Melanoma & Skin Cancer News Round Up: 21/11/2013

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