In a nutshell This study investigated if low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse melanoma prognosis. Researchers suggested that low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse outcomes in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Some background Recent studies have suggested that a low vitamin D level (less than 20...
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A review on new therapies to treat metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This study reviewed other studies about different treatments for metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Researchers suggested that targeted therapy improves overall survival of these patients when compared to chemotherapy. Some background Melanoma is the most dangerous common skin cancer. 70 to 80% of patients are...
Read MoreMultiple primary tumors does not change survival rates in melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study compared survival rates between melanoma patients with multiple primary melanoma (MPM) and single primary melanoma (SPM). Researchers suggested that MPM and SPM patients have similar survival rates. Some background An estimated 87,110 Americans were diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2017. New melanoma cases are projected to...
Read MoreTreatment with vemurafenib plus cobimetinib does not affect health related quality of life in advanced melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study examined the side effects and health related quality of life (HRQL) of advanced melanoma patients treated with cobimetinib (Cotellic) plus vemurafenib (Zelboraf). Researchers suggested that these patients maintained their HRQL when compared with patients treated with vemurafenib alone. Some background Prior studies...
Read MoreTumor thickness as a prognostic factor for melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between tumor thickness and melanoma prognosis. Researchers suggested that patients with less than 0.8 mm thick tumors have an improved prognosis. Some background Primary tumor thickness is the most important predictor of melanoma outcomes. The current melanoma staging system defines the...
Read More5 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Adrenal Glands
The adrenal glands-which are also called suprarenal glands-are part of the endocrine system and are found on the top of each kidney. How the endocrine system hormones work Hormones secreted from glands of the endocrine system travel in the bloodstream to target cells. Target cells have receptors that are specific to each hormone. The hormones and receptors...
Read MoreRight To Try: Needed Legislation or Snake Oil?
Thirty-eight states in the US have passed “Right To Try” laws. These are laws that are created to give terminally ill patients who have run out of options access to experimental drugs that have not completed the FDA approval process. There is an effort underway to pass this type of legislation on a federal level. On February 8, the #LCSM (Lung...
Read MoreAspirin is associated with improved survival in melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study investigated if aspirin is associated with increased survival in melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that aspirin improves survival in melanoma patients. Some background Skin melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in the United States. New treatments, such as immunotherapy, have improved melanoma outcomes when...
Read MoreCombined immunotherapy to treat advanced melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of the combined treatment with ipilimumab and pembrolizumab in advanced melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that the combined treatment improves cancer outcomes with manageable side effects. Some background The use of immunotherapy, such...
Read MoreTo Treat or Not To Treat Cancer: Medical Decision-making
Cherry Hughes** is an active, energetic 75 year old, still working in the marketing and public relations profession in Great Britain. Her life is filled with friends and fun. “I love cooking and eating out. I am deeply interested in politics. I love music …I go to jazz clubs. I love going to France …I have a little apartment...
Read MoreWhat is Neutropenia?
There are 1.6 million people diagnosed with cancer in the US each year. Of these, 650,000 receive chemotherapy. Did you know that 60,000 people a year are hospitalized for neutropenia, a common side effect of chemotherapy? One in fourteen die because of it. Of the 650,000 receiving chemotherapy, 104,000 are not aware of neutropenia and 52,000 don’t...
Read MoreVemurafenib increases survival of patients with advanced BRAF-mutated melanoma
In a nutshell This study examined the long-term effectiveness of vemurafenib (Zelboraf) as treatment for BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Researchers concluded that vemurafenib is associated with improved overall survival. Some background Over 50% of melanoma patients has a mutation (permanent change) in the BRAF gene. This can increase...
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