This summer has been a challenge after a family member with celiac disease had a gluten exposure (Click here to read more about celiac disease). Gluten damages the small intestine villi (see 5 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Your Small Intestines), which are essential for nutrition absorption. For over a month, gastrointestinal pain, vomiting...
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Last summer we provided a series of posts on oncology basics. Oncology Basics: Preparing for ASCO covered some of the history of oncology. In Understanding Cells, we reviewed what is newly understood about cells–it’s way beyond what you learned in high school biology. DNA with lots of animated videos also explained some of the basics...
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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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In April, the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) held a free education event on cancer called Progress and Promise Against Cancer in Washington, D.C. Surrounded by experts in cancer research, Kim Hall Jackson shared her patient story. One evening in 2008, Jackson, an event planner, was running the mayor’s inaugural event in...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the role of sentinel node biopsy (SLNB) in locally recurrent (LR; when the cancer comes back) melanoma or in-transit (IT; spreads to a lymph vessel before it reaches the nearest lymph node) melanoma. Researchers suggested that SLNB should be performed in these patients. Some background The sentinel lymph node...
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In July 2015, we published a post called Patients Included In Research: Studying Cancer by Mutation Not Organ. In that post, we shared the goal that cancers would be treated not by the site of origin, but rather by their genetic features. Achieving this goal is closer than you think! This week the FDA announced accelerated approval** of a...
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In a nutshell This study reviewed the updated NCCN guidelines for the treatment of metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. Some background New treatments have been developed in recent years for metastatic melanoma, particularly targeted and immunotherapies. These treatments are leading to improved response and survival in these...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether changes in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the blood could predict treatment response to PD-1 agents. Researchers suggested that LDH could be a useful factor to predict treatment outcomes in patients with advanced melanoma. Some background The use of PD-1 agents to treat melanoma is...
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In a nutshell This study reviewed the effectiveness and safety of combined treatment with BRAF and MEK inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that combined treatment of BRAF and MEK inhibitors was associated with better responses than other treatments. Some background Some melanoma patients have a mutation...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the survival outcomes of surgery in melanoma patients with metastasis in the abdominal organs (AV; spread to others internal organs such as liver, stomach etc). Researchers suggested that surgery is an important treatment option for these patients. Some background Surgery is an important treatment option...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of carbon-ion radiation therapy (CRT) for mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Researchers suggested that CRT is an important treatment option for these patients. Some background Mucosal head and neck melanomas account for roughly 1% of all melanomas. However, is typically...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness of psychological care (PC) in melanoma patients with fear of recurrence (when the cancer comes back). Researchers suggested that PC was associated with a decrease of fear and stress related to the cancer. Some background Follow-up of the melanoma patient is important for...
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