Managed Care®’s Institute for Value-Based Medicine® event hosted by Minnesota Oncology in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on September 12. Kottschade, who is primarily interested in malignant melanoma treatment, also discussed the use of biomarkers.
Developing a Dielectrophoretic Method to Isolate Circulating Melanoma Cells
The AES Mid-Career Award recognizes exceptional contributions to the field of electrophoresis, microfluidics, and related areas by an individual who is currently in the middle of their career. This year’s recipient, Robbyn K. Anand, Suresh Faculty Fellow and Carlyle G.
‘Time Toxicity’ and its Effect on Patients With Stage 4 Melanoma
Patients with stage 4 melanoma experience more time toxicity, as they are expected to attend more in-person doctor visits for optimal survival, according to an expert.
Study evaluates protein that regulates pigment cell development for role in skin cancer
The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) is the master regulator of pigment cell development and, as a lineage survival oncogene, plays a crucial role in the skin cancer melanoma and its resistance to therapy.
Potential genetic screening for aggressive melanoma
Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants which may contribute to people being at higher risk for nodular melanoma.
Study reveals link between hair loss and skin cancer
A new study has revealed why hair loss is associated with increased rates of skin cancer.
Patients With Advanced Stages of Melanoma Face Higher Health Care Costs
Higher health care costs were found to affect patients with stages 2 to 4 melanoma, according to a recent study.
Gene variants linked to higher risk for nodular melanoma identified
Researchers from The University of Queensland and The Alfred hospital in Melbourne have identified gene variants which may contribute to people being at higher risk for nodular melanoma.
Combination Immunotherapy Effective for Second-Line Melanoma Treatment
A multicenter Phase II clinical trial showed that combination immunotherapy drug therapy with ipilimumab (an anti-CTLA-4 drug) and nivolumab (an anti-PD-1 therapy) is an effective second-line therapy for patients with melanoma that has progressed on PD-1 inhibitors alone.
Dr Spira on the Evaluation of Fianlimab Plus Cemiplimab in Advanced Melanoma
Alexander I. Spira, MD, PhD, FACP, co-director, Virginia Cancer Specialists Research Institute, director, Thoracic and Phase I Program, clinical assistant professor, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses the evaluation of the LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab plus cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) in patients with advanced melanoma who were PD-L1 inhibitor–naïve, as seen in the findings from a phase 1 study (NCT03005782).
Adjuvant Nivolumab Approved in Europe for Completely Resected Stage IIB or IIC Melanoma
The European Commission has approved single-agent nivolumab (Opdivo) for use in the adjuvant treatment of adult and adolescent patients aged 12 years or older who have stage IIB or IIC melanoma and who have undergone complete resection.
COVID-19 pandemic led to delayed melanoma diagnoses, more advanced tumors
Fewer patients were diagnosed with melanoma in 2020 compared with all previous years from 2012 to 2019.
Melanoma: causes, identification and diagnosis
The British broadcaster and DJ, Chris Evans, has revealed that he has been diagnosed with a skin cancer called a “melanoma”. The 57-year-old says that he was tested for the disease after his masseuse noticed a mark on his shin. So, what exactly is melanoma? Julia Newton-Bishop is a professor of dermatology at the University of Leeds…
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy for Stage III Melanoma Emerges as New Standard of Care
The phase 2 SWOG S1801 trial showed a 42% reduction in 2-year event-free survival for neoadjuvant-adjuvant vs adjuvant-only pembrolizumab for resectable stage IIIB-D/IV melanoma.
Two mRNA Cancer Vaccines Advance to Next Stage of Clinical Trials
A personalized melanoma vaccine enters a Phase III study, while a pancreatic cancer vaccine moves on to Phase II.
Dr Monga on the Background of Investigating PRT811 in Glioma and Melanoma
Varun Monga, MD, clinical associate professor, internal medicine, hematology, oncology, and blood and marrow transplantation, University of Iowa, discusses the background for investigating the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) brain-penetrant inhibitor PRT811 in a phase 1 study (NCT04089449) in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma or uveal melanoma, as well as the agent’s mechanism of action.
High-Risk Resected Melanoma
In a retrospective cohort study reported in JAMA Network Open, Goodman et al found that patients receiving adjuvant PD-1 inhibitor therapy for high-risk resected melanoma often had chronic immune-related adverse events, with some persisting over long-term follow-up.
Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Nonsignificant Risk Factor in Melanoma, Other Skin Cancer
Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is not a significant risk factor for melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), according to study results published in the Archives of Dermatological Research.
Chronic immune-related adverse events common after anti-PD-1 therapy for melanoma
Nearly two-thirds of patients experienced acute immune-related adverse events.
Study Reinforces BRAF-MEK Inhibition Over Anti-BRAF Only in Advanced Melanoma
Combined BRAF-MEK inhibition for advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma led to significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) as compared with single-agent BRAF inhibition, according to a randomized trial.
Melanoma Linked to Altered Gut Microbes in Case-Control Study
In a paper appearing in JAMA Dermatology, investigators at the University of Texas MD Anderson
Dr Coupe on the Background of IMM60 With Pembrolizumab in Melanoma or NSCLC
Nicholas Coupe, MBBS, PhD, oncologist, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the rationale for investigating IMM60 with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced melanoma or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as key background information that led to this investigation.
Q&A: Advances in surgery are improving survival for people with melanoma
The National Cancer Institute estimates that 97,610 people will be diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, making up 5% of all new cancer diagnoses. Fortunately, screening and treatment have improved, allowing care teams to catch melanoma earlier when it’s easier to treat. As a result, the number of people who survive the disease has steadily increased.
Why men, wealthy people and maritime residents are more likely to develop skin cancer
A new study led by McGill University examines why people living in Atlantic regions are more at-risk for developing melanoma than other Canadians, providing lessons on skin cancer prevention for the whole country.
Risk Factors for Melanoma Among Individuals Living in Atlantic Canada
Investigators in Canada may have uncovered the factors contributing to the higher risk of melanoma among individuals living in Atlantic regions, according to a recent study published by Lagacé et al in Cancers. These findings may provide insights into effective strategies for skin cancer prevention.
Nationwide Study in Denmark Shows Risks of Recurrence, Mortality From Cutaneous Melanoma
This new research was prospectively gathered in Denmark and involved nationwide, population-based data as well as a uniform approach to melanoma treatment and surveillance.
2023 MRV Scientific Exchange Meeting
Biomarker Analysis Contextualizes RFS Benefit With Nivolumab in Metastatic Melanoma
Brian Gastman MD, discusses how findings from CheckMate76K contributed to the rationale for a biomarker analysis in that trial’s patient population, key findings from this biomarker analysis, and how these findings may inform further research regarding the benefits of immunotherapy in earlier-stage disease.
Chronic Immune-Related Adverse Events Common in Anti-PD-1 Therapy for Melanoma
Endocrine toxic effects were more likely than nonendocrine to become chronic and continue at last follow-up.
Breakthrough melanoma treatment saves grandfather’s eyesight
Blind in his left eye after a stroke three years ago, 70 year old Geoff was fully reliant on his right eye.
New insights into melanoma development and therapy
Osaka, Japan – Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from melanocytes or nevi, causing about 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. While some cases have shown significant response to existing molecular targeted therapies, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors, there are also instances in which these treatments have proven ineffective.
Global Deaths From Melanoma Predicted to Increase 50% by 2040
Melanoma cases were almost 10 times higher in high Human Development Index countries than in low.
Dr McKean on the Rationale For Evaluating LAG-3 Inhibitors in Advanced Melanoma
Meredith McKean, MD, MPH, discusses the rationale for investigating the LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab in combination with cemiplimab-rwlc in patients with advanced melanoma, highlighting the combination’s efficacy in both PD-1 inhibitor-exposed and –naïve populations, as well as the combinations its potential clinical significance within the advanced melanoma space.
Cancer diagnoses fell early in COVID pandemic, but many types eventually climbed again
A pair of new studies documents initial drops—and, in some cases, rebounds—in cancer diagnoses in Canada and the United States in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hope for new therapy to stop advanced skin cancer
Researchers at St George’s, University of London have discovered a technique that can kill skin cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. The findings are published in the journal Biology Open.
Atezolizumab Combo Results in Intracranial Activity in BRAFV600+ Melanoma
Second-line end points of the TRICOTEL trial assessing atezolizumab plus vemurafenib and cobimetinib in melanoma with central nervous system metastases appear consistent with primary efficacy end points.
Incidence of in situ and invasive cutaneous melanomas during the pandemic
About The Study: Researchers identified decreases of in situ and invasive melanoma diagnoses during 2020, which may reflect decreased skin cancer screening examinations or access to dermatologic care during the pandemic, both of which may lead to reduced melanoma diagnoses.
Medication for heart conditions improves melanoma treatment
A collaborative study led by IRB Barcelona, Navarrabiomed and the Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH shows that the administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma in mouse models of the disease.
Fecal Microbiota Different Between Patients With Melanoma, Controls
Fecal microbiota profiles were significantly different between patients with melanoma and controls, and between patients with early-stage and late-stage melanoma, according to study results published in JAMA Dermatology.
A drug for heart conditions improves efficacy of melanoma therapies
A collaborative study undertaken by the Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center (Pamplona, ??Navarre), the Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (Sant Joan d’Alacant, Valencian Community) and IRB Barcelona (Barcelona, ??Catalonia) shows that the administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma, in mouse models of this disease.
Genomic Analysis May Improve Treatment Strategies for Therapy-Resistant Melanoma
Precision therapies, although effective in earlier stages, may not work later.
Skin cancer screening guidelines can seem confusing – three skin cancer researchers explain when to consider getting checked
Protecting oneself from the summer sun and its damaging ultraviolet rays is often not straightforward. And public health messaging around when and how to be screened for skin cancer has become somewhat confusing.
Sunscreen allergies in children are rare cases, “the real danger is sunburn” – News from pediatricians
Sunscreen allergies in children “are rare cases. The real danger is sunburn: 5 episodes under the age of 20 increase the possibility of developing melanoma or other skin tumors by up to 80%.
Slip Slop Slap campaign effective for Queenslanders born after 1980 as general skin cancer rates rise
Having spent much of her childhood in the sun as a competitive swimmer, federal Senator Penny Allman-Payne’s skin cancer diagnosis was not surprising, but it was a wake up call.
Indian-origin researcher detects 135 new melanin genes responsible for pigmentation
Bajpai developed a novel method to detect and quantify the melanin-producing activity of melanocytes.
FDA Approves HEPZATO KIT for Adults Metastatic With Uveal Melanoma
The first liver-directed therapy for the treatment of adult with metastatic uveal melanoma is now FDA approved.
Lichen Sclerosus Present in 82% of Penile Melanomas
While the linkage between squamous cell cancers and genital lichen sclerosus has been well-established, fewer studies have examined the associations between penile melanomas in males
NK T-Cell Agonist Under Investigation in Combination With Pembrolizumab in Melanoma and NSCLC
The natural killer (NK) T-cell agonist IMM60 may overcome resistance to PD-1 inhibitors when combined with immunotherapy in patients with melanoma and non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), according to Nicholas Coupe, MBBS, PhD, who emphasized the tolerable safety profile seen so far with this combination.
MRV Newsletter – October 2023
31-Gene Expression Profile Test Accurately Classified Risk of Death From Melanoma
Patients with the DecisionDx-Melanoma 31-gene expression profile test had a 29% lower melanoma-specific survival mortality.
Pembrolizumab Elicits Long-Term Survival Benefit in Advanced Melanoma
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) demonstrated long-term survival benefit compared with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with unresectable stage III/IV melanoma who received up to 1 prior systemic therapy, according to 7-year follow-up data from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-006 (NCT01866319) trial, which included some patients who transitioned to the phase 3 KEYNOTE-587 (NCT03486873) extension study, published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Worse Outcomes Found Among Melanoma Patients Whose Brain Metastases Have BRAF V600E Alterations
Patients with melanoma brain metastases that have BRAF V600E alterations have worse outcomes, according to a new analysis appearing in JAMA Network Open.
Immunotherapy Options for an Older Patient With Metastatic Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, April K.S. Salama, MD, discussed treatment approaches for a 78-year-old patient with metastatic melanoma discovered 12 years after surgical resection.
Dr. Mehmi on Fianlimab and Cemiplimab in Patients with Poor-Risk, Advanced Melanoma
Inderjit Mehmi, MD, discusses results from a subgroup analysis of patients with advanced melanoma and poor-risk features given fianlimab and cemiplimab in a phase 1 trial.
Researchers Develop Potential Treatment For Deadliest Skin Cancer Using Modified Herpes Virus
A new phase II clinical trial consisting of the use of a modified herpes virus has yielded favourable results for a strategy against melanoma.
Neuronal-Like Communication Between Non-Neuron Skin Cells May Initiate Melanoma
According to study authors, this electrical communication between skin cells may have the potential for therapeutic implications.
Why men, wealthy people and maritime residents are more likely to develop skin cancer
A new study led by McGill University examines why people living in Atlantic regions are more at-risk for developing melanoma than other Canadians, providing lessons on skin cancer prevention for the whole country.
Nivolumab-Ipilimumab Increases Treatment-Free Survival in Advanced Melanoma
Patients with advanced melanoma receiving nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab as first-line treatment experience longer treatment-free survival than those receiving nivolumab or pembrolizumab monotherapy, according to a study published in JAMA Network Open.
Melanoma Treatment at Stage II Depends on Histologic Subtype
Researchers found significant difference in survival rates between lentigo maligna melanoma, nodular malignant melanoma, and superficial spreading melanoma.
‘Other approaches are needed’ for melanoma detection among patients with skin of color
Out of 60,680 patients with skin of color, eight were diagnosed with melanoma, with two considered high risk.
Histologic margin status can help predict lentigo maligna melanoma recurrence
Histologic margin status is a predictor of lentigo maligna melanoma progression.
Contribution of MEK Inhibition to Combined BRAF/MEK Inhibitor Treatment in Advanced BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
In part 2 of a phase III trial (COLUMBUS) reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Paolo A. Ascierto, MD, and colleagues found evidence that MEK inhibition contributed to positive outcomes with combination BRAF/MEK inhibitor therapy in advanced BRAF V600–mutant melanoma.
Melanoma Canada wants to save Canadians’ skin, literally
Melanoma Canada is aiming to educate beachgoers about the staggering statistics surrounding its namesake disease with a new playful campaign that carries a sobering message: “There’s no such thing as a safe tan.”
31-GEP Assay May Help to Extend Survival in Cutaneous Melanoma
Using the 31-gene expression profile assay may help lead to more personalized treatment strategies in patients with cutaneous melanoma, according to Aaron Farberg, MD.
Binimetinib Improves Upon Efficacy of Encorafenib in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
Adding binimetinib to treatment with encorafenib improves efficacy in patients with BRAFV600-mutant melanoma, according to trial results published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Circulating Tumor DNA Used to Identify Recurrence, Targetable Variants in Late-Stage Melanoma
In a new study appearing in the Journal of Molecular Diagnostics, researchers from the University of
Chronic complications from immunotherapies more prevalent and persistent than previously shown among melanoma survivors
Chronic immunotherapy-related complications are more prevalent and persistent than previously shown among melanoma survivors, according to new research published Aug. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
Cryopreserved amniotic membrane can be adjunct in management of conjunctival melanoma
Conjunctival melanoma is an uncommon but aggressive ocular malignancy with high potential for metastasis, reported at 25% at 10 years and more than 30% at 15 years.
Electrical Signals Between Skin Cells May Influence Melanoma Initiation
PHILADELPHIA – The transfer of a neurotransmitter from one type of skin cell to another (melanocytes to keratinocytes) altered electrical activity and promoted melanoma initiation in preclinical models, according to results published in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Chronic Immune-Related Adverse Effects Common in Patients With Resected Melanoma Treated With Anti-PD-1 Therapy
Researchers found an increase in patients with melanoma who experience chronic immune-related adverse effects at 18 months compared to a previous study with a follow-up point of 6 months.
Study Results Suggest Electrical Communication Between Skin Cells May Initiate Melanoma
Findings may have therapeutic implications because of the potential to target neurotransmitters to treat or prevent melanoma.
Neoadjuvant T-VEC confers durable survival benefits for resectable melanoma
Patients with resectable melanoma who received T-VEC prior to surgery achieved better 5-year OS than those who underwent surgery alone.
A medication used for heart conditions improves the efficacy of current treatments for melanoma in mouse models
A collaborative study undertaken by the Navarrabiomed Biomedical Research Center (Pamplona, Navarre), the Institute of Neurosciences CSIC-UMH (Sant Joan d’Alacant, Valencian Community) and IRB Barcelona (Barcelona, Catalonia) shows that the administration of ranolazine, a drug currently used to treat heart conditions, improves the efficacy of current therapies for melanoma, in mouse models of this disease.
Life insurers can charge more or decline cover based on your genetic test results. New laws must change this
Genetic tests can provide life-saving information. They can help diagnose disease, enable access to preventive care, prompt early screening and treatment, and guide patients’ therapeutic options.
Skin cancer: Which EU countries have the highest melanoma incidence and mortality rates?
The EU cancer body places melanoma as the sixth most common cancer for both men and women. Meanwhile, some “influencers” are advising against sunscreen.
Novel therapeutic strategy against melanoma: combined targeting of hedgehog signaling and BRD4
BUFFALO, NY- July 19, 2023 – A new editorial paper was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 14 on May 26, 2023, entitled, “Combined targeting of HEDGEHOG signaling and BRD4 as a novel therapeutic option against melanoma.”
Hairdressers, barbers, beauticians learn to detect melanomas to save lives
Hairdressers, barbers and beauticians often find themselves wearing multiple hats, taking on the roles of marriage counsellors, financial consultants, and career advisors.
Dr Sullivan on the Reduction of ctDNA With Tebentafusp in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Ryan J. Sullivan, MD, associate professor of medicine, Harvard Medical School, associate director. the Melanoma Program, Massachusetts General Cancer, discusses the early reduction of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma treated with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) and shares how these reductions could correlate with longer overall survival (OS) in patients with a best response of stable disease.
European Medicines Agency recommends Opdivo for treatment of earlier melanoma stages
Opdivo (nivolumab) is a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor.
Adjuvant Nivolumab Receives CHMP Recommendation for Completely Resected Stage IIB/C Melanoma
The European Medicines Agency’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has recommended approval of nivolumab (Opdivo) monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of patients at least 12 years of age with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.
Fianlimab Combined With Cemiplimab Elicits Durable Responses in Advanced Melanoma
In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Omid Hamid, MD, discussed the efficacy of fianlimab in combination with cemiplimab for advanced melanoma. The results of the study show new possibilities for treating patients who have failed adjuvant anti PD-1 therapy.
Using a Patient’s Immune System to Treat Skin Cancer
Advancements have been made over the last decade in the use of immunotherapy for the treatment of skin cancers including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma.
Some Patients With Low-Risk Melanoma in Situ May Live Longer Than General Population
Significant detection of low-risk melanoma in situ (MIS) among health-seeking individuals may help those who become diagnosed with low-risk MIS to live longer than those in the general population without history of MIS, according to study findings published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Dermatology.
Follow-Up Study Confirms Safety, Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Resectable Cutaneous Melanoma
Study with longer follow-up confirms outcomes of neoadjuvant plus adjuvant programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) inhibition with resection in patients with resectable stage III/IV cutaneous melanoma, according to a study recently published in the Annals of Oncology.
Merck, Moderna Launch Pivotal Cancer Vaccine Trial for High-Risk Melanoma
Merck and Moderna announced Wednesday the initiation of a pivotal Phase III high-risk melanoma trial combining the companies’ mRNA-based personalized cancer vaccine with Merck’s blockbuster Keytruda checkpoint inhibitor.
mRNA-4157 Plus Pembrolizumab Under Further Investigation in Phase 3 Trial in High-Risk Melanoma
The combination of mRNA-4157 (V940) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) will be further evaluated as an adjuvant treatment option for patients with resected, high-risk, stage IIB to IV melanoma in the phase 3 V940-001 trial (NCT05933577).
Atezolizumab, Vemurafenib, and Cobimetinib in Patients With BRAF V600–Mutated Melanoma and CNS Metastases
A revised report of findings from the phase II TRICOTEL study of atezolizumab, vemurafenib, and cobimetinib in patients with melanoma and central nervous system (CNS) metastases was published in The Lancet Oncology by Reinhard Dummer, MD, and colleagues. The first version of trial findings, published online in August 2022, was retracted.
New RNA-based Therapy Combats Melanoma in Mouse Models
New York, NY(July 27, 2023)-Investigators at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai have designed an innovative RNA-based strategy to activate dendritic cells—which play a key role in immune response—that eradicated tumors and prevented their recurrence in mouse models of melanoma.
Merck and Moderna announce Phase III V940 trial for melanoma patients
Merck (MSD) and Moderna are initiating a Phase III trial evaluating V940, an investigational individualised neoantigen therapy (INT), in combination with Keytruda, to treat patients with resected high-risk (Stage IIB-IV) melanoma.
Phase 3 Trial Underway for Novel Pembrolizumab Combination for Treatment of High-Risk Melanoma
Pembrolizumab is already indicated to treat patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, along with stage 2B-3 melanoma after resection in adults and pediatric patients.
Yale Scientists Identify Immune Cells Critical for Immunologic Memory for Melanoma
Newswise — Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have become the standard of care for patients with advanced melanoma to improve survival, but only some patients respond to this immunotherapy and have long-term benefits.
Rising rates and delays in diagnosis: Melanoma (skin cancer) Claims
Skin cancers are rising rapidly and melanoma is now at the highest level in the UK since records began. A delay in diagnosis, or misdiagnosis, can have a devastating impact. Early diagnosis is essential.
Dr Weiss on the Ongoing Investigation of Tebentafusp With or Without Pembrolizumab in Non-Uveal Melanoma
Sarah Weiss, MD, discusses the ongoing phase 2/3 TEBE-AM trial of tebentafusp with or without pembrolizumab in a subset of pretreated patients with non-uveal melanoma.
New lipid nanoparticle-mRNA therapy combats melanoma in mouse models
Illustration of the closing of the cancer-immunity cycle by integrating lipid nanoparticle-mRNA formulations and cell therapy (CATCH). Credit: Dong et al., Nature Nanotechnology
Screening Won’t Solve Racial Disparities in Melanoma Outcomes, Study Suggests
PITTSBURGH — Increased skin cancer screening in individuals with skin of color is not sufficient to address racial disparities in melanoma survival rates, according to a new JAMA Dermatology study by UPMC and University of Pittsburgh researchers.
Opdivo receives positive CHMP opinion for early stage melanoma
The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use of the European Medicines Agency has recommended approval of Opdivo (nivolumab) as a monotherapy for the adjuvant treatment of adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older with completely resected stage 2B or 2C melanoma.
Ground-breaking vaccine preventing melanoma | 7NEWS
A new weapon in the fight against skin cancer could soon be available in Australia. The groundbreaking vaccine prevents melanoma from recurring in patients. Potentially life-saving testing is underway – there is even talk of a cure.
Vitamin D Maintenance Should Be ‘Standard’ for Advanced Melanoma
A recent study documented the benefits of maintaining normal vitamin D levels for patients with inoperable, locally advanced or metastatic melanoma receiving anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
Dr Buchbinder on Treatment Decisions After Severe irAEs With Nivolumab/Ipilimumab in Melanoma
Elizabeth Buchbinder, MD, assistant professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School, senior physician, Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, discusses the rationale for investigating nivolumab (Opdivo) maintenance therapy in patients with melanoma who experienced severe immune-related adverse effects (irAEs) due to combination therapy with nivolumab and ipilimumab (Yervoy), and details the findings of this investigation.
Stratford woman taking part in world-first melanoma trial
Latrobe Regional Health (LRH) is at the forefront of a world-first clinical trial set to improve outcomes for patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma.
Roundtable Roundup: Skin Cancer
In separate live, virtual events, Hussein A. Tawbi, MD, PhD; and Allison Betof Warner, MD, PhD, discuss potential treatment options for a patient with BRAF mutation–negative melanoma.
Melanoma vaccine: final tests on Moderna’s mRNA in combination with immunotherapy
The final phase of clinical trials of Moderna’s V940 anti-melanoma vaccine is underway, in combination with Merck’s Keytruda immunotherapy.
In Weicksel Lab, students seek to identify new genes involved with melanoma
It’s a Thursday morning in July and Lauren Rothwell ’26 sits in one of Bryant’s research labs concentrating on a row of vials. Hovering a pipette over the third glass tube, she is busy setting up glycerol stocks to freeze bacteria.
Skin Cancer Screening Does Little To Improve Melanoma Outcome Disparities
In ethnic and racial minority populations, more than 12,000 standard skin cancer screenings would be done to identify 1 case of melanoma, according to a recent study.
Melanoma Canada’s ‘BurnWatch’ Protects People from Drowning in UV Rays
McCann Toronto’s ‘Burn Guards’ are trained by dermatologists to alert beachgoers who spend too much time in the sun to put on sunscreen
Digital App Successfully Detects Skin Cancers
Study finds that use of mHealth app could be useful in early detection of skin cancer but cautions that overdiagnosis is a possibility.
Key Risk Factors Affect Physicians’ Choice of Treatment in Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Evan J. Lipson, MD, and participants discussed when they would use monotherapy or doublet therapy in metastatic melanoma.
Skin cancer cases reach record high in UK with sharp rise among older adults
The number of people in the UK being diagnosed with skin cancer has hit a record high with a sharp rise among over-55s.
Fecal transplants show promise in improving melanoma treatment
In a world-first clinical trial published in the journal Nature Medicine, a multi-centre study from Lawson Health Research Institute, the Centre hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) and the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) has found fecal microbiota transplants (FMT) from healthy donors are safe and show promise in improving response to immunotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma.
Mole Mobile comes to Burlington, Canada
Melanoma Canada rolls out their first ever Mole Mobile
Beavertown UK to dish out 10,000 sachets of suncream to drinkers this summer
Drinkers in beer gardens across the country this month will be offered ‘Oil Your Neck’ sunscreen sachets in a bid to encourage sun safety, especially among young men.
Nivolumab Combo Appears Tolerable in Poor Prognosis, Advanced Melanoma
The benefit of nivolumab/ipilimumab plus single-agent nivolumab for unresectable advanced melanoma with poor prognostic characteristics was comparable in all-comers and patients with brain metastases.
Key Statistics for Melanoma Skin Cancer
Cancer of the skin is by far the most common of all cancers. Melanoma accounts for only about 1% of skin cancers but causes a large majority of skin cancer deaths.
PRT811 Showcases Early Signals of Efficacy in IDH-Mutant Glioma and Uveal Melanoma
Varun Monga, MBBS, discusses the mechanism of action of PRT811, key efficacy and safety findings from a phase 1 trial investigating the agent, and potential future directions with this agent in uveal melanoma and IDH-mutant high-grade glioma.
Treatments, Patient Characteristics Affect Uveal Melanoma Survival
A new study identified the elements that could determine the overall survival of patients with the metastatic eye tumor, uveal melanoma.
Melanoma Is Far Deadlier in Black Men Than Other Groups, Study Suggests
Of all the major cancers diagnosed in the U.S., the skin cancer melanoma has one of the highest survival rates.
Melanoma Research Alliance’s RARE Registry for Acral & Mucosal Melanoma Surpasses Industry-Leading 100-Patient Milestone
WASHINGTON, July 10, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — The Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA), the largest non-profit funder of melanoma research, today announced that the RARE Registry for acral and mucosal melanoma has officially surpassed 100 patients, making it the largest registry of its kind in the world and marking an important milestone in advancing cutting-edge research for these rare and difficult-to-treat melanoma subtypes.
Zebrafish helpful models to study skin conditions like vitiligo and melanoma, UMass Chan scientist writes
Melanocytes are a small subset of epidermal cells that play an outsize role in protecting your skin from the damaging effects of sun exposure.
Hunter Melanoma Foundation leads way to sun safe workplace
With Australia having the highest rates of melanoma in the world, the need for increased sun safe protection and education on early detection is paramount.
BRAF Class II and NRAS-Targeting Drug Shows Promising Efficacy, Safety, and Tolerability in Early Phase I Data
Exarafenib, a pan-RAF inhibitor being investigated as a monotherapy in BRAF and NRAS-driven solid tumors by Kinnate Biopharma, was well-tolerated and demonstrated early signs of activity with durable responses in various patient populations, including those with BRAF Class II and NRAS-mutant melanoma, according to early Phase I trial results.
DecisionDx-Melanoma 31-Gene Expression Profile Test Stratifies Patients With Cutaneous Melanoma
The DecisionDx-Melanoma 31-gene expression profile test displayed the capability to stratify patients with cutaneous melanoma by risk of death from the disease and receival of the 31-GEP test may result in a survival benefit compared with untested patients.
Episode 1: The Role of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy in Melanoma Melanoma Podast: by Sapna P. Patel; Matteo Carlino, PhD
This transcript has been edited for clarity. For more episodes, download the Medscape app or subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast provider.
Luke Breaks Down Key Clinical Trial Updates From the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting
Jason Luke, MD, FACP, discusses key takeaways from the KEYNOTE-716 and KEYNOTE-942 trials and other key updates from across the melanoma landscape presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
CLL Treatment Affects ICI Efficacy in Patients With Melanoma and CLL
Treating advanced melanoma with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be safe and effective in patients with concomitant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), according to a study published in Annals of Oncology.
Immunotherapy Combinations and Monotherapy Considered in a Patient With Metastatic Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Sajeve S. Thomas, MD, discussed key trials of immunotherapy in terms of safety and efficacy for patients with metastatic melanoma.
Opdivo, Opdualag Still Benefits Patients With Melanoma at 2 Years
After two years of follow-up, patients with advanced melanoma treated with Opdivo and Opdualag continued to obtain a survival benefit compared with Opdivo alone.
Novel Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors, Bispecific Antibodies Become Clinical Mainstays in Melanoma Nursing
What are the implications of new approvals for oncology nurses specializing in melanoma?
Vitamin D Insufficiency Linked to Higher Incidence of Cutaneous Melanoma
Vitamin D insufficiency was found to be weakly linked to an increased incidence of cutaneous melanoma (CM), and lower vitamin D levels were associated with a less favorable Breslow tumor depth, according to authors of a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Melanoma Research.
Size, Location, Affiliation of Practice Impact Immunotherapy Adoption Rates
According to an analysis of Medicare fee-for- service beneficiaries treated with chemotherapy between 2010 and 2017, the speed at which immunotherapy is adopted by oncology practices depends on their size, location, and affiliation (rural or urban, independent or health system–affiliated, academic or nonacademic, smaller or larger [1 to 5 physicians vs 6 or more]).
CROATIAN HEALTH MINISTRY MAKES STATEMENT ON MELANOMA RISE
June the 23rd, 2023 – The Croatian Health Ministry has released a statement as we enter the hot months of summer as the cases of melanoma are unfortunately but understandably on the increase.
As skin cancers become more fatal, Florida’s legislators reject full insurance coverage
Skin cancers in Florida are becoming more prevalent and more deadly.
Trial Will Evaluate Frontline Treatment With Lifileucel in Melanoma
The TILVANCE-301trial, expected to be completed in 2030, is the latest study of what has been described as one of the “phenomenal discoveries in melanoma.”
TAFE Course Gives Hair And Beauty Students Techniques To Spot A Suspicious Skin Spot
TAFE NSW has partnered with the Australian Melanoma Research Foundation, Hair and Beauty Australia (HABA), Keune and Airyday to launch a new course to upskill hairdressers, barbers and beauticians with the techniques to recognise suspicious spots and how to speak up if they see spots that concern them.
Camrelizumab Plus Famitinib Demonstrates Early Antitumor Activity in Advanced Melanoma
Camrelizumab combined with famitinib elicited responses and was well tolerated in patients with advanced melanoma previously exposed to an immune checkpoint inhibitor regimen.
Hope Is Paramount During Uveal Melanoma Treatment
An expert gives an overview of the treatment options for uveal melanoma, and why he considers hope to be an essential part of the care plan.
Dr Coupe on the Investigation of IMM60 Plus Pembrolizumab in Advanced Melanoma and NSCLC
Nicholas Coupe, MBBS, PhD, oncologist, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, discusses the investigation of IMM60 plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in patients with advanced melanoma or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Dr Monga on the Investigation of PRT811 in High-Grade Glioma or Uveal Melanoma
Varun Monga, MD, clinical associate professor, Internal Medicine, Hematology, Oncology, and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Iowa, discusses the investigation of the protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) brain-penetrant inhibitor PRT811 in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma or uveal melanoma.
Researchers uncover potential biomarkers of positive response to immunotherapy
Scientists at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified potential new biomarkers that could indicate how someone diagnosed with metastatic melanoma will respond to immunotherapy treatment.
Anti–LAG-3/PD-1 Combination Under Investigation as Adjuvant Therapy in High-Risk Melanoma
The combination of fianlimab and cemiplimab-rwlc (Libtayo) represents a wave of novel anti–LAG-3/PD-1 treatments being explored in patients with melanoma at high risk for relapse, according to the rationale and design of an ongoing phase 3 trial (NCT05608291) that were presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Scientists identify potential biomarkers associated with positive immunotherapy response
Scientists at the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have identified potential new biomarkers that could indicate how someone diagnosed with metastatic melanoma will respond to immunotherapy treatment.
High Level of Memory Killer Cells Correlates With Better Melanoma Survival Rate
Memory killer cells have been shown to respond to immunotherapy, which is normally administered as a complement to other cancer treatments.
Combo Therapy Could Treat Oral Melanomas in Dogs
TUESDAY, June 27, 2023 (HealthDay News) — Could a treatment combo that improves the odds against melanoma for humans work in dogs?
The social life of a dermatologist
“Can I show you something?” comes the overture. Then the friend of a friend, second cousin, or complete stranger pulls up a hem, pulls down a collar, or just starts removing their clothes.
Modulating Levels of miR 204-5p Could Become a Therapeutic Approach for Melanoma
The microRNA member miR-204-5p inhibits apoptosis in melanoma cells treated with dacarbazine or when overexpressed.
Study identifies key regulator of melanoma development
Vanderbilt investigators have revealed the mechanisms by which the chemokine receptor CXCR2, is associated with melanoma tumor formation and growth — a discovery that supports the continued development of drugs that inhibit the receptor’s activity.
Development of FHD-286 Monotherapy Will Not Continue in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Although the highly potent, selective, allosteric, oral, small molecule BRG1/BRM inhibitor FHD-286 elicited signs of clinical activity and safety as monotherapy in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma in the dose-escalation portion of a phase 1 trial (NCT04879017), further development in this indication will not be pursued, according to an announcement from Foghorn Therapeutics.
Adjuvant Pembrolizumab Continues to Provide Survival Benefit in Stage IIB/C Melanoma
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) led to sustained improvements in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) vs placebo as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma, according to updated data from the phase 3 KEYNOTE-716 trial (NCT03553836) presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Mitigating Cardiotoxicity Resulting from Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy
In season 4, episode 9 of Targeted Talks, Kerry Reynolds, MD, clinical director, inpatient oncology units, director, Severe Immunotherapy Complications Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses the occurrence of myocarditis in patients with cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs).
Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: The Power of Personalized Vaccines
Incorporating a personalized mRNA vaccine, designed to match an individual’s tumor genetics, into standard immunotherapy substantially boosts survival rates and reduces the recurrence of high-risk skin cancers in patients who have had these malignancies removed
Illegal solariums fuel call for total ban on ‘dangerous machines’
Dozens of illegal solariums are being advertised on social media across the country, increasing pressure for the tanning machines to be banned in private settings.
A two-for-one approach to boost melanoma immunotherapy
New research from Sanford Burnham Prebys has helped explain how melanoma evades the immune system and may guide the discovery of future therapies for the disease.
UV awareness is crucial to reducing the burden of skin cancer
Cancer—basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma.
Dr DePalo on First-Line Therapies in Unresectable Melanoma In-Transit Metastases
Danielle K. DePalo, MD, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses findings from a study comparing first-line isolated limb infusion/perfusion vs immune checkpoint inhibitors and intratumoral therapy in patients with surgically unresectable melanoma in-transit metastases.
Researchers advocate for promotion of skin self-examination for early melanoma detection
62.5% of 128 patients were diagnosed with a melanoma less than 1 mm thick after having conducted skin self-examinations (SSE).
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma More Common in Southeast Asian Patients Than Other Asian American & Pacific Islander Groups
A poster presentation from the 19th Annual Skin of Color Society Scientific Symposium analyzed the differences in presentation of cutaneous melanoma among Asian American and Pacific Islander patients.
Older age, subsequent melanoma increase risk for death in patients with melanoma in situ
Mortality among patients aged 80 years or older was 7.4% vs. 1.4% in those aged 60 to 69 years.
Physicians Discuss Frontline Immunotherapies for Metastatic Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Evan J. Lipson, MD, and participants discussed factors influencing their choice of immunotherapy for a patient with BRAF-negative metastatic melanoma.
Clinical Trial Evaluates Smaller Surgical Margins for Stage 2 Melanoma Patients
Although most primary cutaneous melanomas are treated with surgical excision alone, current international guidelines vary on the optimal size for the surgical margins, which can range from 1 to 3 cm.
Low Risk of Melanoma-Specific Mortality Seen in Patients With MIS
The incidence rate of melanoma in situ (MIS) has sharply risen since 1975.
Personalized mRNA Vaccines May Transform the Treatment of Melanoma
The rates of survival and disease recurrence improved significantly when a personalized mRNA vaccine tailored to the patients’ tumor genetics was coupled with immunotherapy in those who had undergone surgery for high-risk melanoma, according to novel findings presented by Khattak et al at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting (Abstract LBA9503).
Dr Hamid on the Investigation of Fianlimab With Cemiplimab in Advanced Melanoma
Omid Hamid, MD, discusses the investigation of the LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab in combination with cemiplimab in patients with advanced melanoma who were naïve to anti–PD-1 agents in the advanced setting.
FDA news: License applications accepted for melanoma, endometrial cancer therapies
The FDA announced several regulatory actions the past few weeks.
Navitoclax Plus Dabrafenib and Trametinib Shows Activity in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
Combination treatment with dabrafenib, trametinib, and navitoclax has demonstrated activity in patients with BRAFV600-mutant, advanced melanoma, according to research presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2023.
Researchers discovered how melanoma changes its environment to support metastasis
Newswise — A fresh analysis performed at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center unveils how melanoma tumor cells impact their nearby surroundings to aid their requirements – by generating fresh lymph channels in the dermis to penetrate further into the skin and extend throughout the body. The scientists hold the view that this novel finding might aid in the advancement of an immunization against this fatal cancer.
Combination of mRNA-4157 With Pembrolizumab Improves Survival in Melanoma
In the phase 2 KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881), mRNA-4157 (V940) in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) led to a reduced risk of developing distant metastasis or death by approximately 65% vs with pembrolizumab alone as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected melanoma at high risk of recurrence, according to findings presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Adjuvant Chemotherapy Superior to Toripalimab in Resected Mucosal Melanoma
Chemotherapy is more effective than toripalimab as adjuvant therapy in patients with resected mucosal melanoma, according to research presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2023.
Updated Melanoma Guidelines: What Dermatologists Need to Know
In the past decade, advances in the understanding of melanoma have led to new therapeutic options and treatment strategies. In response, late last year the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) released updated guidelines on the management of primary cutaneous melanoma.
Researchers discovered how melanoma changes its environment to support metastasis
A new study conducted at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center reveals how melanoma cancer cells affect their close environment to support their needs – by forming new lymph vessels in the dermis in order to go deeper into the skin and spread through the body.
Episode 1: The Role of Adjuvant and Neoadjuvant Therapy in Melanoma (medscape.com)
his transcript has been edited for clarity.
Episode 2: Choosing Frontline Treatment for Metastatic Melanoma
This transcript has been edited for clarity.
Melanoma Centre build hits major milestone
Work on the $152.4 million Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre has reached a major milestone, with the building structure reaching its highest point at level seven.
Expert: Immunotherapies, Targeted Therapies Show Promise in Melanoma
In an interview with Pharmacy Times at the Oncology Pharmacists Connect conference in Austin, Texas, Heidi Finnes, PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA, director of clinical ambulatory pharmacy practice at Mayo Clinic, discussed updates in melanoma and the use of immunotherapies and targeted therapies.
Advocate Gina Savage dies after eight-year battle with melanoma
A young advocate for awareness about melanoma has died after a long battle with the disease.
After Decades of Limited Treatment Options, New Treatments Are Showing Promise for Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
In an interview with Pharmacy Times at the Oncology Pharmacists Connect conference, Heather Armbruster, PharmD, BCOP, outpatient clinical pharmacy manager at Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, discussed the growing armamentarium of treatment options for non-melanoma skin cancers. With immune checkpoint inhibitors in particular, patients are seeing greater results with fewer adverse effects.
Dermatologists fear cost deterring UK families from buying sunscreen
Leading dermatologists fear deprived families could shun sunscreen due to its cost, as some experts call for a voucher scheme giving children and those in need free access.
Step Closer to Beating Melanoma?
A new study conducted at Tel Aviv University and the Sheba Medical Center reveals how melanoma cancer cells affect their close environment to support their needs – by forming new lymph vessels in the dermis to go deeper into the skin and spread through the body. The
Cost-effectiveness of second-line ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma: a real-world population-based cohort study of resource utilization
Background — The efficacy-effectiveness gap between randomized trial and real-world evidence regarding the clinical benefit of ipilimumab for metastatic melanoma (MM) has been well characterized by previous literature, consistent with initial concerns raised by health technology assessment agencies (HTAs).
Pembrolizumab Plus mRNA Vaccine Leads to Improved RFS in High-Risk Melanoma
In the adjuvant setting for high-risk melanoma, findings from the phase 2b mRNA-4157-P201/KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) that evaluated mRNA-4157/V940 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) showed improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with pembrolizumab alone.
Melanoma treatment delays increased in Asian American, Pacific Islander patients
Asian American and Pacific Islander patients have a longer time to melanoma treatment compared with white patients.
In Florida, the risk of melanoma is higher than average
As summer officially begins, please put on a wide-brimmed hat and stay in the shade, measures that can help prevent melanoma.
Pointers With Portela: Surviving Melanoma
Dustin Portela, DO, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon at Treasure Valley Dermatology in Boise, Idaho, interviews a patient who has been battling metastatic stage IV melanoma for many years. In his most recent Health IQ podcast, Portela speaks with Katie, who used her experience of her melanoma diagnosis to become an advocate for those living with melanoma.
Phase 3 Trial of Lifileucel/Pembrolizumab in Frontline Advanced Melanoma Begins
The phase 3 TILVANCE-301 trial (NCT05727904) evaluating the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, lifileucel (LN-144) in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) vs pembrolizumab alone has randomized its first patient with frontline advanced, unresectable, or metastatic melanoma.
World-first melanoma study to boost early detection
A world-first study, for which The Alfred is the Victorian lead, is using 3D skin imaging technology and artificial intelligence to significantly improve the early detection of melanoma for all Australians.
First-Line Nivolumab/Ipilimumab Followed by Nivolumab in a Clinically Diverse Population With Unresectable Stage III or IV Melanoma
In the phase IIIb CheckMate 401 trial reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Reinhard Dummer, MD, and colleagues described outcomes with first-line nivolumab/ipilimumab followed by nivolumab in a clinically diverse population of patients with unresectable stage III or IV melanoma, including patients with a poorer performance status, brain metastases, and different melanoma subtypes.
Melanoma is on the rise in Canada but there are ways to take action this summer
KIRKLAND, QC, June 21, 2023 /CNW/ – As we enter the summer months, which is often a time when sun safety and healthy skin habits are top of mind, Merck Canada is launching a melanoma awareness campaign.
Data Support Adjuvant Pembrolizumab as Standard Care in Stage IIB/C Melanoma
Adjuvant pembrolizumab provides a continued benefit for patients with stage IIB or IIC melanoma at 3 years, according to research presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting 2023.
Personalized mRNA Vaccine Reduces Risk of Melanoma Spread
A customized messenger RNA (mRNA) cancer vaccine being developed by Moderna and Merck plus the checkpoint inhibitor Keytruda (pembrolizumab) reduced the risk for metastasis in people with high-risk advanced melanoma, according to updated study results presented at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
Nodular HNM Is Predominant in Asian Patients and Linked to Poor Outcomes
Among Asian patients, a high proportion of head and neck malignant melanomas (HNMs) are of the nodular subtype and are associated with poor outcomes and low survival, researchers reported in Melanoma Research.
Study uncovers how B cells react to skin cancer
A new study that sheds light on how B cells react to skin cancer cells could pave the way for innovative therapy design.
Cancer Vaccine mRNA-4157 Improves Recurrence-Free Survival for Patients With High-Risk Melanoma
Adjuvant treatment with mRNA-4157 plus pembrolizumab led to a 65% reduction in the risk of distant metastasis or death compared with pembrolizumab alone, among patients with resected melanoma at high risk of recurrence, according to findings from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) that were presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Research Reveals How B Cells Respond to Skin Cancer
A new study that sheds light on how B cells react to skin cancer cells could pave the way for innovative therapy design.
Increased Mortality Risk for Melanoma in Situ Patients, Though Survival Rate Higher Than General Population
This new research indicates substantial detection of lower-risk disease among patients who are considered to be health-seeking.
Reduced Incidence of Melanoma, Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers In Vitiligo
Patients with vitiligo were found to have a reduced incidence of melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers in a UK-based study.
Mitochondrial Fragmentation Plays Key Role in Spreading of Melanoma Cancer Cells
Investigators from the Barts Cancer Institute at Queen Mary University of London have discovered that mitochondrial dynamics control migration of melanoma skin cancer cells, according to the results of a study published in Nature Communications.
Swiss aim to test a melanoma vaccine
An MRNA vaccine against certain kinds of melanoma will soon be tested in Switzerland, reported RTS on 7 June 2023.
Exploring the Link Between Skin Self-Examination Performance and Melanoma Literacy
A higher level of knowledge about melanoma risk is associated with an increased likelihood of performing preventative behaviors, according to research presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Melanoma-Specific Survival Longer With Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab Combined Treatment
Nivolumab plus relatlimab showed a clear benefit in progression-free survival, overall survival and objective response rate.
Targeted Adjuvant Therapies Provide No Survival Benefit in Stage III Melanoma
Targeted adjuvant therapy does not improve outcomes in patients with stage III melanoma, according to a Swedish study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute.
A protective “base tan" is actually a harmful myth
With warmer temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s tempting to spend more time soaking up the rays.
What You Need to Know About JAKs, TYKs, and Clinical Trials
“My own physician assistant, Monique, she’s priceless. I can’t live without her; she works with me on the research side. So if the value of a PA in an office has to be demonstrated, I’ll just show you her picture,” said Neal Bhatia, MD, ahead of the 2023 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference for PAs and NPs.
New Treatment Strategies and Therapies in Pediatric Dermatologic Conditions
Treating rare or even common dermatologic conditions in pediatric patients requires expert knowledge as well as compassion. Attendees at the 2023 Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference for PAs and NPs were eager to attend Adelaide Hebert’s, MD, session, “What is New in Pediatric Dermatology.”
Dual Stem Cell Treatment Targets Melanoma Brain Metastases in Mice
Overall survival for patients with melanoma that has spread to the brain is only four to six months. Immunotherapies, which harness the power of the immune system to attack cancer cells, have garnered excitement in recent years for their potential to revolutionize the treatment of metastatic melanomas, but results from early clinical studies indicate that the prognosis for most patients with brain metastatic disease remains poor.
BRAF Testing For Melanoma: Types, Procedure & Results
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It has become a significant global public health concern. The American Cancer Society predicts that approximately 97,610 new cases of Melanoma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2023, with more men than women affected. Early identification and effective management of this disease are crucial in improving the survival rates of people with Melanoma.
Relatlimab/Nivolumab Shows Clinical Activity in Patients With Heavily Pretreated Advanced Melanoma
Among patients with advanced melanoma with disease progression following treatment with anti–PD-1/L1 therapy, relatlimab plus nivolumab (Opdualag) demonstrated early signs of clinical benefit, according to findings from cohort D of the phase 1/2 RELATIVITY-020 trial (NCT01968109) published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
High levels of memory killer cells correlate with better survival in melanoma patients
Our skin contains specialized long-lived killer cells that protect against intruders. Researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark have now identified how these cells are formed, and shown that high levels of memory killer cells in cancer tissue correlate with a better survival rate in people with melanoma. The study is published in the journal Immunity.
Advice for Patients Diagnosed with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
Marlana M. Orloff, MD, offers advice for patients who are diagnosed with metastatic uveal melanoma.
Strategies for Managing Patients With Melanoma
Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, chief for the ImmunoOncology branch of the Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute, provides recommendations for managing patients with metastatic melanoma.
Some patients with stage III melanoma can avoid surgery after neoadjuvant immunotherapy
CHICAGO — Tumor lymph node dissection likely can be omitted for patients with melanoma who achieve major pathologic response after neoadjuvant immune checkpoint blockade, according to study results presented at ASCO Annual Meeting.
Comparing Therapy Options for Melanoma In-Transit Metastases
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that forms in skin cells called melanocytes, which are responsible for producing the pigment that gives skin its color.
PEMBROLIZUMAB FOUND TO BE COST-EFFECTIVE IN ADVANCED MELANOMA
esponse: Advanced melanoma have previously been known to be a disease with a dismal prognosis. Over the last few years, clinical trials data and real-world clinical experience of checkpoint inhibitors have significantly changed the treatment landscape for advanced melanoma patients.
Biotech ImmVirX bucks VC desert to bank raise at $75m valuation
A team of doctors has bucked the harsh venture-capital environment to bank a $15 million cornerstone investment from One Ventures, locking in financing to take their cancer-killing virus beyond its first human tests.
PRT811 Shows Preliminary Efficacy, Consistent Safety in Advanced Glioma and Uveal Melanoma
PRT811, a protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) brain-penetrant inhibitor, has exhibited clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile in patients with IDH-positive recurrent, high-grade glioma and splicing mutation (SPLC)-positive uveal melanoma treated in the dose-expansion stage of a phase 1 study (NCT04089449), consistent with findings from the dose-escalation stage of the trial.
KEYNOTE-716: Primary melanoma, not lymph nodes, should ‘drive therapeutic decision-making’
Three-year results show durable distant metastasis-free survival and RFS benefits with adjuvant pembrolizumab.
Biomarkers predict benefit of adjuvant nivolumab in resected melanoma
Four biomarkers appeared associated with longer RFS with nivolumab but not placebo.
Fianlimab/Cemiplimab Demonstrates Early Clinical Activity and Safety in Advanced Melanoma
The LAG-3 inhibitor fianlimab plus cemiplimab (Libtayo) produced high and consistent tumor responses and a comparable toxicity profile to that of anti–PD-L1 monotherapies in patients with advanced melanoma who were PD-L1 inhibitor–naïve in the advanced setting, according to data from a phase 1 study (NCT03005782) presented at the 2023 ASCO Annual Meeting.
Expert: KEYNOTE-716 Could be a “Game-Changer" for Patients with Stage 2 Melanoma At High Risk of Recurrence
Until this study, adjuvant immunotherapy was standard of care for stage 3B melanoma but not stage 2, which has relatively similar survival rates and risk of recurrence.
Dr Tawbi on Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab in Metastatic Melanoma
Hussein A. Tawbi, MD, PhD, professor, deputy chair, director, Personalized Cancer Therapy, Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the 2-year findings from the phase 2/3 RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) of nivolumab plus relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag) in treatment-naïve patients with metastatic or unresectable melanoma.
ASCO 2023: Moderna and MSD’s vaccine/IO combo reduces chances of melanoma spreading
Moderna and MSD revealed an update on results demonstrating an improved distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) when their mRNA vaccine was used in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab), at the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting.
Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab Demonstrates Consistent Benefit for Patients with Advanced Melanoma
Two-year follow-up data from the RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) showed a continued benefit for patients with previously untreated, unresectable, or metastatic melanoma receiving nivolumab plus relatlimab (Opdualag) vs nivolumab (Opdivo) monotherapy supporting the use of the combination, according to Hussein A. Tawbi, MD, PhD.
Education Can Help Address Racial Disparities in Skin Cancer Diagnosis, Treatment, Says Dr Sancy Leachman
Addressing racial disparities in skin cancer involves education, understanding rates of risk and ethnicity, and knowledge of the different types of melanoma, which makes skin cancer disparities complex to attack, said Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Dermatology and director of the Melanoma Research Program at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University.
Closing Thoughts on Intralesional Therapy for Melanoma and CSCC
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: Dr Pavlick, given the logistical challenges of delivering intralesional therapies, can you describe the way your practice does it so our audience can glean some tips as they try to develop these in their own institutions and hospitals?
Nasal Administration of Novel Recombinant Protozoan Strain Prevents Metastatic Melanoma in the Lung
The protozoan intranasal treatment was associated with a strong increase of immune cells within the lung.
Imiquimod efficacious in melanoma in situ tumor reduction
Imiquimod treatment for 16 weeks exhibited a 90% tumor clearance rate in persistent MMIS at margins of resection.
Who’s on First? The Expanding Role of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Melanoma
As interest in neoadjuvant treatment in melanoma grows, it’s important to determine the best approaches for investigating new therapeutic agents and post-treatment options for patients.
Telehealth Exercise Interventions Feasible, Safe for Those With Advanced Melanoma
In patients with advanced melanoma, a telehealth exercise intervention was feasible, safe, and improved physical function while also improving quality of life.
Impact of Hematologic Malignancies on Treatment Outcomes for Patients With Advanced Melanoma
A comprehensive analysis found patients with hematologic malignancies and advanced melanoma who were treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors experienced significantly worse melanoma-related outcomes compared to patients without hematologic malignancies.
RNA sampling via tape strips may rule out melanoma in suspicious lesions
RNA derived tape stripping proved to have a 100% sensitivity for identifying cutaneous malignant melanoma.
TikTok creator’s warning over sunbed tanning videos
There has been a massive increase in TikTok videos promoting the use of sunbeds and tanning products such as nasal sprays, a Belfast content creator has warned.
Study shows impacts of ASO-based MALAT1-inhibition on MAPK-pathway gene regulation in melanoma
A new research paper was published in Oncotarget’s Volume 14 on May 26, 2023, entitled, “Deconstructing the role of MALAT1 in MAPK-signaling in melanoma: insights from antisense oligonucleotide treatment."
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Expands Its Reach in Metastatic Melanoma
A number of novel immunotherapies, such as PD-1 inhibitors and targeted drug therapies with BRAF and MEK inhibitors, have become available for managing advanced melanoma.
What’s the Difference Between Nodular and Superficial Spreading Melanoma?
When people talk about melanoma, they don’t usually specify which type of melanoma they’re referring to. You may not even have known there were multiple types until you read that last sentence.
FDA Grants Priority Review to Lifileucel in Advanced Melanoma
The FDA has granted priority review to the biologics license application (BLA) for the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy lifileucel (LN-144) for the treatment of patients with advanced melanoma who progressed on or after prior anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy and targeted therapy.
Biological Patterns in Pediatric Melanoma
In a recent systematic review, researchers sought to evaluate the historical evidence of pediatric melanoma, citing the current evidence’s heterogeneity, particularly regarding melanoma subtypes and prognosis. Furthermore, they intended to highlight major sources of pediatric melanoma heterogeneity, particularly among single patients.
Meaningful End Points for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: We’ve talked a lot about different trials that led to the FDA approval of some of these agents. What are some of the more meaningful end points?
Deciding Between Melanoma Therapy Options
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: To expound on that a bit more, Dr Pavlick, when you’re thinking of a combination immunotherapy approach for a patient, how do you decide between the 2 combinations that are FDA approved?
Q&A: Regular self-exams, ABCDEs of melanoma may help detect skin cancer early
Although skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — has a 5-year survival rate of 99% when detected early.
This Limited Edition Swimsuit Educates Wearers About Melanoma Detection
Nobody wants to think about skin cancer; cancer sucks. The American Cancer Society estimates that ~97,610 new melanoma cases will be diagnosed in 2023 (roughly 58k in men, 39k in women).
The “hidden” melanoma
The first Monday in May is Melanoma Day. In all probability, most people of color completely ignored it. That’s understandable. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, is more common in Whites. For instance, the rate of new cases in White men is 37.9 per 100,000 men versus 1.0 per 100,000 men in Blacks.
INVESTIGATING GENOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF ACRAL, MUCOSAL, AND VULVOVAGINAL MELANOMAS
The following is a summary of “Distinct genomic features in a retrospective cohort of mucosal, acral, and vulvovaginal melanomas,” published in the MAY 2023 issue of Dermatology by Shi, et al.
Preparing Patients for the Summer Sun: Discussing Sun Protection
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Michael B. Atkins, MD, and participants discussed the case of a 73-year-old man with a history of melanoma whose disease is now metastatic
Roundtable Discussion: Atkins and Participants Look at Dual Immunotherapy Options in Frontline Metastatic Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Michael B. Atkins, MD, and participants discussed the case of a 73-year-old man with a history of melanoma whose disease is now metastatic
Scrap tax on sunscreen, say cancer charities
Value added tax – better known as VAT – should be scrapped on sunscreen to make it more affordable, say several UK cancer charities.
Calls for government to ditch sunscreen VAT after shock Scots figures
NEW research has revealed nearly half of people in Scotland think sunscreen is too expensive with many deciding not to use it at all due to the price.
Key Concepts, Gaps in Knowledge Identified in Self-Examination for Those with High Melanoma Risk
A review of randomized clinical trials using the World Health Organization’s framework for clinical adherence to point to key knowledge gaps in self-exam knowledge among those at high risk for skin cancer.
May is Melanoma and Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Keep up with the latest news on skin in the Dermatology channel
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the United States, with over 5 million cases diagnosed annually.
Treating Patients with High-Risk Melanoma
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: Talk briefly about patients with high-risk melanoma. For example, for patients with stage III melanoma, a number of trials have led to approvals initially of high-dose ipilimumab and anti–PD-1, as well as combination BRAF/MEK for those who have a BRAF mutation. For a patient with stage III disease, Dr Khushalani, when do you decide to treat and with what agent, especially if they’re BRAF mutated?
Men Are More Likely to Die From Melanoma—But Why?
Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer—left untreated, it has the ability to spread deeper into the skin or to organs within the body, and become deadly.
Tumor-Directed Oncolytic Therapies for Melanoma and CSCC
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: Let’s switch gears and talk about the treatment modality of tumor-directed oncolytic therapies. These are intralesional therapies that many medical oncologists often employ in our practices. Dr Khushalani, when do you consider usage of this particular treatment modality for your patients?
Pierce Underscores the Importance of 2-Step Verification With Relatlimab/Nivolumab
On this episode of The Vitals, Oncology Nursing News® talks with Amber Pierce RN, BSN, OCN, regional nurse manager at Oncology Hematology Associates, an American Oncology Network partner practice, about the importance of 2-step verification with nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw (Opdualag), which was approved for patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma in March 2022.
Free toolkit for clubs to keep members safe in the sun
With the weather warming up, and the Met Office predicting another summer of high temperatures, it’s important to factor in sun protection within your health and safety advice, specifically to those who spend prolonged periods outdoors.
The Complexities and Art of Interpreting Biomarkers and Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
A function of immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors, is to allow normal tissues to coexist with the immune system and avoid triggering a destructive response.
Ask the Expert: What is the connection between melanoma and brain metastases?
hat is the connection between melanoma and brain metastases?Brain metastases occur when existing cancer cells grow to form one or more secondary tumors that invade the nervous system. While any cancer can spread to the brain, the likelihood is greater with some types of cancer, including melanoma, lung and breast cancer.
Proteomic and Molecular Changes in Cutaneous Melanoma Metastasis
In a study, researchers sought to obtain up-to-date information about changes in the metastatic melanoma progression journey, particularly to varying regions, and even organs of the body, in order to improve patient treatment response and survival rates.
Gene Profile Test May Improve Risk Stratification in Cutaneous Melanoma
The 31-gene expression profile test, DecisionDx-Melanoma, demonstrated improved risk stratification over American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging alone in patients with stage I cutaneous melanoma, according to a press release from Castle Biosciences, Inc.
In a ‘rapid autopsy’ study, UCLA researchers identify lethal molecular alterations after present-day therapies fail patients with metastatic melanoma
In a new translational study from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, researchers analyzed genetic changes in the organs of recently deceased patients to understand how metastatic cutaneous melanoma spreads in those who had initially benefited from precision therapies. Results are published online ahead of print in Nature Medicine.
Researchers discover how mutant protein leads to melanoma
Researchers from Harvard’s Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB)’s Zon lab have discovered a new mechanism that influences melanoma development, a finding that could have wide implications for patients across a variety of cancers.
Treatment-Resistant Melanoma Genetic Signatures Emerge From Rapid Autopsy Analysis
NEW YORK — Researchers have uncovered genetic and gene expression changes in the organs of patients who died of precision treatment-resistant metastatic cutaneous melanoma.
Mucosal Melanoma: The Skin Cancer You’ve Never Heard About
Most people in the world will go their lifetime without even hearing the term “mucosal melanoma.” That’s not surprising, given that this type of cancer accounts for just 1% of all melanomas, and it doesn’t look or act like the kinds of skin cancer you’ve read about, such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
New Mechanism That May Lead to Melanoma Discovered
Researchers from Harvard’s Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB)’s Zon lab have discovered a new mechanism that influences melanoma development, a finding that could have wide implications for patients across a variety of cancers.
COMPARING THE RECURRENCE RISK OF NUM AFTER FS AND AMPUTATION
The following is a summary of “Risk of recurrence of nail unit melanoma after functional surgery versus amputation,” published in the January 2023 issue of Dermatology by Oh, et al.
The states with the highest skin cancer rates just might surprise you (USA).
Spring fever has hit the nation, and young and old are running out to enjoy the warm temperatures and longer days. But the Centers for Disease Control warns that more sun leads to the most common type of cancer in the U.S. – skin cancer.
Melanoma Monday 2023: Date, History, Activities and Facts
Melanoma Monday 2023: The American Academy of Dermatology created Melanoma Monday, which occurs on the first Monday in May May 1 this year three weeks prior to National Safe Sun Week, to raise awareness of the disease’s symptoms, causes, and prevention, and the day has become associated with wearing black clothing. Melanoma, the most lethal form of skin cancer, affects one in fifty Americans at some stage in their lives. There are numerous ways to prevent melanoma, so spend extra time today learning how to lower your risk!
Isolated hepatic perfusion effective for isolated uveal melanoma liver metastases
The regional treatment conferred a significantly higher overall response rate than best alternative care.
Rationale for Immunotherapy in Melanoma Regardless of BRAF Status
Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, chief for the ImmunoOncology branch of the Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis at the National Cancer Institute, discusses why physicians would treat metastatic melanoma with immunotherapy prior to small molecule inhibitors in most cases.
CHARACTERISTICS IN PATIENTS WITH SECOND PRIMARY MELANOMA LESIONS VS. SINGLE PRIMARY MELANOMA LESIONS
The following is a summary of “Survival and tumor characteristics of patients presenting with single primary versus second primary melanoma lesions,” published in the MAY 2023 issue of Dermatology by Sarver, et al.
Researchers Study Genetic Changes in Tumors of Recently Deceased Patients With Melanoma
Researchers have found that studying the landscape of DNA and RNA alterations across multiple organs of metastasis may provide a new direction in cancer therapeutics to address treatment failure, according to a new study published by Liu et al in Nature Medicine. The new findings from analyzing genetic changes in the organs of recently deceased patients may help researchers understand how metastatic cutaneous melanoma spreads in those who had initially benefited from precision therapies.
Factors that Impact Treatment Selection for Melanoma
Sunandana Chandra, MD, MS: Let’s switch gears and talk about unresectable metastatic melanoma next. Dr Pavlick, when a patient walks in your office with unresectable metastatic melanoma, what are the decisions that drive your selection of treatments to offer or discuss with the patient?
SLIDESHOW: Recognizing National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month
May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month. Learn about the latest advances and research in skin cancer and melanoma.
Dr Sriramareddy on the Relationship Between Uveal Melanoma and the Liver Metastases
Sathya Neelature Sriramareddy, MD, PhD, postdoctoral fellow, Moffitt Cancer Center, discusses how the interaction between uveal melanoma cells and the liver microenvironment could influence metastasis growth and therapeutic response.
Krista Rubin Breaks Down Best Practices With Tebentafusp for Uveal Melanoma
In this episode of The Vitals, Krista M. Rubin, RN, MS, FNP-BC, joins Oncology Nursing News® to discuss best nursing practices with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) for patients with unresectable or metastatic uveal melanoma. Rubin is a nurse practitioner with the Center for Melanoma at Massachusetts General Hospital, with over 20 years of experience caring for patients with melanoma. She is also the chair of the Melanoma Nursing Initiative.
Early ctDNA Testing Provides Another Tool for Predicting Survival Outcomes With Tebentafusp in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
The incorporation of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing into standard practice for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma receiving tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) may provide a more accurate assessment of the agent’s efficacy compared with radiographic response, and better inform the decision to continue or discontinue treatment, according to Ryan J. Sullivan, MD.
Nivolumab/Relatlimab Shows PFS/OS Benefit Over Nivolumab in Melanoma
Targeted Oncology: What data support the combination of nivolumab and relatlimab (Opdualag) for patients with metastatic melanoma?
CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH: OPTIMAL MARGINS FOR MALIGNANT MELANOMA REMOVAL
The following is a summary of “Local Recurrence Rates of Malignant Melanoma After Mohs Micrographic Surgery Are Lowest With 5- to 10-mm Initial Margins: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis,” published in the Feb 2023 issue of Dermatologic Surgery by Campbell et al.
IRAK-4 Inhibitor CA-4948 May Enhance Immunotherapeutic Outcomes in Melanoma With Brain Metastases
Promising preclinical findings have demonstrated that IRAK-4 is a viable target to increase the efficacy of immunotherapy in patients with melanoma who have brain metastases. The development of the oral, IRAK-4 inhibitor, CA-4948, showed enhanced antitumor activity and efforts are underway to evaluate the agent in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in a first in-human clinical trial (NCT05669352), according to Bently Doonan, MD.
Dermatologists Working with Convolutional Neural Networks Showed Improvement in Melanoma Identification
Dermatologist cooperation with a market-approved convolutional neural network (CNN) may improve skin lesion identification performance, according to recent findings.
Study Reveals Key Factors Guiding Shared Decision-Making for BRAF V600E/K+ Melanoma
Oncologists take multiple treatment attributes into consideration when deciding between options for patients with BRAF V600E/K-mutant metastatic melanoma.
Individuals with vitiligo less prone to melanoma, skin cancer
The incidence of melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer appears to be markedly low among people with vitiligo, as reported in a study.
Melanoma: Survivorship Care
“Medical Journeys" is a set of clinical resources reviewed by doctors, meant for physicians and other healthcare professionals as well as the patients they serve.
MELANOMA DEATHS ARE DROPPING IN ISRAEL. HERE’S WHY
Australia, New Zealand, Israel.Thirty years ago, these three countries topped the list for incidence of melanoma, the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer.
A New Cancer Mechanism: Failed Cell Housekeeping
Researchers have identified gene mutations that cause cancer in a previously unknown way.
Immunotherapies Discussed for Melanoma
What data from the CheckMate 067 (NCT01844505), KEYNOTE-006 (NCT01866319), and RELATIVITY-047 (NCT03470922) trials would influence your choice of immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma?
New study generates predictive model to help identify melanoma patients best eligible for sentinel lymph node biopsy
Clinical eligibility guidelines determine the criteria by which patients are selected for various medical procedures. But strict reliance on established guidelines can overlook patients who might benefit from a procedure, while selecting some who are unlikely to benefit.
SkylineDx, NeraCare Partnering on Proteomic Test for Melanoma
NEW YORK – Diagnostic firm SkylineDx said Thursday that it is partnering with German test developer NeraCare on that firm’s Immunoprint proteomic test for melanoma.
MYC inhibition in melanoma: preclinical promise and the unveiling of a prognostic gene signature
Published in the journal Genes & Development*, results of a study led by Laura Soucek, co-Director of the Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology’s Preclinical and Translational Research Program, show that the expression of Omomyc in preclinical melanoma models disrupts MYC activity and alters gene expression profiles, reducing cancer proliferation and progression.
Moderna’s experimental cancer vaccine treats but doesn’t prevent melanoma – a biochemist explains how it works | Opinion
Media outlets have reported the encouraging findings of clinical trials for a new experimental vaccine developed by the biotech company Moderna to treat an aggressive type of skin cancer called melanoma.
SkylineDx and NeraCare team up to develop Immunoprint test
Dutch diagnostics corporation SkylineDx and German company NeraCare have entered a strategic partnership to advance precision medicine for early-stage melanoma.
Vitamin D supplementation may improve immunotherapy response in advanced melanoma
Patients with melanoma who had normal vitamin D levels at baseline or with supplementation had a higher response rate to immunotherapy.
Men need to take melanoma seriously
It’s only April, but many people across the country and the globe are already enjoying summerlike temperatures. But getting out in the sun also increases your risk of getting skin cancer.
mRNA Vaccine, Plus Pembrolizumab, Minimizes Recurrence Rate in Melanoma
The personalized mRNA-based cancer vaccine mRNA-4157 (V940) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) demonstrated efficacy in the adjuvant setting for patients with resected high-risk melanoma. Findings from the open-label, randomized, phase 2b mRNA-4157-P201/KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881), showed that the combination improved recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with pembrolizumab alone, regardless of tumor mutational burden (TMB).
Oncology Pharmacists Are Crucial in Skin Cancer Management
Skin cancer is the most diagnosed malignancy in the United States today, with the American Academy of Dermatology estimating that 20% of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, and approximately 9500 individuals in the United States are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.
Darovasertib Plus Crizotinib Shows Early Promise in Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
The combination of darovasertib (IDE196) and crizotinib (Xalkori) demonstrated clinical activity and an acceptable safety profile when utilized in first- and any-line patients with metastatic uveal melanoma, according to interim results from a phase 2 trial (NCT03947385).
AACR 2023 highlights on advances in the treatment of resected high-risk melanoma with Jeffrey Weber
Reporting from AACR 2023, Jeffrey S. Weber presents the results from primary analysis of the KEYNOTE-942 trial, testing a combination of pembrolizumab plus a novel mRNA-based vaccine based on personalised neoantigens from patients with high-risk resected melanoma, compared to pembrolizumab alone.
Dr Sullivan on ctDNA Reduction After Tebentafusp Treatment in Uveal Melanoma
Ryan J. Sullivan, MD, associate professor, medicine, Harvard Medical School; associate professor, hematology/oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, discusses findings from a study investigating the effects of early circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reduction on overall survival (OS) in patients with uveal melanoma treated with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak).
Catching cancer with AI
With summer nearly here, the work of Quincy Gu, a bioinformatics and computational biology Ph.D candidate at the U of M Rochester, takes on particular significance.
Melanoma Immunotherapy Shows Promising Results in Mice
Researchers from King’s College London and Guy’s and St. Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust report their new class of immunotherapy shows promising results for fighting melanomas, the most aggressive form of skin cancer. The results show that an IgE antibody activates the immune response to fight cancer and slows melanoma growth in mice.
Dr Sullivan on Pseudoprogression as a Potential Explanation for Outcomes With Tebentafusp in Uveal Melanoma
Ryan J. Sullivan, MD, associate professor, medicine, Harvard Medical School; associate professor, hematology/oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, explains the prolongation of survival with tebentafusp-tebn (Kimmtrak) despite apparent initial radiographic tumor progression in patients with uveal melanoma.
Study shows promising results for immunotherapy targeting skin cancer
A new class of immunotherapy shows promising results for fighting the most aggressive form of skin cancer.
Updated Results From KEYNOTE-695 Do Not Meet ORR Primary Endpoint in Advanced Melanoma
Primary results from the phase 2 KEYNOTE-695 study (NCT03132675) did not meet the prespecified end point of overall response rate (ORR) for previously treated patients with unresectable or metastatic (Stage III/IV) melanoma to the combination of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and a proprietary interleukin 12 (IL–12) intratumoral tavokinogene telseplasmid and electroporation (TAVO-EP).
How mutant protein leads to melanoma
Researchers from Harvard’s Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology (HSCRB)’s Zon lab have discovered a new mechanism that influences melanoma development, a finding that could have wide implications for patients across a variety of cancers.
New Class of Immunotherapy May Help Fight Aggressive Skin Cancer
A new class of immunotherapy shows promising results in patients who have the most aggressive form of skin cancer. from King’s College London and Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust studied whether a novel antibody can target and treat aggressive melanomas. According to study results, it activates the immune response to fight cancer and slows down the growth of melanoma in mice.
Scientists Reveal How Incurable Skin Cancer Resists Treatment
Researchers have discovered the reason why some skin cancers cease to respond to treatment toward the end of the patient’s life.
Invasive Melanomas May Appear as Small Lesions
Invasive melanomas may be detected as small-diameter lesions and are potentially metastatic, according to study findings published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Immunotherapy response in advanced melanoma influenced by prior treatments Study
When a patient is diagnosed with advanced melanoma, they usually are treated with immune therapies like anti-PD-1 blockade and anti-CTLA-4 blockade, in combination or alone. By blocking different proteins that diminish the effectiveness of T cells, these checkpoint inhibitors enhance the body’s immune response to cancer.
Study validates SkylineDx’s Merlin test can avoid surgery and lower healthcare costs
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Calif., April 12, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, today announced research demonstrating significant cost-saving potential with use of its Merlin test, which may reduce the rate of unnecessary sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNB) in SLNB-eligible patients with cutaneous melanoma.
Microbiotica Announces Clinical Trial Collaboration with MSD to Evaluate MB097 in Combination with KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab) in a Phase 1b Clinical Trial in Melanoma
CAMBRIDGE, England–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Microbiotica, a leader in discovering and developing microbiome-based therapeutics and biomarkers, today announces it has entered into a clinical trial collaboration with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA).
Understanding and Treating Mucosal Melanoma
In season 4, episode 4 of Targeted Talks, Richard D. Carvajal, MD, deputy physician in chief and director of Medical Oncology, Northwell Health Cancer Institute, discusses mucosal melanoma and treatment options for the disease.
Oncology Pharmacists Are Crucial in Skin Cancer Management
From explaining how medications work and should be taken to reviewing potential adverse effects and financial details, pharmacists are crucial resources for patients undergoing treatment for skin cancer.
Why melanoma is so deadly for men, and why it doesn’t have to be
As his patient sat on the examining table, dermatologist Jeremy Brauer explained the pathology report, letting him know that the lesion on his chest was skin cancer and that minor surgery would be required to remove it.
Analyzing Factors That Lead to Worse Outcomes in Mucosal Melanoma
Richard D. Carvajal, MD, deputy physician-in-chief and director of medical oncology at the Northwell Health Cancer Institute and R. J. Zuckerberg Chair in Medical Oncology, discusses the factors that lead to poorer outcomes for patients with mucosal melanoma.
Adding New Vaccine Type to Leading Immunotherapy Dramatically Reduced Melanoma Recurrence
The combination of an experimental mRNA vaccine with an immunotherapy reduced the likelihood of melanoma recurring or causing death by 44 percent when compared to immunotherapy alone, a new clinical trial shows.
Dr Sancy Leachman Discusses Tailoring Genetic Testing for Melanoma to the Patient
Each patient needs to weigh the benefits and risks of genetic testing for melanoma and have someone who can take the time to explain everything, including insurance risks, said Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, professor and chair in the Department of Dermatology and director of the Melanoma Research Program at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University.
Many melanoma patients could avoid the risk for toxicity from combination therapies, study suggests
Data from a national clinical trial shows that a striking 89% of patients with desmoplastic melanoma responded to immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) alone, suggesting that many patients could avoid the risk for toxicity from combination therapies and achieve cancer control with this approach to treatment.
Pembrolizumab Yields High Response Rates for Patients With Unresectable Metastatic Desmoplastic Melanoma
Patients with unresectable metastatic desmoplastic melanoma, a rare amelonotic subtype of cutaneous melanoma, achieved high response rates when treated with single-agent pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in the SWOG S1512 trial (NCT02775851), according to data presented during the 2023 AACR Annual Meeting.
Radiation Necrosis Common in Metastatic Melanoma With Intracranial Metastasis
Radiation necrosis (RN) is common in patients who have undergone stereotactic radiation surgery (SRS) for the treatment of intracranial metastasis (ICM) from melanoma, with poor clinical outcomes, according to research recently published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Oncology.
Melanoma Excisions with 5 Millimeter Margins Linked to Less Risk of Local Recurrence
A T1a melanoma excision near critical structures with 5-mm margins may be adequate for a diminished risk of local recurrence compared to other excisions, according to recent findings.
Dermoscopic Features in Melanoma Associated With 3 Genes
There are 3-gene expression profiling pigmented lesion assays (3-GEP PLA) which detect the 3 genes in a noninvasive manner. These genes are Long Intergenic Non-Protein Coding RNA 518 (LINC00518), Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME), and mutated Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT).
How Incurable Melanoma Resists Treatment
Researchers say they have found out how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life. An analysis of 14 patients who died from incurable melanoma has revealed that changes to the order, structure, and number of copies of tumor DNA could cause some skin cancers to resist treatment. These changes also explain how melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.
Candidate found to inhibit malignant melanoma growth
Malignant melanoma is a relatively aggressive type of skin cancer. When detected early, it is usually treatable by surgical resection only, but metastases develop, often spreading to distant areas.
REALITIVTY-047 Study Design Shows Mature Response Results in Melanoma
Jason Luke, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the director of the Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, discusses the unique design of the RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT03470922) that demonstrated the efficacy of nivolumab (Opdivo) plus relatlimab (Opdualag) in patients with advanced melanoma.
Pharmacists Can Help Patients with Melanoma Monitor Immune-Related Adverse Events When Starting Newly Approved Immunotherapies
Julia Stevens, PharmD, BCOP, Clinical Pharmacy Specialist – Ambulatory Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, discusses recent developments and patient considerations for 2 recent approved first-line therapies for melanoma at Hematology/Oncology Pharmacy Association (HOPA) Annual Conference 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona, from March 29 to April 1, 2023.
Adjuvant Therapy Decision-Making in Melanoma: SLN Biopsy Status as a Key Factor for Clinical Stage IIB/C Patients
The following is a summary of “Sentinel lymph node biopsy status improves adjuvant therapy decision-making in patients with clinical stage IIB/C melanoma: A population-based analysis,” published in the APRIL 2023 issue of Dermatology by Sharon, et al.
Phase 2 KEYNOTE-695 Trial for Melanoma Treatment Did Not Reach Primary Endpoint
The phase 2 KEYNOTE-695 trial (NCT03132675), conducted by OncoSec Medical Incorporated, observed the efficacy of the combination of interleukin 12 (IL-12) encoding plasmid tavokinogene telseplasmid (TAVO-EP) plus IV pembrolizumab (Keytruda, Merck & Dohme LLC).
Nivolumab Injected Directly Into Spinal Fluid May Be Safe and Effective for Some Patients With Melanoma Who Have Leptomeningeal Disease
Researchers have found that a novel approach to administer intrathecal and intravenous nivolumab has proven safe and improved survival in a subset of patients who developed leptomeningeal disease from metastatic melanoma, according to a new study published by Glitza Olivia et al in Nature Medicine.
Isolated Hepatic Perfusion with Melphalan Improves Response Rate and PFS in Previously Untreated Patients with Isolated Liver Metastases from Uveal Melanoma
In a first analysis of a randomised controlled phase III study conducted among previously untreated patients with isolated liver metastases from primary uveal melanoma, a single treatment with isolated hepatic perfusion with melphalan was well tolerated with manageable side effects and resulted in significantly higher overall response rate (ORR) and improved progression-free survival (PFS) and hepatic PFS (hPFS) compared with the investigator’s choice of available treatments.
Interventions in Minimal Residual Disease Lead to Long-Term Melanoma Control
Cutaneous melanoma responds to targeted therapies (TT) and immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in 3 phases, according to a recent review.
Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in Desmoplastic Melanoma
Neoadjuvant pembrolizumab may significantly improve the management of desmoplastic melanoma, increasing the likelihood of successful resection and reducing the need for further surgery or radiation therapy, according to the response data presented at the 2022 ASCO Annual Meeting, with the surgical considerations presented at the 2023 Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO) International Conference on Surgical Cancer Care.
Lack of Data to Support ICI Retreatment in Advanced Melanoma
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) retreatment in advanced melanoma is used in clinical practice, but there is a lack of evidence to support it, according to research presented at the NCCN 2023 Annual Conference.
Study reveals how diet and probiotics boost melanoma immunotherapy response
In mice with melanoma, probiotic bacteria travel from the gut and establish in tumors, where they directly stimulate immune cells to make cancer immunotherapy more effective, according to a new study led by University of Pittsburgh researchers.
Doctors save young Oliver after melanoma scare
A local doctor’s surgery is raising awareness about melanoma in children after 13-year-old Oliver Iacuzzi was the second young person to be diagnosed with skin cancer since they opened in 2019.
Pembrolizumab/Lenvatinib Combo Misses OS End Points in Select Advanced Melanoma and mCRC
The phase 3 LEAP-003 (NCT03820986) and LEAP-017 (NCT04776148) trials evaluating pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus lenvatinib (Lenvima) did not meet their primary end points of overall survival (OS) in select patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma and metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC), respectively.
EMA Awards PRIME Scheme Designation to mRNA-4157/V940 Plus Pembrolizumab in High-risk Melanoma
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has granted Priority Medicines (PRIME) scheme designation to the personalized cancer vaccine mRNA-4157/V940 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for use as adjuvant treatment in patients with high-risk, stage III or IV melanoma following complete resection.
Brain Metastases in Patients with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma
A group of researchers sought out to determine the incidence of brain metastases and its true rate of occurrence in patients with metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM).
Prior treatments influence immunotherapy response in advanced melanoma
Research led by scientists at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center found that responses to a type of immunotherapy called PD-1 checkpoint blockade in patients with advanced melanoma depended on whether or not they had previously received another immunotherapy – CTLA-4 blockade – as well as other factors.
Prior CTLA-4 Inhibition May Influence Response to PD-1 Inhibitors in Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Researchers have found that responses to PD-1 inhibitor treatment in patients with advanced melanoma may depend on whether they had received previous treatment with CTLA-4 inhibitors, according to a new study published by Campbell et al in Cancer Cell.
Clinical Commentary: Tawbi Assesses Toxicities of Therapies in Advanced Melanoma
We have randomized phase 3 data for pembrolizumab [Keytruda], nivolumab, and…nivolumab plus ipilimumab [Yervoy], so I completely agree that all of these [agents are considered] category 1 treatments by the NCCN [National Comprehensive Cancer Network] because all have shown improvements over single-agent ipilimumab.
Skin Cancer Isn’t Limited To The Skin: 7 Body Parts Where It Can Develop
Skin cancer is a debilitating disease caused by the growth of cells in a disorderly manner. The multiplying cells–especially cancerous ones–can spread to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis.
World-first research discovers ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ cancer cells
Melbourne researchers have discovered how a rogue protein produces ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ cancer cells, which could lead to improved treatments for melanoma and other cancers.
Dermatologists Looking to the Future Will Need to Be Their Own Advocates, Panel Says
A panel assembled at the American Academy of Dermatology 2023 Annual Meeting encouraged the audience of dermatologists to advocate together for needed changes in payment, access, and practice.
Study Shows why Late-stage Metastatic Melanoma Resists Treatment
An in-depth analysis of 14 patients who died from incurable melanoma has revealed that changes to the order, structure and number of copies of tumor DNA could cause some skin cancers to resist treatment. These changes also explain how melanoma can spread to other parts of the body.
Scientists uncover how incurable skin cancer resists treatment at the end of life
The results of new research have revealed how some skin cancers stop responding to treatment at the end of life.
FDA Approval Sought for Adjuvant Nivolumab for Completely Resected Stage IIB/C Melanoma
The FDA has accepted the supplemental biologics license application for nivolumab (Opdivo) as an adjuvant treatment for patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma.
Mediterranean Diet Correlates With Responses to Melanoma Immunotherapy
A habitual Mediterranean diet may have a role in improving responses to immune checkpoint blockade as therapy for advanced melanoma, according to findings from a cohort study published in JAMA Oncology.
FDA Accepts Supplemental BLA For Nivolumab For Melanoma
The FDA has accepted the supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for nivolumab (Opdivo) as adjuvant monotherapy for patients with completely resected stage IIB or IIC melanoma, according to a Bristol Myers Squibb press release.1 The PDUFA date for this sBLA is October 13, 2023.
Mediterranean Diet and Immune Checkpoint Blockade Outcomes in Advanced Melanoma
In the PRIMM study reported in JAMA Oncology, Bolte et al found that consumption of a Mediterranean diet was associated with a high probability of objective response and 12-month progression-free survival among patients receiving immune checkpoint blockade treatment for advanced melanoma.
With SPOTS Program, SLU Med Students Encourage Skin Cancer Awareness for Young People
Newswise — ST. LOUIS — New, unusual-looking growths or changing spots on your skin are important indicators that it is time to see a dermatologist, says Sofia Chaudhry, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University’s School of Medicine.
Study Reveals How UV Radiation May Drive Melanoma
Transcription factors bind to DNA to help control gene regulation. They help ensure that the right genes are expressed in the right cells at the right time by binding to their target sites quickly and selectively. Just as a person may be drawn to a specific book in a library, a transcription factor is drawn to a specific target in DNA. But what happens when transcription factors pick the wrong target?
Moderna’s Skin Cancer Vaccine – Plus Immunotherapy – Shows Promise Against Melanoma
An experimental skin cancer vaccine is poised for the fast track.
CD9-positive exosomes inhibit the growth of malignant melanoma, study suggests
Malignant melanoma is a relatively aggressive type of skin cancer. When detected early, it is usually treatable by surgical resection only, but metastases develop often spreading to distant areas.
Roundtable Discussion: Pavlick and Participants Review Treatment and AE Management in Melanoma
During a Targeted Oncology™ Case-Based Roundtable™ event, Anna C. Pavlick, DO, MSc, MBA, BSN, discussed first-line therapy for a patient with metastatic melanoma.
FDA Approval Sought for Lifileucel in Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma
Iovance Biotherapeutics has submitted a rolling biologics license application (BLA) to the FDA seeking the approval of the tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy lifileucel (LN-44) for the treatment of patients with advanced unresectable or metastatic melanoma who progressed on or after prior anti–PD-1/L1 therapy and targeted therapy.
Earlier appears better for immunotherapy in melanoma
For patients with advanced, resectable melanoma, treatment with pembrolizumab before as well as after surgery led to improved outcomes — without additional toxicity.
BET Inhibitors Plus Sunitinib Induce Early Signs of Clinical Activity in Melanoma Cells
Sunitinib (Sutent) demonstrated synergistic activity with the BET inhibitors JQ1 and NHWD-870 in melanoma cell lines, according to preclinical findings from a study that were published in Experimental & Molecular Medicine.
Pre-Surgery Immunotherapy May Increase Survival in Advanced Melanoma
Patients with high-risk, advanced-stage melanoma who received the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab both before surgery (neoadjuvant) and after surgery (adjuvant) had longer event-free survival than patients who received immunotherapy only after surgery according to a recent clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine.
Melanoma Diagnosis Via Teledermatology
Telehealth has become a routine part of U.S. healthcare, but it seems particularly well suited for dermatology. With relative ease, people can use their phones to take a picture or a short video of a troubling rash or spot and send it to dermatology practice. Real-time consults are also relatively easy.
Genomics increase accuracy in pediatric melanoma diagnosis
Genomics increased accuracy in distinguishing between lesion types.
Genetic Testing and Melanoma
Sancy Leachman, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chair of the Department of Dermatology and director of the Melanoma Research Program at the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health and Science University, discusses genetic testing for melanoma.
Pentagon study reveals higher cancer rates for military pilots, ground crews
A new study from the Department of Defense revealed that military pilots and ground crews experienced higher rates of certain cancers compared to the general population.
Nivolumab/Relatlimab Yields Long-Lasting Activity in Pretreated Melanoma
Nivolumab (Opdivo) plus relatlimab (Opdualag) produced a manageable safety profile and long-lasting clinical activity in patients with advanced melanoma that has progressed following prior treatment with anti–PD-L1 regimens, according to findings from the phase 1/2a RELATIVITY-047 trial (NCT01968109).
How Does Melanoma Subtype Influence Cutaneous Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients Who Use ICI Therapy?
In a recent retrospective multi-institutional cohort study1, researchers found that the presence of cutaneous immune-related adverse events (cirAEs) was associated with better survival among patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy.
Indoor Tanning and Melanoma
The well-established link between excessive ultraviolet (UV) radiation, whether from natural sunlight or from indoor tanning machines, and the development of all types of skin cancer is nothing new to dermatologists. However, a recent study1 clearly shows that the association between the use of tanning machines and the development of multiple primary melanomas is alarmingly high, with or without familial predisposition.
Neoantigen Vaccine With Pembrolizumab Has Clear Benefit in Resected Melanoma
Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, discusses recently released data on a new antigen vaccine with pembrolizumab.
Antibiotic Treatment Within a Year of ICI Therapy May Result in Worse Survival Outcomes
A retrospective cohort demonstrated that patients who are treated with antibiotics within 1 year before immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy may experience worse overall survival.
IMMUNOTHERAPY TOXIC TRADE-OFFS
CCelina McHugh passed one biannual screening after another following the removal of a melanoma from her leg in 2001, but her luck ran out after 13 years. In a cruel coincidence, she first felt the lump in her groin hours before another scheduled screening.
How gut bacteria can boost cancer immunotherapy efficacy
Researchers investigated how gut bacteria influence the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment in mice.
Personalized ctDNA Monitoring Can Predict Outcomes in Advanced Melanoma
Personalized circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) monitoring can predict outcomes during and after treatment in patients with advanced melanoma, according to research published in Cancer.
Positive BRAF Variant Expression is Associated With Improved Melanoma Prognosis
Positive BRAF V600E expression is significantly associated with nonrecurrent disease and better survival in patients with superficial spreading melanomas (SSMs), according to study results published in Dermatology.
Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab Induces Durable Responses in Advanced Melanoma
The combination of nivolumab (nivolumab) and relatlimab (Opdualag) demonstrated clinical benefit with a manageable safety profile in patients with advanced melanoma who have progressed on prior PD-L1 or PD-1 inhibitors, regardless of PD-L1 and LAG-3 expression, according to findings from the ongoing phase 1/2a RELATIVITY-020 trial (NCT01968109).
Alberto Pappo, MD: Why Pediatric Melanoma Diagnosis Is In Flux
The concept of pediatric melanoma has evolved in the last 3 decades, one expert told HCPLive. In the early 1990s, every lesion that was possibly melanoma in a child was treated as such, Alberto Pappo, MD, explained.
Higher rates of metastatic melanoma affect Southeast Asian patients
NEW ORLEANS — Among Asian American and Pacific Islander subgroups, Southeast Asians had higher rates of metastatic and acral lentiginous melanoma and higher rates of ulceration, according to a presentation here.
Independent study shows favorable long term prognosis for CP-GEP Low Risk melanoma patients
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, March 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — SkylineDx, an innovative diagnostics company, focused on research & development of molecular diagnostics for oncology and inflammatory diseases, today announced the publication of an independent study showing that gene expression profiling (CP-GEP model) can be used to identify primary cutaneous melanoma patients with a high risk for disease recurrence.
STUDY FINDS LOWER RISK OF MELANOMA IN PATIENTS WITH ATOPIC HISTORY
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Revheads without hats
Researchers observing the crowd at Townsville’s V8 supercars events say many people are sun smart – but women are wearing the wrong hats.
Staging Imaging in Cutaneous Melanoma at Clinical Stage II: Timing and Necessity
The following is a summary of “Timing and necessity of staging imaging in clinical stage II cutaneous melanoma: Cost-effectiveness and clinical decision analysis,” published in the JANUARY 2023 issue of Surgery by Khan, et al.
Fewer cases of melanoma and cancers in extracutaneous sites among people with atopy
Fewer cases of melanoma were observed in people with a history of atopic diseases, such as allergic asthma or rhinitis, than in nonatopic people. The risk of melanoma in people with atopy was up to 50% lower than in the control group.
Melanoma Brain Metastases Have Ribosomal Protein-Based Signature
A gene signature for ribosomal protein large/small subunits (RPL/RPS) has been linked to circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that cause brain metastasis in melanoma, the most aggressive and lethal skin cancer.
Dr. Pavlick on the IGNYTE Trial in Patients With Melanoma Following Anti–PD-1 Progression
Anna C. Pavlick, DO, professor of medicine, the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, founding director, the Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, discusses the phase 2 IGNYTE trial (NCT03767348) examining vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1), an oncolytic vaccine based on a proprietary new strain of herpes simplex virus, in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) in 3 tumor-specific cohorts, including 1 featuring patients with anti–PD-1–failed cutaneous melanoma.
FDA Agrees to Review Opdivo for Post-Surgical Melanoma Treatment
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted a supplemental Biologics License Application to treat Opdivo (nivolumab) in patients with stage 2B or 2C melanoma that has been completely resected (surgically removed), according to Bristol Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of the immunotherapy agent.
Recurrence of Stage IV Melanoma to the Spleen With Splenomegaly Treated With Laparoscopic Splenectomy
A male patient diagnosed with cutaneous malignant melanoma presented with oligometastasis to the spleen.
Our ‘penicillin moment’ with skin cancer vaccines tipped to help fight melanoma
A cancer vaccine made by Moderna has been given ‘breakthrough therapy’ status by health chiefs, paving the way for fast-tracked approval. Video by Cameron Forrester
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy Mapping of LMM Corresponds with Staged Excision
The following is a summary of “Lentigo maligna melanoma mapping using reflectance confocal microscopy correlates with staged excision: A prospective study,” published in the FEBRUARY 2023 issue of Dermatology by Dechent, et al.
Certain Antibiotics May Reduce the Efficacy of Certain ICIs in Cancer Patients
A new study suggests that antibiotics may reduce the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in older patients with cancer, but this depends on the type of cancer, antibiotic, and ICI in question.
AFL legend Dermott Brereton opens up about skin cancer ordeal
AFL Hall of Fame member and Hawks legend Dermott Brereton has laid bare his skin cancer battle in the hopes it will encourage others to get checked.
Study results show immunotherapy before and after surgery for advanced melanoma lowers recurrence risk
Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio melanoma expert Monte Shaheen, MD, was part of a team of investigators that conducted a phase II clinical trial funded by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) to determine the efficacy and safety of administering the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before and after surgery in high-risk melanoma patients.
Majority of Blue Nevi Remain Stable Over Time
More than 90% of blue nevi in adult patients are stable in size after a median of 4.5 years, according to study findings published in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Nivolumab and Relatlimab in Patients With Advanced Melanoma Progressing on Anti–PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy
As reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology by Paolo Antonio Ascierto, MD, and colleagues, the phase I/IIa RELATIVITY-020 trial part D has shown evidence of activity of the combination of nivolumab and relatlimab in patients with advanced melanoma progressing on anti–PD-1/PD-L1 therapy.
BioNTech touts differences with Moderna in race for cancer vaccines
BioNTech chief strategy officer Ryan Richardson highlighted the differences between his company’s cancer vaccine and another under development by Moderna and Merck, as the companies race each other for a piece of what could be a major new class of products.
The Human Microbiota and Skin Cancer
The role of the human microbiota has recently been a focus of research interest in numerous cutaneous diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis as well as skin cancer.
Managed Care & Clinical Updates: February 2023
The increasing rate of melanoma diagnosis in the United States may not be due to actual disease, but possibly it is due to overdiagnosis of patients with an actual very low risk of death, authors of a new study posit.
Immunotherapy-Resistant Cancer Patients Lack Critical Immune Cells
Scientists at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis report that the difference between people who do and do not respond to immunotherapy may have to do with CD5+ dendritic cells because they bear the protein CD5 on their outer surfaces.
FDA Greenlights BTD of a Personalized mRNA Vaccine for High-Risk Melanoma
Positive data from the phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 trial (NCT03897881) have led to the FDA to grant a breakthrough therapy designation to mRNA-4157/V940 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with high-risk melanoma following complete resection, according to Moderna, Inc.
Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab Yields Durable Responses After Progression of Advanced Melanoma
Nivolumab plus relatlimab can produce durable responses in patients with advanced melanoma whose disease progressed on anti-PD-1/PD-L1 regimens, according to findings published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Dr. Contreras on the Use of Surgical Resection in Desmoplastic Melanoma
Carlo Contreras, MD, a surgical oncologist for Skin and Soft Tissue Cancers, a member of the Translational Therapeutics Program, medical director of Ambulatory Services at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)–James, and an associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at The Ohio State University, discusses how continued investigations in desmoplastic melanoma could better inform the use of surgical resection in select patients.
FDA Grants Breakthrough Therapy Designation to mRNA-4157/V940 Plus Pembrolizumab in High-Risk Melanoma
The FDA has granted a breakthrough therapy designation to the investigational personalized mRNA cancer vaccine mRNA-4157/V940 in combination with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the adjuvant treatment of patients with high-risk melanoma following complete resection.
Current skin cancer biomarkers ‘ineffective’ but research gives new hope
Australian research into new biomarkers to detect skin cancer has been welcomed by the Australasian College of Dermatologists, but the shortage of dermatologists means some early skin cancer diagnosis work is currently falling to general practitioners.
PASS: A Novel Dermoscopic Algorithm for Diagnosing Cutaneous Melanomas
The PASS (polychromy, asymmetry, specific structures) algorithm for dermoscopy had good diagnostic accuracy and was easier to perform than other dermoscopic algorithms, according to the results of a multicenter retrospective analysis published in the International Journal of Dermatology.
Clinical Forum Recap Data Show Melanoma Site to Be Independent High-Risk Factor for Recurrence, Poor Outcomes
In 2022, approximately 3.3 million individuals in the United States received a diagnosis of melanoma, according to Scott Soefje, PharmD, MBA, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA, director of pharmacy cancer care services and an assistant professor at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Furthermore, basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer, with approximately 80% of patients with skin cancer receiving this diagnosis, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common.
The Significance of Nivolumab Plus Relatlimab for Advanced Melanoma
Jason Luke, MD, associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology/Oncology and the director of the Cancer Immunotherapeutics Center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center, discussed the role played by the combination of nivolumab plus relatlimab (Opdualag) in patients with advanced melanoma.
First in the world melanoma trial to breakthrough barriers
A first in the world trial looking at new treatment options for patients with melanoma that has spread to the brain is set to commence at The Alfred, potentially helping patients add years to their lives.
Blocking T-Cell Migration with Immunotherapy Slows Melanoma Growth
New research shows that using a chemical blocker stops CD8+ T cells from migrating out of skin cancer cells. Together with immunotherapy, the combination stopped melanoma tumor growth in half of treated mice, representing a potential new approach for boosting the efficacy of immunotherapy.
Choroidal melanoma treatment continues to show encouraging results at 9 months
Belzupacap sarotalocan via suprachoroidal administration demonstrated positive interim phase 2 safety and efficacy data at an average of 9 months follow-up for the treatment of early-stage choroidal melanoma.
Neoadjuvant Initiation of Pembrolizumab Improves Outcomes vs Adjuvant Therapy Alone in Advanced Melanoma
Treatment with neoadjuvant and adjuvant pembrolizumab (Keytruda) led to improved event-free survival (EFS) compared with adjuvant pembrolizumab alone for patients with resectable stage III or IV melanoma, a study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found.
Affordable treatment for recurrent melanoma
From 1 March 2023, Australians with recurrent melanoma will have a new treatment option subsidised by the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS).
Consistent Durable Responses Are Observed for Lifileucel in Melanoma Regardless of IL-2 Doses
Findings from a post hoc analysis of the phase 2 C-144-01 trial (NCT02360579) suggest that regardless of the number of IL-2 doses administered, lifileucel (LN-144) delivered durable and objective responses in patients with advanced melanoma. These data were presented during the 2022 European Society for Medical Oncology Immuno-Oncology Congress.
Microsatellites’ Prognostic Role in Melanoma and Implications in the AJCC Classification System
The following is a summary of “Prognostic role of microsatellites in melanoma and implications in the American Joint Committee on Cancer classification system: A cohort study,” published in the FEBRUARY 2023 issue of Dermatology by Loughlin, et al.
Dr. Pavlick on Addressing Unmet Needs in Melanoma Through Ongoing Investigation
Anna C. Pavlick, DO, professor of medicine, the Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, founding director, the Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, discusses how ongoing research efforts at Weill Cornell Medicine are attempting to ameliorate unmet needs in melanoma.
Immunotherapy before surgery significantly improves outcomes of patients with melanoma
If cancer exhibits a weakness, exploit it before taking the target away.
Melanoma subtype influences immune-related adverse events in ICI therapy
Cutaneous immune-related adverse events are highly dependent on melanoma subtype among immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy recipients, according to a study.
Despite advances in research and treatment, melanoma kills one Australian every 6 hours
For Lisa Donaldson, the annual Melanoma March is an opportunity for catharsis.
Timing of Melanoma Immunotherapy Could Be Key to Outcomes: Study
MONDAY, March 6, 2023 (HealthDay News) — A tweak in timing may make an immune-system therapy much more effective for patients undergoing surgery for advanced melanoma, a new clinical trial has found.
People with atopy have lower prevalence of cancers in extracutaneous sites and reduced melanoma risk
Fewer cases of melanoma were observed in people with a history of atopic diseases, such as allergic asthma or rhinitis, than in nonatopic people. The risk of melanoma in people with atopy was up to 50% lower than in the control group. I
Seaweed sugar could improve efficacy of immunotherapy in melanoma
Although immunotherapies have been a game-changer in cancer treatment, they do not work for all patients.
Cancer cells: How they shrink or grow larger to survive
Researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London are reporting that cancer cells have the ability to change their size to adapt to various challenges in their environment, including drug treatment.
MD Anderson receives nearly $19.4 million in CPRIT funding
HOUSTON ? The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today was awarded 15 grants totaling $19.38 million from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) in support of cancer research projects across the institution.
Cytovation melanoma study under way
Cytovation ASA, a Norwegian clinical stage immune-oncology company focused on the development of CyPep-1, its first-in-class targeted tumor membrane immunotherapy, announces that the first patient has been dosed in its phase 2a study.
Results From the C-144-01 Trial and Potential Impact on Clinical Practice
Amod Sarnaik, MD: The next abstract we would like to discuss is a multicenter, single-arm, phase 2 study involving TILs [tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes] in the treatment of advanced treatment-refractory melanoma.
Cancer patients who don’t respond to immunotherapy lack crucial immune cells
Immunotherapy has transformed cancer care. In advanced melanoma, for example, the most fatal form of skin cancer, the five-year survival rate has risen from less than 10% to more than 50% since immunotherapy was introduced in 2011. Still, only about half of melanoma patients respond to immunotherapy, and those who do not respond face a difficult future.
Mediterranean diet benefits patients with advanced Melanoma
Eating a Mediterranean diet, rich in whole grains, nuts, fish and vegetables, is associated with an improved immunotherapy response in patients with melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer.
Physician-scientist focused on improving brain metastases treatment
Looking at his career, it might seem like Hussein Tawbi, M.D., Ph.D., was destined to become one of the founding leaders of MD Anderson’s Andrew M. McDougall Brain Metastasis Clinic and Research Program. Each decision he made and each new role he took prepared him in a different way for his current work.
New medication offers promising treatment option for advanced melanoma patients
A new study conducted in Finland has discovered a new medication that could offer a new treatment option for patients with advanced melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Melanoma Institute of Australia aiming to support the mental health of cancer patients
The loss of both her parents to melanoma has resulted in a great deal of stress for Lisa Donaldson and for families like hers, the lack of mental health support is wearing them down.
Clinical Insights for the Future of Melanoma Care
Hussein Tawbi, MD, PhD: We’ve made a lot of progress and metastatic melanoma, and again, we feel bold enough to speak of cures and being able to help our patients with long-term outcomes, but there remains a lot of unanswered questions and unmet need in these populations. Well, first is now that we have newer combinations that are less toxic like nivolumab and relatlimab, we still don’t know the activity of that combination, for instance, in brain metastases, and whether we can help those patients with less toxicity.
Vitamin D Supplements May Reduce Melanoma Risk
People who regularly take vitamin D supplements may have a lower likelihood of developing melanoma, according to study results published in Melanoma Research.
Lifileucel TIL Cell Monotherapy in Patients With Advanced Melanoma After Progression on Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Targeted Therapy: Pooled Analysis of Consecutive Cohorts (C-144-01 Study)
Amod Sarnaik, MD, reviews data from a study presented at The Society for Immunotherapy of Cancer (SITC) 2022 Annual Meeting on lifileucel tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte [TIL] monotherapy in patients with advanced melanoma after progression on immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapy.
FDA news: Breast cancer, melanoma agents win fast track, orphan drug status
The FDA announced several regulatory actions the past few weeks.
Melanoma With Confirmed Progression: Effect of Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab
The following is a summary of “Phase II LEAP-004 Study of Lenvatinib Plus Pembrolizumab for Melanoma With Confirmed Progression on a Programmed Cell Death Protein-1 or Programmed Death Ligand 1 Inhibitor Given as Monotherapy or in Combination,” published in the January 2023 issue of Oncology by Arance, et al.
Deborah Knight issues warning after having moles removed
Deborah Knight has issued a serious warning to sunseekers after having moles removed from her chest.
Study Finds Cancer Risk Associated With UV Nail Dryers
There is speculation that the radiation from ultraviolet (UV) nail polish drying devices used in gel manicures, can damage DNA, and cause permanent mutations in cells. A new study reinforces prior experimental studies that UV radiation can lead to skin cancer.
Launch of AMBLor Test Enables Risk Stratification in Early-Stage Melanoma
Avero Diagnostics has launched AMBLor, a first-of-its-kind laboratory test for the identification of early-stage melanoma at low risk of progression. The company developed the test after licensing the underpinning technology from AMLo Biosciences in September 2022.
Woman presents with right eye redness, shadow in vision
A 59-year-old woman who presented to an outside eye care provider 1 year prior for right eye redness and a shadow in her vision was referred to the New England Eye Center when the redness did not respond to eye drops.
Oncolytic Virus/Immunotherapy Combination Delivers Early Survival Benefit in Melanoma
The preliminary efficacy and tolerability observed with vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1) plus nivolumab (Opdivo) in patients with cutaneous melanoma signal the expansion of the use of oncolytic viruses to manage cancers that are resistant to PD-1 inhibition, according to Bartosz Chmielowski, MD.
AI-Driven Tool for Melanoma Diagnosis Displays Promising Results
A positive diagnostic performance was seen with the Dermaslayer device which is used as a decision support system for assessing potential melanoma. Findings included 95% sensitivity and 86% specificity in the first prospective study of its kind conducted in primary care settings, according to AI Medical Technology (NCT05172232).
AYA Patients With Melanoma Fare Worse at All Stages Than Older Adults
Survival outcomes among adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with advanced melanoma were much worse than in older adults. These findings from a population-based study were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
ImmVira Clinical Snapshot: Intratumoral Injected OV (MVR-T3011 IT) Monotherapy Achieved Median PFS of 12.9 Months on Treatment of Melanoma
SHENZHEN, China, Feb. 8, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — ImmVira’s first intratumoral injected OV product MVR-T3011 IT has shown positive efficacy in the course of clinical studies in the U.S. and China as of January 2023, with which the monotherapy treatment significantly prolonged PFS to a median of 12.9 months among melanoma patients who had failed previous immune-oncology treatment.
Increasing Rates of Melanoma and What to Look For
Melanoma rates are on the rise across the US, according to David Goldberg, MD, JD, medical director of Skin Laser and Surgery Specialists of New York and New Jersey; director of cosmetic dermatology and clinical research at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York, New York; conference chair of South Beach Symposium (SBS) 2023, and a Dermatology Times® Editorial Advisory Board member. Goldberg discusses the increased rates of melanoma and risk factors associated with cutaneous melanoma during his session “Advances in Melanoma" at SBS 2023.
Breslow Thickness’s Prognostic Significance in Acral Melanoma
The following is a summary of “Prognostic impact of Breslow thickness in acral melanoma: A retrospective analysis,” published in the December 2022 issue of Dermatology by Wei, et al.
Melbourne mum diagnosed with stage four melanoma after paralysis, vision loss
Melbourne mum and hairdresser Gillian Jenkins was in the salon cutting a client’s hair when she suddenly felt her hand go numb.
Australia has the world’s highest melanoma rate. Why are tanning products still being advertised?
A petition is calling for changes to how tanning products – such as oils – are advertised and marketed.
Australian Skin Cancer Foundation boss calls for more awareness amid social media tanning trend
The head of the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation says prevention is key when it comes to the deadly disease, and he’s calling on the government to do more.
Clinical trial shows promising results for skin cancer treatment
A new technology called mRNA under trial revealed promising results in the development of a new vaccine able to treat melanoma that can save thousands of lives.
Imaging system to revolutionise melanoma and skin cancer detection and diagnosis
A new era in melanoma detection has started on the Sunshine Coast, which has been dubbed ‘the melanoma capital of the state’.
Suppressing Melanoma by Using Seaweed Sugar
Moffitt Cancer Center researchers say they have identified a novel approach to increase the numbers and antitumor activities of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs).
Dr. Chmielowski on the Potential Role of RP1 in Melanoma after Anti–PD-1 Failure
Bartosz Chmielowski, MD, health sciences clinical professor of medicine, the Division of Hematology-Oncology, Sarcoma and Connective Tissue Medical Oncology, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Health, discusses the potential role of vusolimogene oderparepvec (RP1) in the treatment of patients with melanoma who failed prior treatment with an anti–PD-1 therapy.
How Our Cells’ Skeletons Can Influence Cancer Metastasis
Metastases occur when cancer cells leave a primary tumor and spread throughout the body. For this, they have to break connections with neighboring cells and migrate to other tissues
Cancer cells shrink or super-size to survive
Cancer cells can shrink or super-size themselves to survive drug treatment or other challenges within their environment, researchers have discovered.
Patient Activated Education Effective as Surveillance for Skin Cancer in Childhood Cancer Survivors
Childhood cancer survivors who were treated with radiation are at a 30-fold increased risk for developing basal cell carcinoma and a 2.5- to 5-fold increased risk for developing melanoma 2 decades after treatment exposure.
The size of skin cancer cells may affect how they respond to treatment
Certain skin cancer cells may differ in how they respond to various treatments according to their size. Better understanding this and how it relates to treatment outcomes could help doctors predict an individual’s drug response.
UCLA researchers identify possible approach to prevent cancer from evolving to resist treatment
Newswise — A new clinical and preclinical study from UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center identifies the DNA roots of resistance to targeted cancer therapy, providing a possible strategy to address a vexing issue in cancer therapeutics. Results are published online ahead of print in Cancer Discovery, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research.
Ocular melanoma survivor warns others
The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists (ASO) is calling on the community to slide on their shades as the country braces for seasonal high temperatures and conditions.
Activated neutrophils can become potent cancer fighters
Elevated levels of immune cells, called neutrophils, in tumors have been associated with poor outcomes in people with cancer.
Fears people are only covering their faces as sun messaging moves to anti-wrinkles
Messages that sunscreen is for preventing wrinkles and social influencers spruiking tanning could be eroding decades of warning about melanoma risk to a generation too young to remember slip, slop, slap and the solarium debate, sun safety experts have warned.
Dad’s plea after 25-year-old daughter dies from melanoma
A Melbourne dad is on a mission to raise awareness about skin cancer, after his daughter died from the disease at the age of 25.
Sydney writer Natalie Fornasier dead at 28 after melanoma battle
Sydney writer Natalie Fornasier has died at the age of 28 after a years-long battle with metastatic melanoma.
What is Melanotan-II – the drug that the TGA urges consumers to avoid?
A TikTok influencer grins into the camera. Shirtless, his bronzed skin contrasts on a light background.
A 47-Year-Old Woman with Metastatic Melanoma
Hussein Tawbi, MD, PhD: Hello. My name is Hussein Tawbi. I’m a melanoma medical oncologist at MD Anderson Cancer Center. I’m professor and deputy chair of the Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology and co-director of the Brain Metastasis Clinic here at MD Anderson Cancer Center. What we’re discussing today is a case of an unfortunate lady in her 40s, specifically a 47-year-old lady who presented with a 2.2-millimeter primary melanoma of the skin of her left thigh.
VIDEO: Men are twice as likely to die from melanoma, research finds
Research finds men are now twice as likely to die from melanoma, and a survey by the Cancer Council has found most men don’t use sun protection daily.
Cancer Vaccine: Moderna and Merck’s Melanoma vaccine moves on to third trial phase
Cancer Vaccine: Moderna and Merck recently announced promising results on a MRNA vaccine used to treat melanoma.
Open-Label Trial Designs Do Not Seem to Influence Patient-Reported Outcomes
Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) in oncology trials are similar whether the trials have open-label or blinded designs, according to research published in JNCI Cancer Spectrum.
Tanning products should be banned in Aus
Social media has seen an outpouring of love and support for the recent death of melanoma advocate Natalia Fornasier. But that sentiment coexists with the continued promotion of tanning products online.
Spot the cancer: new advances in melanoma detection
Newswise — New biomarkers to improve skin cancer detection and avoid delays in treatment are being developed by researchers at the University of South Australia.
Research reveals a candidate drug and biomarker to target uveal melanoma
Findings from an international research study involving Irish and Spanish patients reveal a candidate drug and biomarker that could be used to manage uveal melanoma.
Pembrolizumab-ATRA combination shows benefit in metastatic melanoma
The addition of all-trans retinoic acid to pembrolizumab conferred benefit to patients with metastatic melanoma, according to results of a phase 1b/phase 2 trial published in Clinical Cancer Research.
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy in Resectable Melanoma
Anna C. Pavlick, DO, professor of medicine, Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, founding director, the Cutaneous Oncology Program, Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian, discusses the potential benefit of neoadjuvant immunotherapy prior to surgical resection, according to results from the phase 2 SWOG S1801 trial (NCT03698019).
Functional surgery may reduce recurrence risk in nail unit melanoma
Functional surgery may be an attractive option in patients with nail unit melanoma who have a Breslow thickness less than 0.8 mm, according to a study.
Moderna’s experimental cancer vaccine treats but doesn’t prevent melanoma – a biochemist explains how it works
Media outlets have reported the encouraging findings of clinical trials for a new experimental vaccine developed by the biotech company Moderna to treat an aggressive type of skin cancer called melanoma.
Flashback Foreword: Adjuvant Interferon ?-2b for High-Risk Melanoma
The following represents disclosure information provided by the author of this manuscript. All relationships are considered compensated unless otherwise noted.
Doctors warn Aussies it’s not just odd moles you need to check to avoid deadly melanoma
Australians are routinely told to cover up and get moles checked to avoid skin cancer, but there’s another form of potentially deadly melanoma doctors are warning about.
Warland Reserve features pop-up clinic and research to improve early detection of melanoma in regional areas
Victor Harbor has become the first regional city in Australia to host groundbreaking melanoma research.
Melanoma of unknown primary associated with similar survival as cutaneous primary
Despite more frequent poor prognostic factors, melanoma of unknown primary etiology was not associated with poorer survival than melanoma of known cutaneous etiology, according to a study.
Metastatic Melanoma: key protein identified that aids the spread of skin cancer
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Broad Immune Activity Is Observed With Sotigalimab Combo in Frontline Melanoma
Findings from a phase 1/2 trial showed that sotigalimab plus pembrolizumab led to antitumor activity and was well tolerated in the frontline setting of patients with metastatic melanoma.
FDA Grants Orphan Drug Designation to LNS8801 for Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma
The FDA has granted orphan drug designation for LNS8801 for the treatment of patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma, according to Linnaeus Therapeutics, Inc.
Gel nail polish lamps linked to cancer and DNA damage, study says
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – Gel nail polish lamps frequently used at nail salons have been linked to DNA damage and cancer-causing cell mutations, according to multiple media reports citing recent research.
Using a seaweed sugar to trigger immune responses that suppress melanomas
Immunotherapies have improved outcomes of many patients with cancer, including melanoma. But these therapies work for only a subset of patients.
L.E.K. Consulting supports melanoma research in Australia
According to annual statistics, one person on average dies from melanoma in Australia every six hours. New research is vital to improving patient outcomes, with L.E.K Consulting lending its support.
Novel Drug to Be Tested in Rare Form of Eye Cancer
A phase 2 study will investigate the efficacy of darovasertib for patients with uveal melanoma and whether the drug can potentially result in lower radiation doses or fewer eye removal surgeries.
New tech promises to cut wait times for skin cancer diagnoses
This summer’s UV rates are expected to be higher than last year. MoleMap chief medical officer Franz Strydom told 1News that should be a warning for Kiwis.
Men encouraged to be sun smart in new Cancer Council Victoria report
The latest Cancer Council Victoria research has found that men aren’t using enough sun protection, placing them at greater risk of developing melanoma and other cancers.
Don’t forget to slip, slop, slap
With the state’s health system already under pressure, SunSmart is pleading with Victorians, including those in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, not to become complacent with their sun protection.
Skin cancer: Almost 2000 diagnoses in the Bay of Plenty in four years
Tauranga man Miles Spence has twice been diagnosed with melanoma in the past four years.
Recurrent Melanoma: Navigating the Clinical Pathways
“Medical Journeys" is a set of clinical resources reviewed by physicians, meant for the medical team as well as the patients they serve. Each episode of this 12-part journey through a disease state contains both a physician guide and a downloadable/printable patient resource.
Trial Receives FDA Green Light to Proceed Evaluating EVX-01, Keytruda Combo in Metastatic Melanoma
A phase 2 trial evaluating EVX-01 plus Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in patients with metastatic melanoma may continue, the FDA said.
The Whole Truth: Are higher SPF sunscreens actually better?
This reporting is part of Stuff’s fact-checking project, The Whole Truth – Te Tikanga Katoa. You can read the rest of our fact-checks here.
Dr. Verschraegen on the Need for Predictive Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Melanoma
Claire F. Verschraegen, MD, professor of Medicine, director of the Division of Medical Oncology, the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Diane Nye and Michael Rayden chair in Innovative Cancer Research, director for translational research, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)–James, discusses the need for predictive biomarkers for the use of immunotherapy in the treatment of melanoma.
Early-Stage Melanoma Micrometastases: Outcomes and Risk Stratification
The following is a summary of “Clinical Outcomes and Risk Stratification of Early-Stage Melanoma Micrometastases From an International Multicenter Study: Implications for the Management of American Joint Committee on Cancer IIIA Disease” published in the December 2022 issue of Oncology by Moncrieff et al.
Melanoma survival rates high in children, adolescents
Melanoma survival rates in children and adolescent patients were around 90% or higher, according to a study.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CVD Risk in Patients With Melanoma
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may increase the risk of major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events (MACE) in patients with high-risk or advanced melanoma, according to a study published in Cardio-Oncology.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers reveals melanoma diagnosis
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has revealed he had a skin cancer scare, warning Australians they need to be vigilant with their health.
Dr. Contreras on the Role of Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in Desmoplastic Melanoma
Carlo Contreras, MD, a surgical oncologist for Skin and Soft Tissue Cancers, a member of the Translational Therapeutics Program, medical director of Ambulatory Services at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)–James, and an associate professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology at The Ohio State University, discusses the role of neoadjuvant pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for the treatment of patients with desmoplastic melanoma.
Cancer Mystery Solved: Scientists Discover How Melanoma Tumors Control Mortality
A team of scientists from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine has found the missing puzzle piece in the mystery of how melanoma tumors control their mortality.
Study finds fewer cases of melanoma among regular users of vitamin D supplements
Fewer cases of melanoma were observed among regular users of vitamin D supplements than among non-users, a new study finds.
New Data for Melanoma Patients Who Progress After PD-1 Blockade
Dr Jeffrey Weber discusses potential new approaches to managing melanoma patients who progress after anti-PD-1 agents.
Dr. Patel on the Sequencing of Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy in BRAF-Mutant Melanoma
Sapna Patel, BA, MD, a medical oncologist, an associate professor, and the director of the Uveal Melanoma Program and Melanoma Fellowship Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, discusses the sequencing of immunotherapy and targeted therapy in BRAF-mutant melanoma.
Researchers identify protein that helps skin cancer spread throughout the body
The study, published today in Nature Cell Biology, modelled the behaviour of aggressive melanoma cells that are able to change the shape of their nucleus to overcome the physical constraints that cancer cells encounter when they migrate through tissues.
Melanoma-specific Mortality Due to Delays in the Surgical Treatment of Melanoma
The following is a summary of “Delays in the surgical treatment of melanoma are associated with worsened overall and melanoma-specific mortality: A population-based analysis,” published in October, 2022 issue of Dermatology by Xiong, et al.
Adjuvant Pembrolizumab Improves QOL vs Ipilimumab or HDI in Resected Melanoma
Treatment with adjuvant pembrolizumab (Keytruda) resulted in favorable quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes vs high-dose interferon ? 2b (HDI) or ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with resected melanoma at high risk for relapse, according to the results of the secondary analysis of the phase 3 SWOG S1404 trial (NCT02506153).
Machine learning-based methods predict early-stage melanoma recurrence
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School have developed machine learning-based methods to predict which patients with early-stage melanoma have the highest risk for disease recurrence.
Impact of COVID-19 on the management of patients with metastatic melanoma
A new research paper titled “Impact of COVID-19 on the management of patients with metastatic melanoma" has been published in Oncotarget.
New I-O Targets Herald a Decade of Drugging the Undruggable
There’s a revolution unfolding in cancer therapeutics as researchers learn to harness the immune system to fight even the most stubborn tumors.
Lipofuscin presence in nevus among risk features for melanoma transformation
KOLOA, Hawaii — In this Healio Video Perspective from Hawaiian Eye 2023, Jesse L. Berry, MD, discusses dark pigmented lesions in the tissues of the eye.
Cost-Effectiveness of Treating Advanced Melanoma
Authors of an economic evaluation of patients with advanced melanoma have concluded that response-adapted discontinuation of ipilimumab after 6 weeks is cost-effective and may lower the patient’s financial burden. Cost savings were estimated at $19,891 per patient compared with standard of care, according to findings from the study published in JAMA Dermatology.
Melanoma/skin cancer 2022: ‘Transformative’ advances and new insights into adverse events
Several novel treatment regimens for melanoma/skin cancer emerged during the past year.
Personalized Immunotherapy Regimens Drive Frontline Melanoma Care
Successful melanoma treatment decisions and sequencing are increasingly being guided by individual patient needs and comorbidities, although first-line immunotherapy, be it a combination or single agent, presents clear anticancer benefits, according to Claire F. Verschraegen, MD.
Skin cancer cells use Alzheimer’s protein to sabotage brain’s immune defences
Skin cancer cells use Alzheimer’s protein to sabotage brain’s immune defences
Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Represents an Improved Option for Resectable Melanoma
The survival benefit displayed with the administration of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) prior to and after resection in the phase 2 SWOG S1801 trial (NCT03698019) showed that the addition of immunotherapy prior to surgery represents a practice-changing option for patients with high-risk melanoma, according to Anna Pavlick, DO, MBA, who added that data also continue to point to immunotherapy as the optimal frontline treatment for those in the metastatic setting.
Caressa Valdueza Highlights Best Practices for the Management of Common Adverse Events in Melanoma
The common terminology criteria for adverse events (CATCAE) is a helpful tool for nurses when managing adverse events (AEs) in the treatment of melanoma with immunotherapies and targeted therapies, according to Caressa Valdueza, MSN, AGNP-BC, AOCNP.
Cancer Vaccine Hunt Makes Progress, Finally
The long-awaited cancer vaccine revolution is getting a little closer to reality. New data from Moderna Inc. and Merck & Co. suggest that after decades of failures, researchers are finally figuring out the right way to design a vaccine that can teach immune cells how to recognize and combat tumors.
Personalized mRNA Cancer Vaccine Reduces Rate of Recurrence in Melanoma
A phase 2b trial of pembrolizumab plus a personalized mRNA vaccine resulted in improved recurrence-free survival in patients with resected high-risk melanoma, the first successful randomized trial of its kind.
Moderna mRNA melanoma vaccine may be ‘the penicillin moment’ in cancer treatment, researchers say
A world-first melanoma vaccine which personalises treatments for patients may put an end to melanoma as a “death sentence", according to Australian experts.
A Look at the ‘Collateral Damage’ From Uveal Melanoma Treatment
From eye removal to radiation damage, patients with uveal melanoma may face complications after treatment, although continued and new therapies may address these issues, an expert said.
Breakthrough in mRNA vaccines for melanoma
A new ‘personalised’ mRNA cancer vaccine in combination with pembrolizumab (sold as Keytruda) significantly improves recurrence-free survival from melanoma, Moderna and Merck have announced.
Immune system is best at fighting cancer early in the morning, research suggests
The human body is best at fighting cancer early in the morning, a discovery that could lead to more effective treatments, scientists believe.
Victorian men twice as likely to die from melanoma, says Cancer Council
New Cancer Council Victoria research confirms that men aren’t using enough sun protection, putting them at risk of developing melanoma, the fifth most common cancer in Victoria.
Presence of Many Nevi Increases Risk for Second Primary Melanoma Diagnosis
Risk for developing a subsequent primary melanoma was associated with presence of many nevi, according to results of a population-based prospective cohort study, published in JAMA Dermatology.
NZ Sunbed operators caught ignoring melanoma risks
Sunbed operators have been caught rejecting official health advice and letting people with very fair skin – so at higher risk of melanoma – use their services.
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and CVD Risk in Patients With Melanoma
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy may increase the risk for major atherosclerotic cardiovascular events in patient with high-risk or advanced melanoma, study data published in Cardio-Oncology indicates.
APRN-Led Discharge Program Reduces Readmission Rates Following Treatment With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
APRNs developed a discharge program which reduced readmission rates for patients receiving immunotherapy for advanced melanoma.
Melanoma Expert Focuses on Finding the Next Best Therapy
Clinical trials demand extreme rigor. A mistake in trial design, like a bookkeeping error, can lead regulators to reject a potentially valuable drug. Many researchers dislike this intense focus on dotting i’s and crossing t’s. Omid Hamid, MD, enjoys the challenge.
Significant number of children admitted to Queensland Children’s Hospital didn’t have suncreen applied
Doctors and nurses at the Queensland Children’s Hospital (QCH) are alarmed at the number of children – especially infants – needing hospital treatment for severe and painful sunburn.
31-GEP testing should be considered in new melanoma patients
Dermatologists should consider ordering a 31-gene expression profile test to determine metastasis risk in patients with newly diagnosed cutaneous malignant melanoma, according to a study.
Mediterranean Diet Boosts Immunotherapy Response
Falafel and hummus are not just delicious, they also could save your life, according to data presented at United European Gastroenterology (UEG) Week 2022.
Discussing Updates in the Management of Patients With Metastatic Melanoma
Marc S. Ernstoff, MD, branch chief for the ImmunoOncology branch, Developmental Therapeutics Program, Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis, at the National Cancer Institute, discusses metastatic melanoma and how patients may be managed.
Top 5 Most-Read Skin Cancer Articles of 2022
BRAF mutations were addressed in depth this year on AJMC.com’s skin cancer page, having been mentioned in 3 of this year’s top 5 articles. Also discussed were a first-in-its-class combination treatment approval and potential indicators of increased skin cancer risk.
There’s calls for Kiwis to double down on their sun protection this Summer
The most recent Ministry of Health data shows in 2019, 503 people died of skin cancer in New Zealand — 151 more than the road toll that year.
Emergence of Tebentafusp Underscores the Need for Additional Advancements in Uveal Melanoma
Richard D. Carvajal, MD, discusses the implications of the FDA approval of tebentafusp in uveal melanoma, the possibility of exploring tebentafusp in other HLA subtypes, and other areas of intriguing research in uveal melanoma.
RP1 Plus Nivolumab Generates Activity in Pretreated Cutaneous Melanoma
A combination of vusolimogene oderparepvec and nivolumab elicited early clinical activity in patients with cutaneous melanoma whose disease did not response to anti-PD-1 therapy.
Three-Drug Regimen May Improve Survival Outcomes in Subset of Patients with Melanoma
Although triplet therapy may be effective and tolerable for patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma, each patient’s case should be considered before deciding if it is the right course of treatment, according to an expert.
Dermatologists say vitamin A products are exploding in popularity but warn of potential for sun damage
From recommendations, tutorials and box-opening videos, there are millions of social media clips offering beauty and health advice to a younger audience on TikTok and Instagram.
2013 to 2017 saw significant drop in U.S. melanoma mortality rates
The introduction of new melanoma treatments coincided with a reduction in the melanoma mortality rate (MMR) in the United States, according to a study published online Dec. 6 in JAMA Network Open.
Melanoma Is The Most Common Cancer For Young Australians. That’s Cooked.
It’s time to flock to the beach, sip on Aperol spritz, and pretend we are somewhere in Sicily — The White Lotus perhaps?
Sentinel lymph node biopsy may help guide treatment decisions in stage II melanoma
Sentinel lymph node biopsy was effective as a prognostic and staging tool in stage IIB/C melanoma, according to a study.
New immune therapy for advanced melanoma offers hope for hard-to-treat disease
An experimental treatment for advanced melanoma is poised to be the next major advance in cancer treatment, experts say.
Addition of First-Line Atezolizumab to Vemurafenib/Cobimetinib in BRAF V600–Mutant Advanced Melanoma
As reported in The Lancet Oncology by Paolo A. Ascierto, MD, and colleagues, the second interim overall survival analysis of the phase III IMspire150 trial has shown a numeric but statistically nonsignificant improvement with the addition of first-line atezolizumab to vemurafenib and cobimetinib in patients with BRAF V600–mutant advanced melanoma.
Nevus phenotype, genetics increase risk of second primary melanomas
Second primary melanomas are more likely to develop in patients with more nevi and a high genetic predisposition to melanoma, according to a study.
Metastatic Melanoma Treated Effectively with T Cell Therapy, Clinical Trial Shows
Results of the world’s first comparative phase III trial probing the efficacy of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy in solid tumors, support the use of the therapy in patients with advanced metastatic melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. The results were published in The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) on December 8, 2022 “Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocyte Therapy or Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma.”
Uveal melanoma HLA typing test receives de novo classification
The FDA granted de novo classification to the SeCore CDx HLA Sequencing System for use as a companion diagnostic with Kimmtrak for metastatic or unresectable uveal melanoma, according to a Thermo Fisher Scientific press release.
Lifileucel Induces Response in Metastatic Melanoma Independent of Number of IL-2 Doses Received
Lifileucel (LN-44) achieved safety and efficacy irrespective of the number of aldesleukin (IL-2) doses administered to patients with advanced melanoma, according to data from a post-hoc analysis of the phase 2 C-144-01 trial (NCT02360579) presented at the 2022 ESMO Immuno-Oncology Annual Congress.
‘I’m 28, I have melanoma and I don’t know how long I have to live’
Australian writer Natalie Fornasier has been battling an aggressive form of skin cancer for the past eight years and has just been told she only has a couple of months left to live.
Available Treatment Options Helps Decrease Melanoma Mortality Rate
New research suggests new pharmacological therapies are associated with a decrease in melanoma-related deaths.
Dr. Verschraegen on the Need to Address TRAEs of Immunotherapy in Melanoma
Claire F. Verschraegen, MD, professor of Medicine, director of the Division of Medical Oncology, the Ohio State University College of Medicine, Diane Nye and Michael Rayden chair in Innovative Cancer Research, director for translational research, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center (OSUCCC)– James, discusses the need to improve the management of treatment-related adverse effects (TRAEs) of immunotherapy in melanoma.
Personalised melanoma vaccines prolong survival in largest trial yet
People who received a personalised melanoma skin cancer vaccine on top of a standard treatment were less likely to die over the study period than those who had the standard treatment alone.
mRNA cancer vaccine combined with Keytruda promising in adjuvant treatment of melanoma
mRNA-4157/V940, an investigational personalized mRNA cancer vaccine, with Keytruda met the primary endpoint of recurrence-free survival in a phase 2b trial for the adjuvant treatment of stage III/IV melanoma after surgical resection.
TIL Therapy vs Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma
In a Dutch-Danish phase III trial reported in The New England Journal of Medicine, Rohaan et al found that tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy prolonged progression-free survival vs ipilimumab in patients with advanced melanoma.
Drug combination for stage IV melanoma shows success in CU Cancer Center trial
A new multidrug treatment for patients with stage IV melanoma has proven effective after a three-year clinical trial at the University of Colorado Cancer Center.
The pros and cons of local resection of choroidal melanoma
Resection of choroidal tumors is a treatment option but it is technically challenging and more challenging than removing tumors in the iris and ciliary body because the choroid is less accessible.
2022 MRV Scientific Exchange Meeting
MRV Scientific Exchange Meeting 2022 – Recording
The Role of Precision Medicine in the Management of Melanoma
Precision medicine may help improve the diagnosis and management of this aggressive skin cancer.
Microsatellites may be associated with poorer survival outcomes in melanoma
The presence of microsatellites was associated with poorer overall survival in a retrospective cohort of patients with cutaneous melanoma, according to a study.
Biomarker Predicts Resistance to Immunotherapies in Melanoma
Duke Cancer Institute researchers have identified potential biomarkers that predict the likelihood for checkpoint inhibitor drugs to backfire, driving hyper-progression of melanoma cells instead of unleashing the immune system to fight them.
Iovance to Address FDA Requests for BLA of Lifileucel in Advanced Melanoma
After receiving recent FDA feedback regarding supplemental assay validation information and comparability data for lifileucel (LN-44) in the treatment of advanced melanoma, Iovance Biotherapeutics will address these comments and plans to complete its rolling biologics license application (BLA) submission during the first quarter of 2023.
Microsatellites may be associated with poorer survival outcomes in melanoma
Varying therapies for the neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of melanoma based on staging continue to be explored with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) a common agent in both settings, according to Sapna Patel, MD.
Bendigo Health unveils new machine with 3D imaging to help diagnose melanoma quicker
After receiving recent FDA feedback regarding supplemental assay validation information and comparability data for lifileucel (LN-44) in the treatment of advanced melanoma, Iovance Biotherapeutics will address these comments and plans to complete its rolling biologics license application (BLA) submission during the first quarter of 2023.
Revised Classification Criteria Needed Due to Melanoma Overdiagnosis
Increasing rates of melanoma diagnosis in recent years may be due to overdiagnosis of the skin cancer in patients with a very low risk of death and stage 1 lesions that are 1 mm or smaller, according to recent study findings in Cancer.
Khloé Kardashian Opens Up About Recent Melanoma Scare: ‘I’m Very Grateful I Was Proactive’
Khloé Kardashian opens up about her recent melanoma scare, and encourages everyone to be proactive with their health and get annual skin cancer screenings.
Australians unite to walk for melanoma awareness
One Australian is diagnosed with melanoma every 30 minutes. Australians affected by skin cancer are uniting for Jay’s Mission Melanoma Walk — over 300 km from Canberra to Sydney — to promote an important message of awareness: get your skin checked and stay sun safe.
Former surgeon general faces his wife’s cancer — and the ‘Trump Effect’
Former surgeon general Jerome Adams and his wife, Lacey, often find themselves talking about what they have named the “Trump Effect.”
Around 2,500 Australians Pose Naked For Skin Cancer Awareness
Here’s a news flash from Down Under.
Red flags for repeated melanomas
People with a greater number of moles and a genetic predisposition to melanoma are at the highest risk of developing a second primary melanoma, according to a new study.
Genetic trait octopuses and humans share could boost brainpower: Octopus venom could help fight melanoma, study finds
Lack of Knowledge Continues to Influence Delayed Melanoma Diagnosis
Malignant cutaneous melanoma outcomes were investigated as they relate to diagnosis delay and potential influence from socioeconomic and demographic factors in Brazil, where skin cancer diagnoses represent 30% of all cancer diagnoses.
Tanning. That’s cooked’: TikTok’s campaign for the Melanoma Institute
TikTok Australia has partnered with the Melanoma Institute Australia (MIA) to inspire Gen Zs to lose the tan this summer.
Jen didn’t think she could get melanoma, but she did. This is her warning to young Australians
TikTok and Melanoma Institute Australia have launched a campaign aimed at spreading awareness about melanoma.
New data reveals NSW melanoma hotspots
Australians are being warned to remain sun safe this summer as new data reveals the top melanoma hotspots in New South Wales.
North Coast towns revealed as hotspots for melanoma cases
A handful of North Coast towns have been revealed as hotspots for melanoma.
Dangerous ‘Barbie drug’ Melanotan-II sparks crackdown on social media influencers
Authorities are warning about a product dubbed the “Barbie drug" that promises to give users a tan without the sun, but can have serious side effects including, in rare cases, melanoma.
Melanoma Patient Subset May Not Face Same Risks Traditionally Associated with the Disease
Scientists using cancer registry data identified a subset of patients with early-stage melanoma with almost no melanoma-related deaths. The study “Prognostic modeling of cutaneous melanoma stage I patients using cancer registry data identifies subsets with very low melanoma mortality,” published in Cancer, may help clinicians determine which patients have a low risk of death from melanoma after removal of the growth, according to the researchers.
DREAMSeq Trial Clarifies Treatment Sequencing in BRAF V600–Mutant Melanoma
Immunotherapy followed by targeted therapy has emerged as the new standard of care for patients with melanoma with BRAF V600 mutations, according to Andrew L. Pecora, MD, FACP, CPE, who explained that patients tend to live longer when receiving ipilimumab (Yervoy) plus nivolumab (Opdizvo) before receiving dabrafenib (Tafinlar) plus trametinib (Mekinist).
Immune Reprogramming Inhibits Tumor Progression in Melanoma Model
A series of experimental studies by UK researchers has shown that miniature spherical particles called protocells loaded with a cargo that inhibits microRNA-223 (miR223) can alter interactions between immune cells and cancer cells and ultimately reduce tumor burden.
Pitt scientists solve the mystery of how melanoma tumors control their mortality
Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine have discovered the missing puzzle piece in the mystery of how melanoma tumors control their mortality.
Revised Classification Criteria Needed Due to Melanoma Overdiagnosis
Increasing rates of melanoma diagnosis in recent years may be due to overdiagnosis of the skin cancer in patients with a very low risk of death and stage 1 lesions that are 1 mm or smaller, according to recent study findings in Cancer.
Every Patient With Metastatic Melanoma “Deserves a Shot at Nivolumab/Ipilimumab,” Weber Says
The combination of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) have shown overall survival (OS) benefit in patients with metastatic melanoma, according to long-term follow-up data, and other studies’ results highlight the efficacy and toxicity benefits of different sequences of the combination, Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD, said during a presentation at the 40th Annual CFS®.
Making melanoma cells immortal comes down to previously unknown gene mutation synergies
For a cell to become cancerous, it must cross the threshold of immortality—that is, it must transform into an infinitely dividing machine. Many cells like those in the skin cancer melanoma are thought to be immortalized due to mutations in the gene TERT. But scientists have puzzled over why the same TERT mutations seen in patients aren’t enough to immortalize cells in a test tube.
Risk of death for some melanomas less than 1%: Study
Research published in CANCER has found evidence that some cases of melanoma are much less likely to cause death, with one subset of patients – comprising a quarter of the study’s 11,592 participants – found to have a less than 1% risk of dying.
Response-adapted immunotherapy cost-effective, may push melanoma to ‘individualized care’
Response-adapted therapy in melanoma, which involves removal of certain immunotherapeutic agents in a combination, can reduce costs without a decrease in efficacy, according to a study.
How cancer cells can become immortal – new research finds a mutated gene that helps melanoma defeat the normal limits on repeated replication
A defining characteristic of cancer cells is their immortality. Usually, normal cells are limited in the number of times they can divide before they stop growing. Cancer cells, however, can overcome this limitation to form tumors and bypass “mortality” by continuing to replicate.
Dr. Carvajal on Unique Prognostic Factors in Uveal Melanoma
Richard D. Carvajal, MD, director, Experimental Therapeutics, director, the Melanoma Service, Columbia University Medical Center, discusses the prognostic factors of uveal melanoma that differentiate it from other subsets of melanoma.
Melanoma Wants To Kill – Here Is How It Changes To Do So
A new paper describes the perfect combination of genetic alterations that tumors use to promote explosive growth and prevent their own demise, a development that could change the way oncologists understand and treat melanoma.
Evolving Immunotherapy Data Shed Light on Best Practices in Metastatic Melanoma
Different sequencing strategies may help improve outcomes and mitigate toxicities for patients with metastatic melanoma, according to Jeffrey S. Weber, MD, PhD.
FDA grants orphan drug designation to AVS100 for advanced melanoma
The FDA granted orphan drug designation to AVS100 for the treatment of stage IIB through stage IV melanoma, according to the agent’s manufacturer.
Melanoma Maneuvers Mortality by Maintaining Telomeres
It may appear counter-intuitive but overcoming death is a key step in the journey of a cell toward cancer.
Real-World Study Demonstrates Benefits with Adjuvant Nivolumab in Resected Stage IIIA Melanoma
A significant portion of patients with resected stage IIIA melanoma were alive and recurrence free at a median follow-up of over 20 months following treatment with adjuvant nivolumab (Opdivo), according to a real-world analysis presented at the 19th International Congress of the Society for Melanoma Research.
MGH Researchers Develop AI Tool To Predict Melanoma Recurrence
A team of scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital has developed a new tool that uses artificial intelligence to predict which patients are most likely to experience a recurrence of melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer.
A Phase I/II Study of DYP688 for People with Advanced Uveal Melanoma and Other Melanomas with GNAQ/11 Gene Mutations
A Phase I/II, Multi-Center, Open Label Study of DYP688 in Patients with Metastatic Uveal Melanoma (MUM) and Other GNAQ/11 Mutant Melanomas
Mixed Results With Fecal Transplant to Stimulate Cancer Immunotherapy Response
Fecal microbiome transplant (FMT) produced mixed results for stimulating response to immunotherapy in advanced melanoma, according to two preliminary studies.
Sotigalimab/Pembrolizumab Combo Continues to Show Clinical Activity in Frontline Melanoma
The combination of sotigalimab (APX005M) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) showed encouraging antitumor activity and was well tolerated in the frontline setting of patients with metastatic melanoma, according to updated phase 1/2 findings presented during the 2022 SITC Annual Meeting.
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte Data Signal Promise for New Options to Treat Advanced Melanoma
In an interview with Targeted Oncology, Ryan J. Sullivan, MD, discussed the history of tumor infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, how new data may lead to approved agents in the future, and other ways tumor infiltrating lymphocytes may be used in advanced melanoma.
Fecal transplant may improve response to immunotherapy among patients with melanoma
Fecal microbiota transplant from healthy donors may lower primary resistance to immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 agents among patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma, results of the phase 1 MIMic trial showed.
Sequencing of surgery, immunotherapy impacts outcomes in melanoma
The sequence of surgery and immunotherapy affects outcomes for patients with melanoma, according to a speaker at Chemotherapy Foundation Symposium.
Melanoma cases higher in rural areas, study finds
LANSING – Residents of Michigan’s rural counties are much more likely to get melanoma – skin cancer – than urban residents in the state, a new study has found.
Potential Impact of Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes on Melanoma Treatment
Ryan Sullivan, MD, associate professor, Medicine, Harvard Medical School and associate professor, Hematology/Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, explains how tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) could impact the melanoma treatment landscape if approved by the FDA.
Using Dermoscopy in Skin of Color to Differentiate Pigmented Lesions From Skin Cancer
Dermoscopy is a valuable tool in differentiating regular pigmented lesions from dangerous skin cancers. At SDPA 2022, Orit Markowitz, MD, summarizes skin of color dermoscopy.
Waitrose sorry after Christmas advert criticism
Waitrose has apologised after being criticised by skin cancer patients and a charity for its Christmas advert showing farmers comparing sun tans.
Review of Handheld Elastic-Scattering Spectroscopy Device on Melanoma Lesions
A poster presentation from the 2022 SDPA Conference reviewed an elastic-scattering spectroscopy device for melanoma detection.
Australian men poor on sun protection
Men are less likely to seek shade from the summer sun and use sunscreen in peak UVR hours according to research released by Cancer Council Australia.
Join Melanoma Patients Australia on their Never Walk Alone Larapinta Trek 2023 and raise money to support Australian melanoma patients.
Melanoma is the third most common cancer and every six hours, one Australian dies from melanoma.
Immunotherapy combination enables melanoma survivor to sail through retirement
A cancer diagnosis is never good news, but Paul McKinney knows that his stage III melanoma diagnosis at least came at a “good” time in terms of progress in treating the disease
Preoperative immune-therapy combination shows promise in skin cancer
Treatment with the drugs relatlimab and nivolumab before the surgical removal of a type of cancer called melanoma resulted in tumours becoming inviable in 57% of individuals, and no severe adverse effects were observed.
New Checkpoint Inhibitor Immunotherapy Treatment for Advanced Melanoma Shows Promise
When Nancy Schroeder found out her melanoma had spread to her lymph nodes four years after she’d had surgery from a local dermatologist near her home in Florida, she knew she needed to go to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) to benefit from the latest research and newest therapies.
Ocular Melanoma Advocacy Groups Provide Wealth of Information to Patients, Caregivers on This Rare Cancer
Advocacy groups helped one patient with ocular melanoma — and many others — learn more about their disease and treatment, as well as a place to connect about their experiences.
Octopus venom could slow growth of melanoma, study shows
Scientists hope the venom of an Australian octopus could slow cancer growth and help drug-resistant patients fight one of the most serious forms of melanoma.
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy with relatlimab and nivolumab is safe and effective in stage III melanoma
Giving the combination of immune checkpoint inhibitors relatlimab and nivolumab to patients with stage III melanoma before surgery was safe and completely cleared all viable tumor in 57% of patients in a Phase II study, researchers from The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center reported in Nature today.
IMC-F106C Shows Potential as T-cell Receptor–Driven Therapy in Melanoma
Results from a first-in-humanphase 1 trial (NCT04262466) evaluating the efficacy and safety of IMC-F106C in patients with PRAME-positive metastatic/unresectable tumors showed a significant clinical benefit with the first PRAME×CD3 ImmTAC therapy, and could specifically fulfill unmet needs for patients with melanoma, according to Omid Hamid, MD.
Expert Point of View: Christian U. Blank, MD, PhD
Christian U. Blank, MD, PhD, Professor of Internal Medicine, staff member at Netherlands Cancer Institute, Professor at the University of Regensburg in Germany, and founding member of the International Neoadjuvant Melanoma Consortium, was the invited discussant of the MD Anderson study of cemiplimab-rwlc in resectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Popular ‘Barbie drug’ sparks damning warning
TikTok and the Therapeutic Goods Administration have teamed up to combat the rising popularity of possible melanoma-inducing drug Melanotan, after online videos of people sniffing the illegal substance in order to get a tan skyrocketed in views.
National Skin Cancer Action Week -Walk for Mela-No-More at your own pace.
The Australian Melanoma Research Foundation (AMRF) is urging everyone to Walk for Mela-No-More during National Skin Cancer Action Week (NSCAW) from Monday 21 to Sunday 27 November 2022.
Artificial intelligence approach may help identify melanoma survivors who face a high risk of cancer recurrence
A new way of reprogramming our immune cells to shrink or kill off cancer cells has been shown to work in the otherwise hard to treat and devastating skin cancer, melanoma.
What is neoadjuvant immunotherapy for skin cancer?
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy is an immunotherapy that’s started before surgery. It is almost always followed with additional doses of adjuvant immunotherapy after surgery.
Childhood sunburns ‘important contributor’ to melanoma, cSCC later in life
Sunburns early in life may be associated with melanoma or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma later in life, according to a study.
Sentinel lymph node positivity more likely in younger patients with T1a melanomas
Among patients with T1a cutaneous melanomas, younger age and tumors in the head/neck region were most likely to demonstrate sentinel lymph node