In a nutshell This study investigated the effect of nivolumab (Opdivo) combined with ipilimumab (Yervoy) in overall survival in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that this combination is associated with an improved survival when compared to ipilimumab alone. Some background Advanced melanoma is associated with...
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In a nutshell This phase 2 trial aims to measure the immune system response to a vaccine to treat melanoma. The main outcome of this trial will be to determine the effectiveness of treatment with vaccine therapy in stage 3 or 4 melanoma patients. The details Immunotherapies stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells the way it would a virus...
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In a nutshell This trial aims to test safety and effectiveness of the combined treatment with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and vemurafenib (Zelboraf) in patients with stage 3 or 4 melanoma. The main outcome to be measured will be the response of the tumors to the treatment. This trial is recruiting in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (US). The details Tumors...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the factors associated with local recurrence (LR; when the cancer comes back) in melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that a surgical margin of greater than or equal to 1cm reduces the risk of LR. Some background Most patients with a primary melanoma (stage 1) have a tumor that is thin (equal to 1 mm or...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This study investigated the effect of nivolumab (Opdivo) on health-related quality of life in patients with advanced melanoma. Researchers suggested that nivolumab is associated with an increased long-term quality of survival. Some background Treatment of advanced melanoma has changed since the approval of new medicines, such as PD-1...
Read MoreIn a nutshell This review compared the effectiveness of talimogene laherparepvec (Imlygic) with ipilimumab (Yervoy) and vemurafenib (Zelboraf) in the treatment of metastatic (spread to other organs) melanoma. Researchers concluded that talimogene laherparepvec overall survival is at least as good as with ipilimumab and vemurafenib. Some background...
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In a nutshell This study investigated predictive factors of pelvic lymph node (LN) metastasis (cancer spread to the lymph nodes) and prognostic outcome of having pelvic LN metastasis. Researchers reported that pelvic metastases are associated with worse prognosis and pelvic LN complete removal should be considered in all cases. Some background...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether the neutrophil-lymphocyte (NLR; types of white blood cells) ratio is an effective predictor of ipilimumab (Yervoy) response in metastatic (spread to other parts of the body) melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that the NLR is strongly associated with the outcome of patients treated with...
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In a nutshell This review examined the safety and effectiveness of dabrafenib (Tafinlar) and trametinib (Mekinist) for inoperable metastatic melanoma. Researchers concluded that this combined treatment is an important therapy option for patients with metastatic melanoma. Some background Some melanoma patients have a mutation...
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Eating Together For many, being able to commune around a table–talking, laughing and eating–is a sign of health and well-being. That’s why, when someone is sick, and doesn’t eat, conflict can result. Caregivers may feel enormous anxiety, guilt and hopelessness as their loved one loses weight. Yet, caregivers need to know what is...
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In a nutshell This study investigated the probability of melanoma-specific mortality and mortality by other causes in melanoma patients. Researchers suggested that an individualized study of each patient probability helps treatment-related decision making. Some background The majority of patients with non-metastatic (spread to other parts of the...
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In a nutshell This study investigated whether complete lymph node removal in patients with positive sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) improved survival. Researchers suggested that complete lymph node removal is not associated with improved survival. Some background SLNB is a procedure used to detect lymph node metastasis (spread of disease) in...
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