In a nutshell This study wanted to find out what the best timing is for treating patients with stage 3 melanoma with ipilimumab (Yervoy) and nivolumab (Opdivo). The study found that the best timing was two cycles of ipilimumab 1 mg/kg plus nivolumab 3 mg/kg every three weeks. Some background Ipilimumab and nivolumab are medications used to treat...
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Dabrafenib combined with trametinib before surgery for patients with stage 3 melanoma
In a nutshell This study evaluated the safety and effectiveness of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) together before surgery to remove stage three melanoma. The study found that a high proportion of patients treated in this way had no signs of cancer left. Some background Dabrafenib and trametinib are...
Read MoreNanodrugs
Nanodrugs have been around for some time. In fact, over 250 drugs using nanotechnology that have been approved by the FDA and are in clinical use. The name nanodrug or nanopharmaceuticals refers to the size of the particle that is created to house the medication. A nano is very tiny: nanoparticles are between 1 and 100 nanometers in at least one of its...
Read MoreLooking patient with advanced melanoma to test a new drug
In a nutshell This phase 1 study will investigate the dose range and effectiveness of an experimental drug, XmAb23104, in the treatment of advanced melanoma and other solid tumors. The main outcome will be the safety and tolerability of XmAb23104. This trial is recruiting in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia, the United States. The details...
Read MoreLong-term outcomes for dabrafenib plus trametinib treatment for metastatic melanoma.
In a nutshell This study wanted to find out how well patients with advanced melanoma with mutations (abnormal genes) survive when treated with dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) combination. The study found that long term, patients survived moderately well with this treatment. Some background Advanced melanoma can be hard to treat. In...
Read MoreEvaluating long-term outcomes of interferon treatment for advanced melanoma
In a nutshell This study examined the long-term outcomes of patients with melanoma who received surgery and high-dose interferon-α (HDI). This study found that HDI treatment resulted in a decreased chance of the cancer coming back after 17 years. Some background Surgery followed by anti-cancer therapy has remained the standard of care...
Read MoreEvaluating quality of life for survivors of melanoma after immunotherapy treatment
In a nutshell This study evaluated the quality of life for survivors of melanoma who received immunotherapy. This study found that melanoma survivors had a significantly lower quality of life compared to the general population. Some background Immune checkpoint inhibitors are a new class of anti-cancer drugs that take advantage of the...
Read MoreRestaging warranted prior to adjuvant therapy in patients with resected stage IIIB and IIIC melanoma.
In a nutshell This article investigated the need for restaging in patients with stage IIIB and IIIC melanoma before starting adjuvant therapy (AT; treatment after surgery). The authors concluded that restaging should be considered for these high-risk patients before starting the AT. Some background Melanoma a type of skin cancer...
Read MoreCombination of nivolumab and radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced melanoma.
In a nutshell This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of nivolumab (Opdivo) in combination with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for patients with locally advanced melanoma unsuitable for surgery. The authors concluded that this therapy is effective with manageable side effects in these...
Read MoreA review of the recommendations for the treatment of skin melanoma
In a nutshell This study reviewed the 2019 guidelines on the treatment of melanoma. Some background Cutaneous (skin) melanoma (CM) is a common form of cancer. It can be aggressive if found late. New treatments are constantly being developed. It is important to review these options to improve patient care. Systemic therapy (ST) is one treatment...
Read MoreSearching for patients with melanoma to test this new melanoma vaccine with or without immunotherapy
In a nutshell This trial is examining the effectiveness and safety of 6MPH, a melanoma vaccine with adjuvants and a CDX-1127 monoclonal antibody in patients with melanoma. The main outcomes to be measured will be side effects and the response of the immune system. This trial is recruiting in Virginia, United States. The details A treatment option...
Read MoreSearching for patients with advanced melanoma to test this new treatment option
In a nutshell This phase 1/2 trial is examining the effectiveness and safety of KY1044 alone and in combination with atezolizumab (Tecentriq) for patients with advanced cancers who are not suitable for any other treatment or have failed all other treatment options. The main outcomes to be measured will be the occurrence and...
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