We are adding to the list of respite opportunities that are available for adults with cancer. In addition to a couple of programs like the ones featured in Free Vacations for Adults affected by Cancer, there are a few foundations for adults with cancer that are much like the well-known Make-A-Wish Foundation (for children) which provide support for...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the factors predictive of survival of patients with vulvar melanoma (VM). Researchers suggested that tumor thickness and mitotic rate (a measure of how fast cancer cells are dividing and growing) are strong predictors of VM outcomes. Some background VM affects 1.08 to 1.36 per million women every year in...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the association between smoking and the risk of melanoma lymph node metastasis (LNM; spread to the lymph nodes). Researchers suggested that smoking is associated with an increase in the risk of LNM in melanoma patients. Some background Smoking is a well-known cause of cancer. However, it does not appear to be...
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In a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness and safety of isolated limb perfusion (ILP) in elderly melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that ILP is an effective option to treat melanoma in elderly patients. Some background ILP can be used to treat in-transit metastasis (when cancer cells are almost reaching the lymph nodes) in melanoma...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study examined the effectiveness and safety of vemurafenib (Zelboraf) as treatment for BRAF-mutant metastatic melanoma. Researchers concluded that vemurafenib is an effective treatment option for patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma and brain metastasis (BM; spread to the brain). Some background Over 40% of melanoma patients...
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In a nutshell This review explored the effects of radiation therapy (RT) to treat melanoma. Researchers suggested that RT is useful in high risk melanoma to prevent recurrence (when the cancer comes back), however without increasing survival. Some background RT has long been used as a treatment for skin cancer. New surgery methods and knowledge of...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the clinical features and outcomes of brain metastases in melanoma (MBM). Researchers reported that to improve outcomes for melanoma patients with brain metastasis, both clinical and pre-clinical efforts are necessary. This will include studying the brain tumor environment and associated treatment toxicities. Some...
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In a nutshell This trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of combined treatment with dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) in patients with inoperable advanced BRAF mutated melanoma. The main outcome to be measured will be the time to disease progression, response rates, and the number of negative side effects. The...
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In a nutshell This phase 1/2 trial aims to test the safety and effectiveness of a combined treatment with the new vaccine LPV7 and TLR agonists in advanced melanoma patients after surgery. The main outcome to be measured will be the treatment toxicity and response of the tumors to the treatment. This trial is recruiting in Houston, Texas and...
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In a nutshell In this study the Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) in melanoma updated the 2016 recommendations on therapy after surgery and treatment of in-transit disease (when cancer cells are almost reaching the lymph nodes). Some background Melanoma incidence has been rising rapidly. Patient outlook and treatment...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the timing for relapse of stage 2 melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that patients with stage 2C melanomas are at higher risk of relapse and need a closer follow-up. Some background Stage 2 melanoma patients can be divided in 3 different groups depending on specific factors such as tumor...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of treatment with ipilimumab (Yervoy) after anti-PD1 agents such as nivolumab (Opdivo) or pembrolizumab (Keytruda). Researchers suggested that patients can benefit from treatment with ipilimumab, but at a cost of a higher toxicity. Some...
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