(Vienna, 23 January 2025) A research team at the Medical University of Vienna led by Maria Sibilia has investigated a new combination therapy against cancer. This therapy employs systemic administration of the tissue hormone interferon-I combined with local application of Imiquimod. This combination showed promising results in topically accessible tumors like melanoma and breast cancer models: The therapy led to the death of tumor cells at the treated sites and simultaneously activated the adaptive immune system to fight even distant metastases. The results published in the top journal Nature Cancer could improve the treatment of superficial tumors such as melanoma and breast cancer.
2025
Tumor Biology Dissertation Presents New Way of Tracking Melanoma Progression
An M.D.-Ph.D. candidate in Georgetown University’s tumor biology program defended his dissertation, titled “Molecular Signatures of Treatment Responses in Tumors and Serial Liquid Biopsies in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma,” Jan. 16.
Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab Appears Tolerable in Stage IIIB-D Melanoma
The phase 1/2 KEYMAKER-U02 trial evaluating pembrolizumab alone or as a combination therapy in stage IIIB-D melanoma found no adverse event–related deaths.
Nevus-Associated Acral Melanoma Has Better Survival Outcomes Than De Novo
Nevus-associated acral melanoma (NAAM) demonstrates better recurrence-free survival and overall survival compared with de novo acral melanoma (DNAM), indicating a potentially more favorable prognosis for patients with NAAM, according to study results published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.