Skin Cancer News and Research

Latest Skin Cancer News and Research

GDC-0449 inhibits the Hedgehog signaling pathway

The Hedgehog signaling pathway is involved in a preliminary study and case report describing positive responses to an experimental anticancer drug in a majority of people with advanced or metastatic basal cell skin cancers. One patient with the most common type of pediatric brain cancer, medulloblastoma, also showed tumor shrinkage.

3 Sep 2009

Alloantigen-specific Treg cells targeted for organ transplantation

An increased understanding of the role of the body's immune system in the development of diseases such as prostate cancer, squamous cell carcinoma (a type of skin cancer), type 1 diabetes, autoimmune liver disease, and in the rejection of transplanted organs by some transplant patients, has paved the way for a pioneering research programme which aims to develop 'enhanced' cells as therapies.

3 Sep 2009

New therapy for advanced and metastatic basal cell skin cancer

A study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine reports a potential new investigational therapy for advanced and metastatic basal cell skin cancer tested at the Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center at Scottsdale Healthcare and other sites appears to demonstrate tumor shrinkage and limited side effects in patients.

3 Sep 2009

AAD urges Americans to remind grandparents to perform skin self-examination

Sunday, September 13, is National Grandparents Day, and the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) recommends that people lovingly remind their grandparents to perform a skin self-examination.

1 Sep 2009

Gen-Probe commences its PROGENSA PCA3 assay clinical trial

Gen-Probe Incorporated announced today that the Company has begun a clinical trial intended to secure U.S. regulatory approval of its PROGENSA(R) PCA3 assay, a new molecular test that may help determine the need for a repeat prostate biopsy.

28 Aug 2009

Awareness campaign on sun protection by Portland dermatologists at the LPGA Safeway Classic

In a region known more for its rainfall than sunshine, a team of Portland dermatologists representing the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) will return for the third time in six years to the LPGA Safeway Classic to promote sun safety for all seasons and skin types. This picturesque yet often cloudy venue has proven to draw golf lovers who need greater awareness about skin protection, as shown by the previous screenings' 37% skin cancer discovery rate.

25 Aug 2009

Primary cilia can suppress or promote skin cancer

Tiny, solitary spikes that stick out of nearly every cell in the body play a central role in a type of skin cancer, new research has found. The discovery in mice shows that the microscopic structures known as primary cilia can either suppress or promote this skin cancer, depending on the mutation triggering the disease.

24 Aug 2009

Tiny filaments extending from cells may play a role in common malignant brain tumors

UCSF scientists have discovered that a tiny filament extending from cells, until recently regarded as a remnant of evolution, may play a role in the most common malignant brain tumor in children.

24 Aug 2009

Peplin completes four-week enrolment phase for REGION-Ib trial

Peplin, Inc. (ASX:PLI) today announced completion of enrolment in its second Phase 3 clinical trial for the use of PEP005 (ingenol mebutate) Gel to treat actinic (solar) keratoses (AK), a common pre-cancerous skin lesion, on non-head treatment areas, which include the trunk and extremities. This completes enrolment in the final of four pivotal trials planned for the submission of the New Drug Application (NDA) for AK.

20 Aug 2009

Brits risk late cancer diagnosis because of poor symptom awareness

One in seven people cannot name a single symptom of cancer, according to a Cancer Research UK survey published Monday.

19 Aug 2009

Light-activated delivery system enhances anti-tumour drug potency

The effects of tumour-targeting drugs in mice are significantly enhanced by PCI Biotech's light-activated delivery system, a new study shows. Researchers say this dual therapy approach could be employed to increase the effect and lower the side effects of anti-cancer drugs in humans.

19 Aug 2009

Indoor Tanning Association denounces Suffolk Bill banning teens under the age of 18 from using a sun-bed

Today the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) denounced Introduced Resolution 1714, which would ban Suffolk teens under the age of 18 from using a sun-bed.

19 Aug 2009

Giant pituitary adenoma can be safely removed through nasal route

It’s even worse than being told you have a brain tumor: having a tumor so large, it’s in a category all its own. Giant pituitary adenoma is a so-called “benign” tumor that can cause visual loss and impair many of the body’s most basic functions. But fortunately, even the largest of these giant tumors—which can grow to the size of an egg and invade nearby structures--can be treated effectively using a multimodality approach starting with minimally invasive surgery through the nose, according to a new study at the John Wayne Cancer Institute at Saint John’s Health Center.

12 Aug 2009

Researchers launch study into search-and-destroy antigen for deadly skin cancer

UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers are studying a new antigen to see whether it can track down and kill cancer cells in patients with recurring melanoma, the leading cause of skin cancer deaths.

11 Aug 2009

Decode Genetics announces Q2 2009 financials

deCODE genetics (Nasdaq: DCGN) today announced its consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30, 2009. A conference call to discuss these results and recent developments in the company's business will be webcast live tomorrow, Tuesday, August 11, at 8:00am Eastern Daylight Time/12 noon GMT/1pm British Summer Time (details below).

10 Aug 2009

97 per cent unaware of the link between weight and cancer

Ninety-seven per cent of people don't list being overweight as a cancer risk, according to a Cancer Research UK survey out.

6 Aug 2009

$1 million grant to Rhode Island hospital for melanoma screening training program

Rhode Island Hospital dermatologist Martin Weinstock, MD, PhD, has received a $1 million, 2-year Team Science Award grant from the Melanoma Research Alliance to serve as principal investigator to develop a training program for primary care physicians to improve melanoma screening in primary care. The goal is to develop a web-based training module that will lead to earlier detection of melanoma and ultimately reduce the number of melanoma deaths by half.

6 Aug 2009