PHARMAC publishes clinical expert advice on nivolumab (Opdivo)
19 May 2016PHARMAC has published on the PHARMAC website advice from its clinical experts regarding new treatments, including nivolumab (Opdivo) for advanced melanoma.
Carriers of MC1R variants at increased melanoma risk
17 May 2016Carriers of MC1R variants were found to be at increased melanoma risk independent of their sun exposure, according to authors of a recent study. They recommend further studies to elucidate the causes of melanoma development in these individuals.
Genetic analysis of melanoma in New Zealand a first
16 May 2016South Islanders’ melanomas are significantly more likely than those of North Islanders to carry an NRAS mutation, according to the first comprehensive genetic analysis of melanoma in New Zealand. The findings have implications for mutation-targeted drug therapies and for patient outcomes, according to Professor Mike Eccles, a MelNet Executive Committee member and co-leader of the study.
Use of UV dosimeters and diaries may influence sun exposure
13 May 2016Using a dosimeter or keeping a diary to measure sun exposure seems to increase attention towards sun protection behaviour and therefore may influence this behaviour.
Survival after multiple melanomas worse than after single melanoma
12 May 2016Patients with multiple invasive melanomas have significantly poorer survival than patients with a single invasive melanoma, according to study findings published recently in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.
October 2016 Melanoma Conference in Sydney
11 May 2016A major international melanoma conference will be held in Sydney later this year. Register now to take advantage of having this event that is just across the Tasman!
Indoor tanning: melanoma risk and prevention interventions
11 May 2016This review argues for an aggressive initiative to reduce indoor tanning in the United States, to design prevention efforts tailored towards specific high risk groups, and the need to better inform the public of the risks of indoor tanning.
Blood test may give alert to relapse in melanoma patients
10 May 2016A study published in Cancer Discovery has revealed that a blood test may give early alerts of a relapse in advanced melanoma patients.
Latest issue of Dermatology Research Review
7 May 2016Highlights of the latest issues of Dermatology Research Review include a report of a helpful smartphone app for checking pigmented moles, a Swedish study of the perils of sun avoidance and a NZ study of dermatological disease in the elderly.
South Island Common Skin Lesions and Dermatoscopy Course
5 May 2016Conducted by Honorary Associate Professor Amanda Oakley, this one-day course in Christchurch on 9 July will address clinical and dermatoscopic diagnosis of common benign and malignant skin lesions, particularly pigmented lesions.