In a nutshell This study investigated whether Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) biopsy increases survival in patients with thick melanoma. The study found that SLN biopsy was associated with an increase in disease free survival (DFS) in patients with melanoma. Some background Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is used to identify whether tumour has started...
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Have survival rates improved for patients treated for Metastasis from Uveal Melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated if there has been an improvement in survival after treatment in patients with metastasis from uveal melanoma. The study found no significant improvement in survival rates in patients who were treated for metastasis from uveal melanoma. Some background Despite successful treatment of tumors in patients who are...
Read MoreCan white blood cell count be used to predict if cancer will reoccur in patients with melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated if there was a relationship between Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and cancer recurrence (cancer coming back) in patients with melanoma. The results found that a high NLR was a strong predictor for disease recurrence in patients with melanoma. Some background Neutrophil and lymphocytes are white...
Read MoreSurvival rates associated with melanoma spread to the large bowel
In a nutshell This study investigated the rate, clinical characteristics and survival of melanoma patients with bowel metastasis (cancer spread). Researchers suggested that there is a long interval between melanoma diagnosis and bowel metastsis. Some background Melanoma metastases are commonly seen in skin, lungs and brain. A less common spot is in...
Read MoreNew melanoma therapies are associated with improved survival rates
In a nutshell This study examined the survival rates of melanoma patients with brain metastasis treated with new therapies. Researchers concluded that PD-1 agents are associated with improved survival outcomes. Some background More than 50% of melanoma patients develop brain metastasis (cancer spread), with an overall survival of 17 to 22 weeks....
Read MoreEncorafenib plus binimetinib to treat inoperable advanced melanoma
In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness of encorafenib (Braftovi) alone or in combination with binimetinib or vemurafenib (Zelboraf) alone in BRAF-mutant melanomas. Researchers suggested that the combined treatment showed improved cancer outcomes with manageable side effects. Some background Some melanoma patients have a...
Read MoreDoes body-mass index (BMI) affect survival in patients with metastatic melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether body-mass index (BMI) had any effect on survival in patients with metastatic melanoma who received targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy. The study found that male metastatic melanoma patients who had a high BMI had improved survival compared to patients with normal BMI. Some background Targeted...
Read MoreCan nivolumab and ipilimumab be used to treat melanoma brain metastases?
In a nutshell This study looked at the effectiveness and safety of nivolumab (Opdivo) alone compared to nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in patients with melanoma that had spread to the brain (metastasis). The study found that patients treated with a combination of ipilimumab and nivolumab responded to treatment better compared...
Read MoreHave targeted therapies improved the survival of patients with melanoma brain metastases
In a nutshell This study investigated whether the risk of developing melanoma brain metastases (MBM) and survival among patients with MBM has changed since the introduction of more effective therapies. The results found the overall survival for patients with MBM has improved significantly since 2011. Some background In more than 33% of patients...
Read MoreDoes gender impact the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether the anti-cancer effect of immune check point inhibitors (ICIs) varied in male and females. The study found that patient gender does affect the effectiveness of ICIs. Some background Immune checkpoint inhibitors are drugs which treat cancer by enabling a patients immune cells to attack and...
Read MoreDoes Sentinel lymph node status have any impact on survival from melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated if sentinel lymph node (SLN) status was linked to Breslow thickness in understanding the prognosis of melanoma (a type of skin cancer). The study concluded that SLN status was not linked to Breslow thickness (BT) for melanoma prognosis. Some background Sentinel lymph nodes...
Read MorePET is effective detecting recurrences in stage 3 melanoma
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of the imaging method PET (detects active cancer lesions) in detecting relapses after surgery in stage 3 melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that PET allows the detection of most recurrences. Some background Stage 3 melanoma is associated with a high rate of recurrences. Follow-up of...
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