Therapeutic options for metastatic uveal melanoma are limited, with clinical trials having little impact. This recent study performs whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of 103 uveal melanoma from all sites of the uveal tract (choroid, ciliary body, iris).
Melanoma molecular graded prognostic assessment (Melanoma-molGPA) is a new prognostic score for melanoma patients with brain metastasis. This study is the most recent, and with the largest cohort, to validate the Melanoma-molGPA score as an accurate and reproducible score for estimating overall survival.
This review summarises the mechanisms of skin photoaging and the role of sunscreen as an adjunctive sun protection measure in the prevention of photoaging.
The Auckland Medical Research Foundation (AMRF) is calling for applications for the JI Sutherland Medical Research Fellowship. This inaugural Fellowship is open to medical or science graduates with New Zealand residency, permanent residency or citizenship who wish to undertake full-time medical research for a PhD or an MD in the specific field of melanoma or other skin cancer research.
Ly75 (also known as DEC-205 or CD205) is expressed in immune cells and cancers and involved in tumor immunity. This study analysed the correlation between Ly75 mRNA expression and patient survival. It provides the first clinical evidence that Ly75 expression is significantly associated with melanoma patient survival and natural killer (NK) cell infiltration, suggesting that Ly75 could be a useful prognostic factor.
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in the regulation of the tissue microenvironment and in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a class of peptidase able to remodel the ECM by favoring the tumor invasive processes. Of these peptidases, MMP-9 is the most involved in the development of cancer, including that of melanoma. According to this recent study, MMP-9 may be considered a promising molecule for the management of melanoma patients due to its role as a biomarker and therapeutic target.
The purpose of this project was to gain an understanding of the sun protection practices and beliefs of Caucasian and African American mothers, to assess the response to an appearance-based intervention for motivating sun-protective behaviors, and to educate mothers about skin cancer risks and prevention.The Sunface app, a facial morphing smartphone application that simulates the effects of sun damage on facial photography, elicited powerful responses by participants and may motivate improved sun protection practices.
This study aims to derive a melanoma risk prediction model, which includes the number of moles on the body and solar lentigines (darker skin patches caused by the sun) as clinically‐assessed risk factors, and pigmentation (skin colour) characteristics, sun exposure, family history and history of skin cancer as self‐assessed risk factors. In a clinical setting, this model may help clinicians identify patients for targeted prevention strategies based on the patient's melanoma risk.
Skin Cancer College Australasia recently released a step-by-step guide for New Zealand’s primary care skin cancer practitioners to adopt during the COVID-19 crisis.
May is World Melanoma Awareness Month and at the heart of this campaign is the newly released report "2O2O Melanoma Skin Cancer Report - Stemming the global epidemic” with the following key messages: