In a nutshell This review examined the effectiveness of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) for BRAF mutated melanoma with brain metastasis. Researchers concluded that this combined treatment is an important therapy option for patients with advanced melanoma. Some background Some melanoma patients have a mutation (permanant change) in...
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Talimogene laherparepvec combined with ipilimumab in the treatment of inoperable melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of talimogene laherparepvec (Imlygic; T-VEC) with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in the treatment of inoperable stage 3 or 4 melanoma. Researchers concluded that this combination improves melanoma outcomes, with manageable side effects. Some background Immunotherapy has become an...
Read MoreDabrafenib combined with trametinib is associated with durable responses in metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment with dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) in patients with BRAF mutated stage 3 or 4 melanoma. Researchers suggested that the combination treatment has durable (3 years or more) results. Some background Patients with metastatic (spread to...
Read MoreCan sentinel lymph node biopsy predict outcome in locally recurrent or in-transit melanomas?
In a nutshell This study investigated the role of sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) in locally recurrent (LR; when the cancer comes back) melanoma or in-transit (IT; spreads to a lymph vessel before it reaches the nearest lymph node) melanoma. Researchers suggested that SLNB should be performed in these patients. Some background The sentinel lymph node...
Read MoreGuidelines for treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This study reviewed the updated NCCN guidelines for the treatment of metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Some background New treatments have been developed in recent years for metastatic melanoma, particularly targeted and immunotherapies. These treatments are leading to improved response and survival in these...
Read MoreLactate dehydrogenase is an effective outcome predictive factor for melanoma treatment with PD-1 agents
In a nutshell This study investigated whether changes in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the blood could predict treatment response to PD-1 agents. Researchers suggested that LDH could be a useful factor to predict treatment outcomes in patients with advanced melanoma. Some background The use of PD-1 agents to treat melanoma is...
Read MoreBRAF and MEK combined treatment in BRAF-mutant advanced melanoma
In a nutshell This study reviewed the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that combined treatment of BRAF and MEK inhibitors was associated with better responses than other treatments. Some background Some melanoma patients have a mutation...
Read MoreSurgery is an important therapy option for patients with metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the survival outcomes of surgery in melanoma patients with metastasis in the abdominal organs (AV; spread to others internal organs such as liver, stomach etc). Researchers suggested that surgery is an important treatment option for these patients. Some background Surgery is an important treatment option...
Read MoreCarbon-ion radiation therapy is a safe treatment option for head and neck melanomas
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of carbon-ion radiation therapy (CRT) for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Researchers suggested that CRT is an important treatment option for these patients. Some background Mucosal head and neck melanomas account for roughly 1% of all melanomas. However, is typically...
Read MorePsychological care to reduce fear and stress in patients with melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of psychological care (PC) in melanoma patients with fear of recurrence (when the cancer comes back). Researchers suggested that PC was associated with a decrease of fear and stress related to the cancer. Some background Follow-up of the melanoma patient is important for...
Read MorePredictive factors of vulvar melanoma outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the factors predictive of survival of patients with vulvar melanoma (VM). Researchers suggested that tumor thickness and mitotic rate (a measure of how fast cancer cells are dividing and growing) are strong predictors of VM outcomes. Some background VM affects 1.08 to 1.36 per million women every year in...
Read MoreSmoking is associated with an increased risk of melanoma lymph node metastasis
In a nutshell This study investigated the association between smoking and the risk of melanoma lymph node metastasis (LNM; spread to the lymph nodes). Researchers suggested that smoking is associated with an increase in the risk of LNM in melanoma patients. Some background Smoking is a well-known cause of cancer. However, it does not appear to be...
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