Skin Cancer News and Research

Latest Skin Cancer News and Research

Spread of cancer in melanoma patients can be determined by ultrasound signals

Researchers have shown for the first time that patterns of ultrasound signals can be used to identify whether or not cancer has started to spread in melanoma patients, and to what extent. The discovery enables doctors to decide on how much surgery, if any, is required and to predict the patient's probable survival.

23 Sep 2009

WDS conducts free skin cancer screenings

In the most concentrated effort to promote sun safety and skin cancer prevention in the 35-year history of the Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), volunteer dermatologists in three states recently provided free skin cancer screenings and sun safety education to spectators, professional athletes and media members at four major golf and tennis events throughout the month of August.

22 Sep 2009

Data show a decrease in ozone layer

By merging more than a decade of atmospheric data from European satellites, scientists have compiled a homogeneous long-term ozone record that allows them to monitor total ozone trends on a global scale - and the findings look promising.

22 Sep 2009

Study on mice reveals that short term stress can prevent cancer

Researchers at the Stanford University School of Medicine have shown that, at least in laboratory mice, bouts of relatively short-term stress can boost the immune system and protect against one type of cancer. Furthermore, the beneficial effects of this occasional angst seem to last for weeks after the stressful situation has ended. The finding is surprising because chronic stress has the opposite effect -- taxing the immune system and increasing susceptibility to disease.

22 Sep 2009

Patients with higher levels of vitamin D are less likely to die from skin cancer

New research shows higher levels of vitamin D may help improve survival for both bowel and skin cancer patients.

22 Sep 2009

Ipsen's Azzalure muscle relaxant receives Spanish AEMPS marketing approval

Galderma, the leading pharmaceutical company in dermatology, and Ipsen (Euronext: IPN), an international innovation-driven specialty pharmaceutical group, today announced that Azzalure® (botulinum toxin type A manufactured by Ipsen), a local muscle relaxant specifically developed for aesthetic use, has received a marketing authorization in Spain from the Spanish Medicines and Healthcare products Agency (AEMPS) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of moderate to severe glabellar lines seen at the frown (vertical lines between the eyebrows), in adult men and women aged 65 years and under, when the severity of these lines has an important psychological impact on the patient.

21 Sep 2009

Mayo Clinic Health Letter discusses kidney stone treatment options

Ordinary, loud snoring doesn't seem to be harmful, according to the September issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. But snorers still may want to seek treatment to stop snoring, reduce embarrassment and improve sleep for themselves and their bed partner.

17 Sep 2009

Breast cancer prevention drugs may negatively affect patients

Three drugs, including tamoxifen, reduce a woman's chance of getting breast cancer, but each drug carries distinct potential harms of its own, according to a new report from HHS' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

16 Sep 2009

Fair conducted for free skin cancer screening in Louisville

More than 11,000 Americans die each year from skin cancer. Yet when detected early, skin cancer has a cure rate of 99 percent. That's why dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology's National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program conducted free skin cancer screenings at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville, held Aug. 20-30, 2009.

14 Sep 2009

Researchers discover two proteins controlling the stem cell switch to skin cells

Scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, in collaboration with colleagues at the Centro de Investigaciones Energ-ticas, Medioambientales y Tecnologicas (CIEMAT) in Madrid, have discovered two proteins that control when and how these stem cells switch to being skin cells.

14 Sep 2009

Research reveals new protective properties of vitamin C

Researchers at the University of Leicester and Institute for Molecular and Cellular Biology in Portugal studied new protective properties of vitamin C in cells from the human skin, which could lead to better skin regeneration.

9 Sep 2009

Household sun exposure in the UK increases skin cancer prevalence

More than 50 per cent of people who suffered sunburn last summer were burnt while at home in the UK, according to a Cancer Research UK survey released today as Bank Holiday temperatures are expected to soar.

8 Sep 2009

Study reports a potential new investigational therapy for 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

Peplin announces merger agreement with LEO Pharma

Peplin, Inc. (ASX:PLI) today announced a definitive merger agreement whereby LEO Pharma A/S (LEO), a privately-held, leading global pharmaceutical company within Dermatology and Critical Care, will acquire all outstanding securities of Peplin for approximately US$287.5 million (currently A$348.4 million) in cash. This represents a purchase price of US$16.99 per common share of Peplin stock or A$1.03 per Peplin CHESS Depositary Interest (CDI).

3 Sep 2009

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

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