A study published today in the September issue of the American Journal of Roentgenology finds that a combination of CT texture analysis of metastases, initial tumor size changes and serum biomarker lactate dehydrogenase is highly accurate in predicting the overall survival of patients with metastatic melanoma whose tumors fail to shrink significantly in response to bevacizumab therapy.
Scientific Publications
Minority Melanoma Paradox is Invasive, Reversible
A retrospective review in Clinical, Cosmetic & Investigational Dermatology tried to answer the difficult question of why African Americans (AA), who have a much lower incidence of melanoma than Caucasians do, have a five-year survival rate that is drastically lower than it is for Caucasian patients. This is what’s known as the “minority melanoma paradox,” and the reasons for it are not well-understood.
In Melanoma, Immune-related Adverse Events Common With Ipilimumab Treatment
Immune-related adverse events are common in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with ipilimumab, requiring many to undergo further systemic corticosteroids or anti-TNFalpha therapy, according to a study published online ahead of print in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Identification of Risk Factors for Melanoma in Survivors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Risk for melanoma has been found to be increased in non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survivors. In a study reported in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, Lam et al found that T-cell–activating autoimmune diseases and fludarabine use were associated with an increased melanoma risk among patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) but not among those with other NHL subtypes.