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New Drug Option for Patients with Melanoma

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 21:22:49 +0000

Last month, the FDA approved the drug Zelboraf (vemurafenib) for patients with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. The drug is designed to work only for late-stage melanoma patients whose tumors have a specific genetic defect known as the BRAF V600E mutation, which is present in approximately half of melanoma cases. The FDA also approved a diagnostic test that determines whether a patient's melanoma cells have this mutation.

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iPhone App Aids Early Detection of Melanoma

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:58:07 +0000

Got a suspicious-looking mole that you're concerned about? There's an app for that. MelApp for iPhone lets you take a picture of your lesion using your smartphone's camera and analyzes it for risk of melanoma. The app could help you to detect melanoma in its earliest stages, when it is most easily cured.

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Regular Sunscreen Use Helps Prevent Melanoma

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 14:20:34 +0000

Numerous studies have shown that regular sunscreen use can prevent squamous cell carcinoma, but whether it's useful for preventing other skin cancers, such as melanoma, has remained controversial. New research published in the January 20 issue of the Journal of Clinical Oncology provides convincing evidence that sunscreen is indeed effective for preventing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

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It's official: Tanning is an addiction

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:00:23 +0000

According to a recently published article in the Archives of Dermatology indoor tanning qualifies as an addiction.

The study surveyed University of Albany, in Albany, NY, college students. Of the 229 responders who have used tanning beds, 39.3% met the criteria for addiction. Those that were considered addicted to tanning showed classic signs of addiction - several unsuccessful attempts to completely stop or cut back on tanning; feeling annoyed when they were told they should stop; and skipping work, school or other scheduled activities to go to the tanning salon.

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Researchers say non-melanoma skin cancer at epidemic level

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:52:38 +0000

According to a study published in the March issue of the Archive of Dermatology, the rate of non-melanoma skin cancer in the U.S. is reaching epidemic proportions, with more than two million people affected in 2006.

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Share your skin cancer diagnosis story

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:09:15 +0000

Being diagnosed with skin cancer is different for everyone, but reading about how other people have coped may help you.

About.com's Guide to Cancer has created a space for you to share your story with others. Be sure to check there frequently to see when others have posted their stories.

Is PLX4032 the future of melanoma treatment?

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 12:52:12 +0000

The New York Times has an interesting article today looking at the effect of a cancer drug called PLX4032, which is currently being tested on melanoma patients.

The drug, which targets a specific gene mutation that drives cancer growth, has been shown to shrink tumors by more than 30% in 9 of the 16 melanoma patients in the phase 1 trial. However, it will take much more research before this treatment option is widely available.

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Study find NSAID's are no protection against skin cancer

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 14:59:34 +0000

Did FDR Have Skin Cancer?

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:49:19 +0000

A new book is claiming that former President Franklin D. Roosevelt died of a tumor caused by melanoma. The book, titled "FDR's Deadly Secret," was written by New York Post associate editorial page editor Eric Fettman and Dr. Steven Lomazow.

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On "Breakthroughs" and Phase I Trials

Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:54:18 +0000

Those of you fighting melanoma or who have a loved one with the disease may have heard the breathless news last week of an "unprecedented" "breakthrough" treatment called PLX4032. Here's the scoop.

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