In a nutshell This study looked at numbers of white blood cells in patients with melanoma, and how this was related to survival. The authors found that there was an association between the numbers of certain white blood cells and survival from melanoma, specifically, low ratios of neutrophils and platelets to lymphocytes resulted in lower overall...
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Cancer Vaccines
When I think of vaccines, I think of the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella and varicella) vaccines which help our bodies establish immunity against diseases that used to kill. Now, there are vaccines being created for cancer. The rise of cancer vaccines According to Dr. Nora Disis, an oncologist and researcher in cancer vaccines at the University of...
Read MoreDo high-dose glucocorticoids affect survival in patients with melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether high-dose glucocorticoids (chemicals that stop inflammation) used for the treatment of ipilimumab (Yervoy)-induced hypophysitis (inflammation of a gland that controls hormones) had any effect on survival in patients with melanoma. This study found that high-dose glucocorticoids was associated with...
Read MoreCan S100B and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels be used to predict survival in patients with melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether levels of S100B and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in patients with melanoma treated with immunotherapy has any relationship to survival. The study found that increased levels of S100B and LDH were associated with reduced survival in patients with melanoma treated with certain immunotherapies. Some background...
Read MoreWhat factors can predict if melanoma patients respond to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy?
In a nutshell This study investigated whether there was a relationship between specific tumor characteristics (biomarkers) in melanoma patients and response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. This study found that patients with certain tumor characteristics had a better response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy and experienced increased survival. Some background...
Read MoreDoes inflammation replacing tumor cells predict survival in patients with melanoma?
In a nutshell This study investigated if histological regression (HR – replacement of cancer tumor cells by inflammation) can be used to predict the course of disease (prognosis) in patients with stage III (advanced) melanoma. The study found that histological regression was associated with a better prognosis in patients with stage III...
Read MoreDoes Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Increase Survival in Patients with Thick Melanoma?
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...
Read MoreHave 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...
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