Colourful science – Success of melanoma immunotherapy stimulates clinical dermatology and pigment cell research

New research published yesterday by council members of the International Federation of Pigment Cell Societies (IFPCS), the Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell Research (PASPCR), and the Melanoma Prevention Working Group (MPWG) in three landmark articles in Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research, Cancer and the Journal of Translational Medicineherald the next phase in our battle against skin cancer and pigment disorders. The panel of experts and authors included a multidisciplinary team from over 30 cancer centers in Europe and the U.S.

UV damage of melanocytes gives rise to deadly melanoma

Accelerated by recent successes in immunotherapy and genomic sequencing, we are just starting to discover the wealth and breadth of the field in melanocyte and melanoma research. The skin-coloured pigment in our skin is produced by melanocytes, designed to absorb dangerous UV radiation. A life-threatening form of skin cancer, melanoma, arises when pigment-producing melanocytes undergo cancerous transformation.