GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) have been awarded ‘Drug Discovery of
the Year’ by the British Pharmacological Society for 2013.
The Drug Discovery of the Year award celebrates the role of
pharmacologists in the development of new medicines. With 12,000 cases of
malignant melanoma diagnosed every year in the UK and 1,202 cases being
diagnoses in Scotland, trametinib has been a welcome addition in the fight
against melanoma and other skin cancers.
Dr Ann Hayes, Fellow of the British Pharmacological Society and chair of the judging panel, confirms:
“This year’s nominees for Drug Discovery of the Year all demonstrated excellence in pharmacology and were difficult to separate. Trametinib was distinguished by its novel translational pharmacology, but undoubtedly the judges were also impressed by the GSK team’s ambition to address the impact of malignant melanoma on the lives of so many patients and their families.”
A collection of links to stories and articles concerning melanoma and skin cancer: Immunotherapies Will Continue to Dominate the Malignant Melanoma Drug Market with Sales of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Accounting for Majority of Sales in this Drug Class in 2022 BRAF/MEK Inhibitor Combination Therapy Will Become Treatment of Choice for BRAF-Mutation-Positive Unresectable Malignant Melanoma, According to a New Report from Decision Resources Source: MarketWatch Registry offers insights into pediatric melanoma outcomes Tumor thickness, lymph node status, ulceration and disease stage significantly predicted survival among pediatric patients with melanoma, according to results of a retrospective review. Source: Healio Melanoma patients may benefit from electroporation Once it spreads, this type of skin cancer is extremely difficult to treat. But now researchers say a new therapy is helping them shock away some of the most stubborn tumors. Source: ABC Seemingly pan-negative melanomas may be sensitive to MEK inhibitor A small subset of patients with supposedly nongenetically driven melanomas respond to molecularly targeted treatment with an MEK inhibitor, according to recent findings released today. Source: Oncology Practice Colchester Hospital: NHS England probe finds five cancer areas 'unsafe' NHS England found five areas - including skin cancer and urology - were unsafe. The hospital said the main issues found were with the "processes". Source: BBC Tests begin on skin cancer detection website A team of dermatologists is beta testing a website designed as a tool to provide early detection of skin cancer.
Source: Dermatology Times Another UCLA stem cell breakthrough on skin cancer Investigators at UCLA’s Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research have discovered how tissue-specific hair follicle stem cells promote the development of squamous cell skin cancer. They note that understanding the mechanism of stem cell cancer suppression could lead to the development of preventive measures for individuals susceptible to squamous skin cancer. The study was published online on December 15 in the journal Nature Cell Biology. Source: Examiner Vancouver skin cancer detection device ready for market; Nobel Prize-winning research behind it Is a real-time skin-cancer detector a suitable substitute — or a solid second opinion — for dermatologists, since such specialized doctors are in such short supply around the world? And will B.C. patients with worrisome lesions ever even benefit from the BC Cancer Agency/University of B.C.-patented device? Source: Vancouver Times Skin cancer breakthrough to be developed in Brisbane A strategic partnership between The University of Queensland and global pharmaceutical company LEO Pharma will investigate the genetic causes of squamous cell carcinoma, the world’s second most common skin cancer. Source: University of Queensland
Stage III/IV melanoma patients at risk for new primaries
Patients
with stage III or IV melanoma who have not received treatment with BRAF
inhibitors remain at risk for developing new primary melanomas (NPMs),
although the incidence rates are lower than those observed in studies of
dabrafenib and vemurafenib, according to research published online Dec. 2
in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Positive interim results reported for
DNA-based therapy for advanced melanoma
Ziopharm Oncology announced encouraging interim results from a
phase 1/2 multicenter trial of a novel DNA-based therapeutic candidate
being studied with veledimex in patients with advanced melanoma.
Southern
California has the third highest rate of melanoma in the world, only
behind Australia and New Zealand. These statistics fly in the face of
long-held conventional wisdom that skin cancer preys only on people with
fair complexions. More than half of Southlanders are Latino, and nearly 10
percent are African-American.
A selection of website links which reference melanoma or skin cancer. Melanoma risk linked with IVF treatment and birth
An investigation into the association between IVF treatment and melanoma found women who had IVF treatment and gave birth to one or two children had an increased rate of invasive melanoma compared with those who did not have children.
Nivolumab induced responses in melanoma refractory or naïve to ipilimumab
Patients with ipilimumab-refactory or ipilmumab-naïve melanoma demonstrated response to nivolumab with or without peptide vaccine, according to study results.
The Tommy Burns Skin Cancer Trust will be holding a charity dinner on Saturday the 1st of March 2014, at the Thistle Hotel, Glasgow. The dinner will commence at 7pm. The past few months have seen members and friends of the trust take part in a cycle around all the SPL grounds in the UK. From Dingwall to Glasgow, they completed the mammoth task of visiting all the grounds over 4 days, covering 400 miles in the process. To supplement the funds raised from the cycle ride they will hold a dinner with tickets priced at £50 + VAT with tables of 10 available for £500 + VAT.
Your £50 + VAT ticket for the night will consist of a drink on arrival, a sit down three course meal with plenty of entertainment taking place throughout the night to keep everyone dancing into the wee hours of the morning.
Sound good? Email galadinnertbsct@hotmail.co.uk to book your place.
MASScot once again held a successful meeting at the
Corinthian Glasgow.
The meeting made up of MASScot members and other interested
members of the public gathered to hear from Professor Robert Insall from Cancer
Research UK.
Professor Robert Insall is an expert in genetics and works
out of CRUK’s world renowned Beatson Institute. Prof. Insall talked through the basics of
genetics and spoke on how melanoma grows and spreads in the body.
MASScot also announced that Professor Rona MacKie has been
appointed as Honorary President of Melanoma Action and Support Scotland.
Melanoma Action and Support Scotland (MASScot) was created
in 2003 by Professor Rona MacKie with assistance from Cancer Support Scotland. Rona
Mackie is a dermatologist and was for 20 years professor of dermatology at
Glasgow University. She has a longstanding interest in earlier diagnosis of
melanoma and has both published in this area, and run campaigns aimed at
encouraging greater public awareness and therefore earlier diagnosis which
should lead to reduced melanoma mortality.
MASScot has grown from strength to strength since its creation.
New imaging tool bypasses blade to check for skin cancer At the UConn Health Centre, patients can often avoid the pain and scarring of a biopsy, thanks to a laser imaging tool that enables analysis of the skin at the cellular level. http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-11-imaging-tool-bypasses-blade-skin.html Web Based Course Improves Ability to Detect Skin Cancer For primary care providers, a web based course in skin cancer detection improves skills related to recognition and management of skin cancer according to a study published in the November-December issue of the journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. http://www.doctorslounge.com/index.php/news/pb/42562 Melanoma survivors suffering long term distress: research New research shows that one third of Queensland melanoma survivors are still suffering significant psychological distress more than five years after diagnosis. The Cancer Council Queensland study surveyed 2500 melanoma survivors and found distress was more common in female than male long-term melanoma survivors, in younger age groups and in patients with lower levels of social support. http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/melanoma-survivors-suffering-long-term-distress-research-20131121-2xyet.html Merck trial shows more melanoma cancer patients respond to drug Early data from a small trial of Merck & Co Inc's experimental immunotherapy cancer drug, known as MK-3475, show that about half of advanced melanoma patients treated with the highest dose of the drug experienced tumour shrinkage. http://uk.reuters.com/article/2013/11/18/us-merck-melanoma-idUKBRE9AH0RQ20131118
Nevis, Glencoe and Gleenshee are just a few of the Scottish ski resorts where skiers from Scotland and all over the world flock to in the winter months to enjoy the ski season. UV levels increase about 4% for every 1,000 foot gain in altitude, that’s why it’s important to keep informed of the dangers that skiers face from the sun and its harmful UV rays. With the winter drawing in its not likely that most of us will have to worry about the UV levels until next April, especially in Scotland. However, if you’re planning on heading to the hills for a bit of sking or perhaps abroad then you might want to read up on how you can avoid the sunburn when you’re on the slopes. At a high altitude you are closer to the sun and the snow on the ground reflects the sun which means you’ll have to take precautions to ensure you’ve protected yourself against the suns harmful rays. So what can be done?
Sunscreen This is the simplest and easiest solution to keeping the sun from damaging your skin when out and about. Slap the sunscreen on your face and make sure you spread it equally around your face covering any of your skin which will be exposed to the sun. You should go for a sweat proof sunscreen with at least an SPF factor of 30 although we’d advise that the higher the SPF Factor the better. Keep it reapplied every couple of hours to combat the sweating! Wearing a balaclava with goggles is also a great option for keeping your skin protected without slapping on the sunscreen. Ski Goggles The first defence for your eyes when you hit the slopes is a good pair of UV protecting goggles. Once you’ve slapped on the sunscreen you can double up on your defences by popping on some ski goggles. Invest in a good pair of ski goggles which protect against the full spectrum of UV rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Most goggles out there are 100% UV protected, so make sure you read the label to ensure your goggles are fully UV protected in order to make sure that your safe when on the slopes. Full UV protection is great but even better is that of goggles with full UV protection and mirrored lenses. Mirrored lenses act like a two way mirror, they allow you to look out but prevent anyone from seeing your eyes. Mirror lenses reflect light away from your eyes and therefore less light penetrates the goggle lens. Polarized ski goggles also reduced glare from sun or snow. Cover Up Covering up is the best way to combat the sun’s harmful rays. If you’re out on the slopes it’s probably inevitable that you’ll be wrapped up warm anyway and that’s the best way to stay safe in the sun. So keep the layers on and you’ll be safe on the slopes. Lip Balm Lip balm formulated with sunscreen will keep your lips moisturized when you hit the slopes and the SPF factor will ensure they’re protected from the sun’s harmful rays. A little bit more advice: - Keep hydrated and slurp down the water on a regular basis. - Take a break from the sun every few hours. Get inside and seek some shelter on occasion. - Ski early and late: The UV rays are at their highest between 10am and 4pm so try avoid hitting the slopes around these times. - Carry a travel sized sunscreen in your pocket to apply wherever you are.
This year MASScot were generously funded by the Sunter Trust. This funding allowed us to employ teachers to help spread MASScot's message of sun protection across schools throughout Glasgow. We managed to reach 28 Schools throughout Glasgow and the surrounding area, reaching 6000 pupils in the process. During our time visiting these schools, we launched our Sun Protection Message Competition. MASScot invited pupils who were educated on the dangers of the sun from our teachers to get their creative juices flowing and come up with an eye catching poster or memorable slogan to get the sun protection message across. The winners of the competition will each receive £50 and we will use the winning entries in our publicity material to get the message across to the wider public. We received plenty of entries. Below are just a few of them.
MASScot will announce the winners on Tuesday the 12th of November, so check back for an update soon.
A collection of links of all the latest melanoma and skin cancer news.
MASScot's Leigh Smith speaks out on a new blood test which will be used to identify the spread of melanoma Skip ahead to 15:00 minutes into the programme to hear Leigh. Source: BBC Blood test could identify spread of melanoma
A SIMPLE blood test could identify those patients whose melanoma – the most serious form of skin cancer – has started to spread to other parts of the body, according to new research.
The test, developed by researchers in Scotland, allows scientists to examine DNA shed from cancer tumour cells into the bloodstream, in particular a gene called TFP12.
Ipilimumab’s long-term survival edge confirmed in melanoma
AMSTERDAM – Immunotherapy with ipilimumab provides a durable, long-term survival benefit in patients with metastatic or locally advanced melanoma, a pooled analysis confirms.
Could a Movember moustache be good for you all year round?
Facial hair may have health benefits, from improving your immune system to protecting your face from the sun
Of course, the power of facial hair to attract or repulse the opposite sex may come as no surprise to the moustachioed hipster, but other than finding a potential partner with a fetish for fuzz, are there other tangible health benefits? Yes, say scientists at the University of Southern Queensland. They claim beards can help to block out the sun's harmful rays. The study published in the journal Radiation Protection Dosimetry found that a full bushy beard offered protection levels similar to factor 21 sunscreen – a reduction in the UV of 50 to 95%.
History of Prostate Cancer Tied to Higher Odds for Melanoma Men with prostate cancer may face an increased risk for developing melanoma skin cancer down the road, new research suggests. Source: Consumer Healthday Distraught parents' anger after doctors failed to spot 33-year-old daughter's skin cancer two years before she died The family of a mother-of-two who died from skin cancer have spoken of their anger that the disease wasn't spotted by doctors earlier. Source: Daily Mail
This week sunbeds were outlawed in every state in Australia.
All commercial sunbeds will be banned in a bid to slash skin cancer rates. The ban will come into force by December 31st next year. Australia is the first country in the world to adopt this measure and many countries will look upon Australia and monitor the outcome of the ban.
Sunbeds are on nearly every high street in the UK. Sometimes
you'll walk down to your local cross and you may even have more than one
sunbed parlour on the same street. People still continue to use sunbeds, but
are they really aware of how dangerous sunbeds actually are? Do sunbed users
understand how much harm they are causing to their skin?
Sunbeds give out UV rays which damage
the DNA in your skin cells. Over time, this damage can build up and may
eventually lead to skin cancer.
What are the laws for sunbeds in Scotland?
Under the Public Health etc (Scotland) Act 2008:
- Coin operated sunbeds are no longer allowed.
- A member of staff must be supervising sunbed use.
- Sunbed operators are not allowed to hire sunbeds to under
18s.
- Sunbed operators must show information on the health risks
linked with using a sunbed.
These laws are great and are in place to make sure only
those old enough to make an educated decision use sunbeds. By the time you’re
old enough to use sunbeds you should come to realise how dangerous they are. But sunbeds still continue to be used.
What is being done to get the message out?
This year alone MASScot have reached out to 8000 pupils
across 28 different schools, spreading the message of sun protection and the
dangers of sunbeds, keeping the young educated. This is an essential tool in keeping people off the beds.
Educating the public, making them aware of the facts and providing them with
the information to make an informed decision is one of the best ways of
reducing skin cancer, and making sure people stay away from the sunbeds.
Liverpool Fashion Week
Liverpool fashion week organisers have banned models that
use sunbeds in order to discourage copycat teenagers from risking skin cancer.
This a great step forward in terms of raising awareness. It sends a simple
message that sunbeds are harmful and you risk skin cancer by using them.
"We want our models to look their absolute best, which
means not putting themselves at risk of skin cancer or premature ageing from
the sunbeds." - Amanda Moss, organiser of Liverpool Fashion Week
With the dangers associated with sunbeds gaining more and
more traction, slowly people in the UK are becoming aware of their dangers. And
maybe one day Scotland will follow Australia’s example and finally get rid of
all commercial sunbeds.
Tanning Myths
Being tanned is not a sign of health - The simple fact
that your skin has changed colour is a sign of damage.Skin damage from sunbeds is just as big a problem for
young people - You can't always see the damage that UV does straight away as it
builds up gradually.
Spending more time on sunbeds will not make you tan look
any better - We each have our own tanning limits. No matter how much UV you
receive there comes a point when your skin won't get any darker.
Sunbed tanning is no safer than sun tanning - Sunbeds are
not a 'safe' alternative to sun tanning.
You cannot tan safely by building your sunbed tan
gradually - Unfortunately, using sunscreen or limiting your time on a sunbed
will not completely protect your skin from damage and ageing.
You don’t need a sunbed to get Vitamin D - You only need
short exposures to the sun to produce adequate amounts.
MASScot were very lucky to have Gareth, Graeme and Stuart raise funds for us by competing in 'Tough Mudder'. The three were colleagues of Bryan Hunter who like many of his generous family and friends chose to donate to MASScot in his memory and give to our cause.
For those not familiar with 'Tough Mudder' here is the description from the official site: "Tough Mudder events are hardcore 12 mile-long obstacle courses designed by the Special Forces to test your all around strength, stamina, mental grit, and camaraderie. With the most innovative courses and 1,000,000 inspiring participants worldwide to date, Tough Mudder is the premier adventure challenge series in the world." Check out the video below to see just what the guys had to face.
Once again thanks to Gareth, Graeme and Stuart for their efforts, we greatly appreciate it!
All of us here at MASScot would like to extend our thanks to Suzanne O'Reilly who from 10,000 feet completed a skydive at Strathallan Airfield in August for Masscot.
We are all extremely grateful for all those who fund raise for MASScot and are keen for people to get in touch with any fundraising ideas they might have. If you fancy fundraising for MASScot email us at leigh@masscot.org.uk or media@masscot.org.uk
All meetings will be in the Corinthian, Ingram Street
Glasgow starting at 7:00pm with tea or coffee.
The aim of meetings is to inform on topics of general
interest – not to swap health histories.
The last Thursday of the month seemed to suit most people so
I do hope you can come to make a welcoming audience for our speakers and
guests.
Thursday 26th
September
Award of certificates to
folk who have done all sort of extraordinary things for us. Report to OSCR, progress with SIGN, QPI etc. What we’ve done and what should we do
next? I hope it will be a lively meeting
– please bring your ideas.
Thursday 31st October
Elizabeth Roddick a pharmacist with an in
depth knowledge of Vitamin D
This is a hot topic as Vitamin D depletion is thought to be
common in Scots during our winter. A
lack of this vitamin is thought to be the cause of Multiple Sclerosis and many other problems. If you have interested friends please bring
them along- just let me know number please.
Thursday 28th
November
Prof. Robert Insall Beatson Research Centre at Garscube
Prof. Insall’s speciality is genetics. He is an enthusiast on
melanoma genetics. If you wonder if you should blame your parents or if you
might have given your kids more than just your good looks come along and find
out.
December – shall we take a break or a night out? I have not booked a room in case you are all
too busy, but I am always up for a party. You are welcome to our house
BYOB! Maybe we could we could get some
prizes and have a raffle? Let me know
what you think.
2014
30th January, 27th February, 27th
March and 24th April - we
have a room at the Corinthian booked.
Ideas for speakers/topics please. Anyone you want to haul in for
questioning?
AGM
24th April
will be the AGM – please consider playing an active role. the work is
mushrooming.
Feed back is very welcome.
Please remember to keep confidential anything you hear from
members or anything that is said which reveals a person’s clinical status. Do not assume that everyone in the room has
melanoma or other skin cancer. Carers and supporters are welcome at
meetings. Some people have not told
their nearest and dearest about their diagnosis so it is important if you meet
them elsewhere that you do not reveal that you met at a MASScot meeting. If you meet elsewhere and you are with a friend,
pass the time of day and apologies to your friend that you cannot introduce
them as you have forgotten the person’s name – I do it every day – and mostly
it’s not a fib! Leigh
MASScot attended the International Highland Cattle Show at Pollok Park this weekend.
The MASScot team set up stall at the event offering face painting and a raffle for event goers. The face painting team of Leigh and Ruth worked tirelessly all day providing kids with a great new look. From a tiger to spiderman they covered all the bases. Whilst there MASScot gathered more signatures for our sunscreen petition in which we hope to persuade the government to drop VAT on sunscreen from 20 to 5%. Currently sunscreen is classed as a cosmetic product int he UK and is therefore subjected to 20% VAT and those attending Pollok Park had no hesitation in signing our petition for such a worthy cause. The Sun also made what has been rare appearance recently on Saturday and thanks to the announcer at the Cattle Show, MASScot were able to hand out some free sunscreen and sun safety advice to all who needed it, which many people took us up on. A big thanks must go to our volunteer Ruth Duncan who so kindly dedicated her time on a Saturday to helping out MASScot.
TOMMY Burns's two sons have teamed up with two former Celtic heroes to embark on a charity cycle ride which will visit every Scottish premiership ground.
MASScot would like to clarify that money raised from Tour for Tommy will go towards one mobile drop in unit.
Adams pride as Staggies launch Tour for Tommy
Ross County manager Derek Adams yesterday spoke of his family’s pride at marking the starting post for a unique charity cycle ride in memory of former Celtic player and manager Tommy Burns.
T-rays offer potential for earlier diagnosis of melanoma
The technology that peeks underneath clothing at airport security screening check points has great potential for looking underneath human skin to diagnose cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages, a scientist said here today.
Variations in Melanoma Treatment May Affect Outcomes in Elderly
Older patients with melanoma were diagnosed with thicker melanomas, and experienced longer time to excision and a higher frequency of insufficient excision margins compared with their younger counterparts in a multicenter study in France.
The paper and pencil cure for skin cancer: Surgery has 99 per cent success rate and less scarring than other treatments
There is an ever-widening variety of treatments for skin cancers – from lasers and light therapy, to creams, radiation and freezing.
But one that is still proving most effective, according to experts, is also the most old-fashioned – and involves ‘mapping’ the tumours using a paper and pencil.
There are numerous studies that suggest eating vegetables can provide certain health benefits. Now researchers say that broccoli may help to combat skin cancer, not by eating it, but by applying it directly to the skin.
An experimental cancer vaccine from GlaxoSmithKline failed to help melanoma patients in a closely watched late-stage clinical trial, dealing a blow to the high-risk, high-reward project.
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