Melanoma and Skin Cancer News Round Up: 17/10/2014

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• Chemical signal gives melanoma cancer cells a ‘green light’ to spread

Researchers have identified a chemical that melanoma cells follow when they spread around the body – raising the prospect of eventually switching it off

Source: The Guardian

• TERT Promoter Mutations Common in Melanoma

A recent study has confirmed that TERT promoter mutations are common genetic mutations in cutaneous melanoma, and that these mutations may be linked with poor prognosis in certain subtypes of the disease.

Source: Cancer Network 

• Perth toddler diagnosed with melanoma; six new drugs approved for clinical trials

Experts are reminding parents that melanoma does not discriminate, after a Perth toddler needed surgery to remove a tumour.

Source: ABC 

• Trend toward earlier treatment of uveal melanoma observed

"Despite identification of risk factors, many ophthalmologists still observe borderline lesions, waiting for growth before initiating treatment of uveal melanomas,” Jerry A. Shields, MD, said in his delivery of the Charles L. Schepens, MD, Lecture here.

Source: Healio

• Fashion trends parallel the rise in melanoma

Skin-baring fashions, increased leisure time and acceptance of the idea of a “healthy tan” may have a lot to do with the rising numbers of new melanoma cases each year, suggests a new study.

Source: The Star

• Scientists find that fat molecule directs melanoma to spread

Cancer Research UK scientists have shown that a fat molecule found in the body directs the most serious type of skin cancer to spread, according to research published in PLOS Biology.

Source: Health Canal 

• Nivolumab Plus Ipilimumab in Advanced Melanoma

Immunotherapy combinations have generated excitement as treatments for patients with melanoma, specifically those involving PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors.

Source: Onc Live 

• Genomic test promising for boosting certainty of melanoma diagnoses

A new genomic diagnostic test (myPath Melanoma, Myriad Genetics) is a highly accurate tool for discriminating between malignant melanoma and benign nevi, according to results of a validation study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology.

Source: Dermatology Times 

• Combination therapy likely to improve metastatic melanoma response

Evidence from ongoing trials will reveal the optimal approach to combining immune therapy and molecularly targeted therapy in the treatment of malignant melanoma, according to a presenter here at the 8th Canadian melanoma conference.

Source: Dermatology Times 

• The ongoing battle against melanoma

Melanoma is the most aggressive of skin cancers, accounting for nearly 80 percent of the 13,000 deaths caused by different types of skin cancers in the United States each year.

Source: Toledo Blade 

• People who feel ugly 'increase their risk of skin cancer': Those with low body confidence are more likely to sunbathe and avoid sunscreen

If you are unhappy with your looks, there is a greater risk of skin cancer, scientists have warned.

A study found that people who believe they are unattractive are more likely to ‘gamble with their skin’s health’ by basking in the sun.

They are also less likely to use sunscreen.

The UK and US researchers say that those with low body confidence may crave a tan in the belief that the golden glow makes them look better. 

Source: Daily Mail 

• Scots scientists: skin cancer spreads via ‘trail’

THE discovery of a signal given off by skin cancer cells before they migrate inside the body could be the first step towards stopping the spread of the disease, according to new research.

Source: The Scotsman 

• Top five myths about skin cancer

Source: SMH 

• Skin cancer can be mistaken for age spots: doctor

Age spots are common among elderly people who have made a living farming, but such brown marks can also be a symptom of skin cancer, as in the case of an 80-year-old farmer from Greater Taichung, a plastic surgeon warned recently.

Source: Taipei Times 

• Minimizing Skin Cancer Risk for Outdoor Workers

Skin cancer is one of the biggest fears for one in two outdoor workers and when the boss and staff work together the sun safe message gets through, a Queensland University of Technology (QUT) study has found.

Source: Skin Inc 

• Allergy to Metal Implants could trigger rare skin cancer.

For some patients, metal implants may increase the risk of an unusual and aggressive form of skin cancer.

Source: Futurity