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...
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Can 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...
Read MorePembrolizumab improves stage 3 melanoma outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in the treatment of patients with stage 3 melanoma who underwent surgery. Researchers suggested that this drug is associated with longer recurrence-free survival with no new side effects. Some background The use of PD-1 antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, in patients...
Read MoreVitamin D is associated with melanoma outcomes
In a nutshell This study investigated if low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse melanoma prognosis. Researchers suggested that low levels of vitamin D are associated with worse outcomes in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Some background Recent studies have suggested that a low vitamin D level (less than 20...
Read MoreA review on new therapies to treat metastatic melanoma
In a nutshell This study reviewed other studies about different treatments for metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Researchers suggested that targeted therapy improves overall survival of these patients when compared to chemotherapy. Some background Melanoma is the most dangerous common skin cancer. 70 to 80% of patients are...
Read MoreMultiple primary tumors does not change survival rates in melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study compared survival rates between melanoma patients with multiple primary melanoma (MPM) and single primary melanoma (SPM). Researchers suggested that MPM and SPM patients have similar survival rates. Some background An estimated 87,110 Americans were diagnosed with advanced melanoma in 2017. New melanoma cases are projected to...
Read MoreTreatment with vemurafenib plus cobimetinib does not affect health related quality of life in advanced melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study examined the side effects and health related quality of life (HRQL) of advanced melanoma patients treated with cobimetinib (Cotellic) plus vemurafenib (Zelboraf). Researchers suggested that these patients maintained their HRQL when compared with patients treated with vemurafenib alone. Some background Prior studies...
Read MoreTumor thickness as a prognostic factor for melanoma patients
In a nutshell This study investigated the relationship between tumor thickness and melanoma prognosis. Researchers suggested that patients with less than 0.8 mm thick tumors have an improved prognosis. Some background Primary tumor thickness is the most important predictor of melanoma outcomes. The current melanoma staging system defines the...
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