In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of nivolumab (Opdivo) in patients with progressive melanoma after ipilimumab (Yervoy) treatment. Researchers suggested that nivolumab treatment is associated with better response compared with chemotherapy. Some background Recent new therapies, such as immunotherapy, have changed the treatment of...
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Treatment with PD-1 agents improves melanoma outcomes
In a nutshell This review investigated the effectiveness of PD-1 agents in the treatment of melanoma. Researchers suggested that treatment with these agents is associated with improved cancer outcomes. Some background The best treatment for melanoma remains to be determined, however surgery may be associated with a high cure rate. Patients...
Read MoreDoes age effect immunotherapy treatment in melanoma?
In a nutshell The study examined if age played a role in the effect of immunotherapy treatment on patients with melanoma. The study concluded that immunotherapy is similarly effective in patients of all ages. Some background Immunotherapy is a type of treatment which targets the immune system to help it to fight cancer. A specific type of...
Read MoreDo melanoma patients who stop nivolumab and ipilimumab treatment still benefit from it?
In a nutshell This study analyzed outcomes in advanced skin cancer patients who stopped their treatment of nivolumab (Opdivo) and ipilimumab (Yervoy) due to side effects. This study concluded that many patients still benefit from the combination even after stopping treatment. Some background...
Read MoreCan Video Gaming Build Resilience? You Decide…
In the aftermath of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, a recent news story discussed the mental health consequences of disasters. Researcher Jean Rhodes of University of Massachusetts Boston studied the mental health of young parents living in New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina. RISK- Resilience In Survivors of Katrina is the project’s name. An...
Read MoreHow safe and effective is chemotherapy given through the limb in elderly melanoma patients?
In a nutshell This study looked at the safety and effectiveness of isolated limb infusion in elderly patients with melanoma of the skin on a limb (arm/leg) that could not be surgically removed. The study found isolated limb infusion to be safe and effective in elderly patients. Some background lsolated limb perfusion (ILP) is a method of...
Read MorePembrolizumab vs ipilimumab: which is more effective for advanced melanoma?
In a nutshell This study compared survival rates in advanced melanoma patients treated with either pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or ipilimumab (Yervoy). The study found that patients treated with pembrolizumab had a higher survival rate and fewer overall side effects. Some background...
Read MoreFactors of survival and treatment in mucosal melanoma
In a nutshell This study examined factors associated with treatment and survival in patients with mucosal melanoma (cancer of the moist inner lining surfaces of the body). The study concluded that mucosal melanoma may have a poor prognosis due to late diagnosis. However, certain treatments may improve survival rates. Some background Mucosal...
Read MoreWhat You Think About Tanning: Medivizor’s Tanning Survey Results
It is the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere; people have been outdoors in the sun. Over the summer we’ve been promoting our short survey on tanning. We had 101 respondents and thought we’d share some results. Beliefs about tanning Do you consider yourself to be more attractive when you have a tan? “I am sunburnt; I may sit in a...
Read MoreDabrafenib combined with trametinib in the treatment of melanoma brain metastasis
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...
Read MoreTalimogene 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...
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