News and Events

eHealth technologies could improve sun protection in children with familial risk for melanoma

6 October 2019

This recent study delivered a feasible family‐focused melanoma preventive telehealth intervention to children with familial risk for melanoma and their parents.  The study suggests future melanoma preventive interventions for this at‐risk population could incorporate eHealth technologies to facilitate improvements in use of sun protection and monitoring of UVR exposure.

New nanovaccine for melanoma

14 September 2019

This recent study claims to have developed a new vaccine to prevent the development of melanoma in immunized mice, as well as to prolong survival significantly in mice with primary and metastatic melanomas.

Active outreach call to offer tailored support to advanced melanoma patients well received

14 September 2019

his study aimed to investigate the acceptability and feasibility of extending an existing melanoma-specific self-referral or ‘passive’ telephone consultation support service to an ‘active’ outreach call to offer a supportive care program tailored to the needs of the patient. It found an outreach call at an earlier stage of an advanced melanoma diagnosis is preferable.

Promotion of UV forecast information unlikely to improve sun protective behaviours

28 August 2019

According to this recent study, no matter how broadly UV forecast information is promoted, it is unlikely to improve sun protection behaviours across the Victorian population due to the low level of basic understanding of UV radiation. Authors suggest public education strategies that correct the commonly held misperception that temperature and/or sunshine can reliably predict the potential for UV damage are required. 

Melanoma patients exercising to reduce immunotherapy-related fatigue

28 August 2019

This recent study aimed to describe self-reported levels of fatigue related to immunotherapy; patient perspectives of exercise behaviors; and barriers and facilitators to engagement in exercise for patients receiving, or recently completed immunotherapy for unresectable stage III and stage IV melanoma. Results indicate that patients are engaging in exercise while receiving immunotherapy, with the intent of mediating treatment-related fatigue. 

Potential adverse drug reactions to new targeted therapies should not be underestimated

28 August 2019

This recent review analysed toxicity profiles of different agents currently used for the treatment of early and advanced melanoma. It found that new therapies are not free from the risk of causing adverse reactions, some of which must be managed promptly and appropriately; moreover the multiplicity of the metabolic pathways exposes the new target therapies to relevant potential interactions.