Stay updated on the latest Skin Cancer News as we give you a collection of the latest medical news and information regarding Skin cancer and other helpful resources for patients and their families.
Wound-healing cells of the immune system influences skin cancer
Published: 01 July 2015
Skin cancer could be made worse following a minimally invasive surgery where all cancer tissue cannot be removed, the wound inflammatory response might influence the remaining cancer cells in the body. A study of zebrafish showed that neutrophils, the protective inflammatory cells of the body’s immune system which are important for healing wounds can cause the progression of skin cancer. Neutrophils are usurped by precancerous skin cells that lead to tumour cells in the zebrafish model experiment. The cellular events were observed by live imaging with a special confocal laser-scanning microscope.
Researches detected high levels of neutrophils in human tissue samples of skin cancers from people whose tumours had open ulcers. The presence of neutrophils was linked to poor patient survival. They
suggest that therapies to reduce inflammation following surgery could help to improve result.
The experiment helps to understand how the immune cells are interacting with cancer cells. This will help to devise therapies to reduce the risk of cancer cells that are left after surgery from forming new tumours and spreading.
News sourced from: http://www.embo.org/news/research-news/research-news-2015/live-imaging-reveals-how-wound-healing-influences-cancer
Skin cancer patients demand compensation from GP over ‘botched procedures’
Published: 29 December 2014
A group of nine patients is demanding compensation over alleged botched skin cancer removal procedures from a Wollongong GP Dr. Jeremy Reader. They also called for new regulations to ensure GP refer all but simple cases to specialist. The GP is also now being investigated by the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission and Medical Council.
Some of the patients were hospitalized with infections and suffered severe bleeding and several have corrective plastic surgery. One patient Ms. Bakewell-Hill was unable to breathe through the nose after procedure. She said GP’s should not be allowed to remove facial skin cancers. They should not touch your face unless they’re dermatologist, plastic surgeons.
Karen Wilmott underwent plastic surgery to correct the work performed by Dr. Reader. She said that it was only after her procedure that she learned GP’s were not required to undergo specialist training to remove skin cancers.
The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said greater regulation was unnecessary. President Dr. Frank Jones said GPs were equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to treat and diagnose skin cancers and patients should feel confident approaching their GP with any concerns. If a GP feels a complex case needs a specialist’s opinion, they will refer the patient accordingly.
News sourced from: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-12-29/skin-cancer-dr/5987604
Richie Benaud reveals he has skin cancer
Published: 10 November 2014
Cricket commentator Richie Benaud revealed he has skin cancer at the Sydney Cricket Ground during Nine Network’s launch of its summer cricket coverage on Monday. He is undergoing radiation therapy for skin cancer on his forehead and the top of his head. Doctors are pleased with his progress and told reporters he was coping with it very well.
The cricket commentator believed the cancer on his forehead and the top of his head was caused by playing cricket in the sun without a hat. Said he was influenced by the example of great allrounder Keith ‘Nugget’ Miller who never wore a cap.
The former Australian test cricketer urged people to take precautions to protect themselves in the sun. ‘I recommend to everyone they wear protection on their heads. Eighty-four-year-olds don’t seem to mend as well as they used to.’
He has been away from his commentary role from the car accident injuries which included two fractured vertebrae 13 months ago. However, he confirmed he would make a return to cover the fourth Test against India at the SCG in his hometown.
News sourced from: http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cricket/richie-benaud-announces-he-has-skin-cancer-20141110-11jouu.html
Hugh Jackman treated for skin cancer for third time in a year
Published: 27 October 2014
For the third time in 12 months, actor Hugh Jackman has reportedly been diagnosed and treated for skin cancer. The actor wants others to learn a lesson from his mistakes and wear sunscreen.
The 46-year-old Wolverine star was previously treated for basal cell carcinoma in November 2013, and again in May this year. He posted Instagram photos of his bandaged nose each time. Despite his third bout with cancer, Jackman appears to be in good spirits. The actor’s rep says he is on the mend and “all good” now.
In May while he was receiving treatment for his second basal cell carcinoma, Jackman posted a photo on his Instagram page with a bandage on his nose and urged his fans not to “be foolish like me.” On Oct. 27, he posted an image again to Instagram that said “Everybody’s Free (To Wear Sunscreen).” Jackman added the caption, “SUNSCREEN!”
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health. The disease is curable if detected early; however, the Skin Cancer Foundation warns that the disease can cause disfigurement if not promptly treated.
News sourced from: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/hugh-jackman-treated-for-skin-cancer-for-third-time/
Skin Cancer Cases Rise by 41% in Five Years
Published: 2 September 2014
New research has revealed that skin cancer hospital admission have doubled in the last five years. That equates to a rise of 41%, not including skin cancer sufferers who were treated as day patients. The number of skin cancer cases is equal to all other types of cancers combined. The figures indicate that people are not doing enough to prevent skin cancer.
Health authorities have blamed the rise on cheap holidays and tanning as a “fashion statement”. They have seen an inevitable increase in skin cancer incidence rates as holidays to sunny locations become cheaper and tanned skin remains a desirable fashion statement.
In line with the rise in cases, the number of medical procedures climbed at a “significant” rate, costing hospitals millions annually. Over 16,000 skin grafts and flaps were required for the treatment of skin cancer and the majorities are on the head and neck. Surgery was required for 78% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 71.5% of melanomas.
Jonathon Major, a spokesman for the association, said: “Skin cancers are largely preventable and more must be done to communicate to the public the serious risks associated with unmediated sun exposure if we are to see a decline in these figures.”
News sourced from:
http://sovereignfm.com/skin-cancer-cases-surge-41-in-five-years/
New Immunotherapy, MK-3475, Shows Promise for Metastatic Melanoma
Published: 2 June 2014
A new drug called MK-3475 may benefit people with melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body, according to the result of a large phase-1 study. MK-3475 blocks the function of a protein called PD-1 (programmed death-1) found on T-cells, a type of white blood cell that directly helps fight disease. Because PD-1 keeps the immune system from destroying cancer cells by blocking the biological pathway cancers use to disguise themselves from the immune system. Stopping PD-1 from working allows the immune system to better eliminate melanoma.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration have granted MK-3475 a breakthrough therapy designation for metastatic melanoma or melanoma that cannot be removed with surgery, as well as a priority review designation. This helps speed up the review and approval of drugs that offer major advances in treatment for a condition that does not have an adequate existing treatment. The findings were release at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago.
News sourced from: http://www.cancer.net/research-and-advocacy/research-summaries/new-immunotherapy-mk-3475-shows-promise-metastatic-melanoma
Multiple Sunburns as an Adolescent Increases Melanoma Risk by 80%
Published: 2 June 2014
New research suggests that 5 or more blistering sunburns experienced before the age of 20 could increase melanoma or skin cancer risk by 80%, according to a study published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention (CEBP). A lifetime risk of 2% or 1 in 50 melanoma is more than 20 times more common in white women.
Data was analyzed from the 20-year study and researchers found that the individuals with 5 or more blistering sunburns when they were 15 to 20 years old had a 68% increased risk for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), with a colossal 80% increased risk of melanoma. The highest percentage of cases are considered to be linked to lifestyle choices including ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure, UV radiation from tanning beds, obesity, exposure to coal tar pitch, soot, mineral oils and shale oils, arsenic and inorganic arsenic compounds.
News sourced from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/277538.php
Skin Cancer Trial Results ‘exciting‘
Published: 3 June 2014
The results of two international trials against advanced skin cancer have been hailed as “exciting and striking”. The findings were released at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago. Both treatments, for advanced melanoma, are designed to enable the immune system to recognize and target tumours. The experimental drugs, pembrolizumab and nivolumab, block the biological pathway cancers use to disguise themselves from the immune system.
In a trial of 411 patients evaluating pembrolizumab, 69% of patients survived at least a year. “Pembrolizumab looks like it has potential to be a paradigm shift for cancer therapy.” Said Dr. David Chao, consultant oncologist at the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust who is conducting trials in both melanoma and lung cancer patients.
News sourced from: http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27674658