http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/skin_cancer/ Learn about skin cancer signs, symptoms and prevention. Read the latest medical research on skin cancer types, skin care and skin cancer treatment options. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/skin_cancer/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193135.htm An experimental drug targeting a common mutation in melanoma successfully shrank tumors that spread to the brain in nine out of 10 patients in part of an international phase I clinical trial report. Thu, 17 May 2012 19:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120517193135.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm The American Academy of Dermatology today reiterated the safety and effectiveness of sunscreens to protect against the damaging effects from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. As one component of a daily sun-protection strategy, sunscreen is an important tool in the fight against skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. Tue, 15 May 2012 20:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120515202122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514203927.htm Researchers have developed a genetic test that can accurately predict whether the most common form of eye cancer will spread to other parts of the body, particularly the liver. The test successfully classified tumors more than 97 percent of the time. Mon, 14 May 2012 20:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514203927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122853.htm Scientists have made a key discovery in cell signaling that is relevant to the fight against melanoma skin cancer and certain other fast-spreading tumors. Thu, 10 May 2012 12:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120510122853.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135935.htm Melanoma -- the deadliest and most aggressive form of skin cancer -- has long been linked to time spent in the sun. Now scientists have sequenced the whole genomes of 25 metastatic melanoma tumors, confirming the role of chronic sun exposure and revealing new genetic changes important in tumor formation. Wed, 09 May 2012 13:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509135935.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508093926.htm With summer just around the corner, pediatricians are sounding the alarm on a disturbing trend: A growing number of teenagers and young adults diagnosed with skin cancer. Tue, 08 May 2012 09:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120508093926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm Eye color may be an indicator of whether a person is high-risk for certain serious skin conditions. A new study shows people with blue eyes are less likely to have vitiligo. Sun, 06 May 2012 16:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120506160115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425093928.htm Scientists have found that melanoma cells use a cloaking protein to hide from immune cells poised to attack the cancer. Nearly 40 percent of their sampling of melanoma tissues contained the B7-H1 protein, also called PD-L1, and scientists say it could be used as a target for new therapies. Wed, 25 Apr 2012 09:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120425093928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205139.htm A single gene that promotes initial development of the most common form of lung cancer and its lethal metastases has been identified. Tue, 24 Apr 2012 20:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120424205139.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404101951.htm Researchers have discovered how exposure to arsenic can turn normal stem cells into cancer stem cells and spur tumor growth. Inorganic arsenic, which affects the drinking water of millions of people worldwide, has been previously shown to be a human carcinogen. A growing body of evidence suggests that cancer is a stem-cell based disease. Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120404101951.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094150.htm Stem cells had greater effect than differentiated tumor cells in eliciting antitumor immunity in vivo. Antibodies and T cells targeted cancer stem cells in laboratory models. Data could provide a rationale for a new type of immune therapy. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402094150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093158.htm Even as the rates of some cancers are falling, Mayo Clinic is seeing an alarming trend: the dramatic rise of skin cancer, especially among people under 40. According to a new study the incidence of melanoma has escalated, and young women are the hardest hit. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093158.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111542.htm Researchers have trained mouse immune systems to eradicate skin cancer from within, using a genetic combination of human DNA from melanoma cells and a cousin of the rabies virus. Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120319111542.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308192252.htm Researchers say they may have discovered a new drug for the treatment of metastatic melanoma, one that uses the patient’s own tumor cells to customize the therapy. Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:22:22 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120308192252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307185101.htm Scientists have shown that combining targeted radiation therapy with immunotherapy (ipilimumab), fostered a strong immune response and a favorable clinical outcome in a patient with melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. The size of both the tumor that was treated with radiation and distant tumors in the patient were reduced. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307185101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307184700.htm A rarely seen phenomenon in cancer patients — in which focused radiation to the site of one tumor is associated with the disappearance of metastatic tumors all over the body — has been reported in a patient with melanoma treated with the immunotherapeutic agent ipilimumab (Yervoy™). Researchers have now shared their findings in a unique single-patient study, which could help shed light on the immune system’s role in fighting cancer. Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:47:47 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120307184700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120228185828.htm Researchers have found that the XL888 inhibitor can prevent resistance to the chemotherapy drug vemurafenib, commonly used for treating patients with melanoma. Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120228185828.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204230.htm A newly approved drug for patients with metastatic melanoma nearly doubles median survival times, a finding that will change the way this deadly form of skin cancer is treated. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120222204230.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm Breast cancer stem cells are thought to be the sole source of tumor recurrence and are known to be resistant to radiation therapy and don’t respond well to chemotherapy. Researchers report for the first time that radiation treatment -- despite killing half of all tumor cells during every treatment -- transforms other cancer cells into treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells. Researchers stressed that breast cancer patients should not be alarmed by the study findings and should continue to undergo radiation if recommended by their oncologists. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 18:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120213185115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131412.htm Researchers have again shown that injecting multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) into tumors and heating them with a quick, 30-second laser treatment can kill them. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120209131412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135444.htm New anti-cancer research has led to the development of a novel class of chemical inhibitors that specifically target cancer cells with pluripotency. Fri, 27 Jan 2012 13:54:54 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120127135444.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117191417.htm Patients with metastatic melanoma taking the recently approved drug vemurafenib (Zelboraf®) responded well to the twice daily pill, but some of them developed a different, secondary skin cancer. Now, researchers have elucidated the mechanism by which vemurafenib excels at fighting melanoma but also allows for the development of skin squamous cell carcinomas. Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120117191417.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105142449.htm A national U.S. clinical trial testing the efficacy of a novel brain tumor vaccine has begun. The vaccine will be tested in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive and highest grade malignant glioma. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 14:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105142449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131643.htm Fibroblasts, cells that play a role in the structural framework of tissues, play an apparent role in melanoma tumor growth. Fibroblasts also contribute to melanoma drug resistance and may also facilitate the "flare" response when a tumor's metabolism is enhanced following a patient being removed from a targeted therapy, said researchers. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105131643.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112054.htm Researchers are one step closer to melanoma cancer detection at the cellular level, long before tumors have a chance to form. Commercial production of a device that measures melanoma using photoacoustics, or laser-induced ultrasound, will soon be available to scientists and academia for cancer studies. The commercial device also will be tested in clinical trials to provide the data required to obtain US Food and Drug Administration approval for early diagnosis of metastatic melanoma and other cancers. Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120105112054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115124.htm Women with breast cancer who take antiestrogen supplements may be decreasing their risk for melanoma, according to a new study. Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:51:51 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120104115124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232718.htm Researchers have discovered a hereditary cancer syndrome that predisposes certain people to a melanoma of the eye, along with lung cancer, brain cancer and possibly other types of cancer. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 23:27:27 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215232718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173714.htm Women who have non-melanoma skin cancers are more likely to have smoked cigarettes compared to women without skin cancer, said researchers. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 17:37:37 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208173714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165859.htm The American Society of Clinical Oncology has released Clinical Cancer Advances 2011: ASCO's Annual Report on Progress Against Cancer, an independent review of the advances in cancer research that have had the greatest impact on patient care this year. The report also identifies the most promising trends in oncology and provides insights from experts on where the future of cancer care is heading. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 16:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205165859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102311.htm Scientists have made an important discovery in the fight against malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. In a new study, researchers have shown that a specific gene (P-Rex1) must be present before malignant melanoma can spread. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205102311.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201174231.htm A new study may help explain why men are three times more likely than women to develop a common form of skin cancer. The study found that male mice had lower levels of an important skin antioxidant than female mice and higher levels of certain cancer-linked inflammatory cells. As a result, men may be more susceptible to oxidative stress in the skin, which may raise their risk of skin cancer compared to women. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:42:42 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201174231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130115812.htm Ultra-tiny zinc oxide (ZnO) particles are among the ingredients list of some commercially available sunscreen products, raising concerns about whether the particles may be absorbed beneath the outer layer of skin. To help answer these questions, a team of scientists from Australia and Switzerland have developed a way to optically test the concentration of ZnO nanoparticles at different skin depths. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130115812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171222.htm A drug commonly used to treat seizures appears to make eye tumors less likely to grow if they spread to other parts of the body, according to researchers. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128171222.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128152418.htm Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that blood stem cells can be engineered to create cancer-killing T-cells that seek out and attack a human melanoma. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 15:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128152418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112958.htm Researchers have identified a protein, called P-Rex1, that is key to the movement of cells called melanoblasts. When these cells experience uncontrolled growth, melanoma develops. Tue, 22 Nov 2011 11:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111122112958.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142556.htm Drug companies currently developing therapeutic cancer vaccines may be determining the cancers they target based on the number of annual cases, not the number of deaths they cause. This approach may limit the patient benefits of such drugs, according to a new University of Michigan report. Mon, 21 Nov 2011 14:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111121142556.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175633.htm Researchers have developed a new genetic screening tool that will aid in the investigation of possible treatments for patients with melanoma and the unique genetic mutations that may accompany the disease, according to new research. Tue, 15 Nov 2011 17:56:56 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111115175633.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125741.htm A protein called "fascin" appears to play a critical transformation role in TGF beta mediated tumor metastasis, say researchers. Wed, 09 Nov 2011 12:57:57 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111109125741.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132245.htm Biologists report that melanocyte skin cells detect ultraviolet light using a photosensitive receptor previously thought to exist only in the eye. This eye-like ability of skin to sense light triggers the production of melanin within hours, more quickly than previously thought, in an apparent rush to protect against damage to DNA. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132243.htm Pancreatic cancer is a particularly challenging one to beat; it has a tendency to spread and harbors cancer stem cells that stubbornly resist conventional approaches to therapy. Now, researchers have evidence to suggest there is a way to kill off those cancer stem cells. The target is a self-renewal pathway known for its role not in cancer but in embryonic stem cells. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103132243.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120452.htm Because the incidence of malignant melanoma is rising faster than any other cancer in the US, medical researchers are working overtime to develop new technologies to aid in both malignant melanoma diagnosis and therapy. A tool of great promise comes from the world of nanomedicine. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:04:04 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103120452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122435.htm Researchers have found a way to create melanocytes from mouse tail cells using embryonic stem cell-like intermediates called inducible pluripotent (iPS) cells. They converted mouse tail-tip fibroblasts into iPS cells, producing pluripotent cells similar to embryonic stem cells, but without the concomitant ethical issues. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 12:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026122435.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025102423.htm Experts are praising a new study on optimal margins for melanoma surgery but urge researchers to bring new molecular and genetic techniques to bear on the question of how to minimize the need for more complex surgical techniques while maximizing long-term patient survival. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025102423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091537.htm As the realization that radiation emitted by the sun can give rise to skin cancer has increased, so also has the use of sunscreen creams. These creams, however, can give rise to contact allergy when exposed to the sun, and this has led to an increasing incidence of skin allergy. Scientists in Sweden are leading the hunt for a natural UV filter that does not have undesired effects. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025091537.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172648.htm Caffeine could be related to an inverse association between basal cell carcinoma risk and consumption of coffee, a study found. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172648.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172646.htm Researchers confirmed an association between tanning bed use and an increased risk for three common skin cancers -- basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma, according to new research. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 17:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024172646.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020094335.htm One of the key questions in cancer is the identification of the mechanisms that regulate cancer stem cells and tumor growth. Researchers have now identified a new role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regulating skin cancer stem cells. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020094335.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024331.htm In a new study, researchers identify a new role for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in regulating skin cancer stem cells. The results could have important implications for the prevention and treatment of different epithelial cancers. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170827.htm In a survey of hair professionals, some reported that they look at customers' face, scalp and neck for suspicious skin lesions, according to a new report. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 17:08:08 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017170827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173011.htm Researchers have shown that a protein can inhibit metastasis of colon and melanoma cancers. CXCL12 proteins effectively blocked metastasis of the colon cancer and dramatically improved survival time, with the dimer showing effectiveness in blocking melanoma metastasis as well, a new study shows. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 17:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010173011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111009140210.htm Researchers have discovered the first DNA faults linked to melanoma -- the deadliest skin cancer -- that are not related to hair, skin or eye color. Sun, 09 Oct 2011 14:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111009140210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170737.htm A new study of young people with melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, has found that some children have a higher risk of invasive disease than adults. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121258.htm Patients who have high-risk non-melanoma skin carcinomas of the head and neck may benefit from concomitant radiotherapy and chemotherapy, according to a new study. Their study is the first to report on multiple patients with these skin carcinomas treated simultaneously with radio- and chemotherapy. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 12:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004121258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195255.htm Fair-skinned people who burn quickly in the sun may need to take supplements to ensure they get the right amount of vitamin D, new research finds. Mon, 03 Oct 2011 19:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111003195255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194730.htm Final results from a Phase III trial of a new treatment called percutaneous hepatic perfusion in patients with melanoma of the eye (ocular or uveal melanoma) have demonstrated that it significantly extends the time patients can live without the disease progressing. Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110923194730.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920133213.htm Beta-blocker drugs, commonly used to treat high blood pressure, may also play a major role in slowing the progression of certain serious cancers, based on a new study. A review of thousands of medical records showed that patients with the skin cancer melanoma, and who also were taking a specific beta-blocker, had much lower mortality rates than did patients not taking the drug. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920133213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111812.htm Adult stem cells from mice converted to antigen-specific T cells -- the immune cells that fight cancer tumor cells -- show promise in cancer immunotherapy and may lead to a simpler, more efficient way to use the body's immune system to fight cancer, according to researchers. Tue, 20 Sep 2011 11:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110920111812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110916131304.htm Researchers have discovered that the vesicular stomatitis virus plays a previously unknown dual role in the prevention of a number of cancers. Fri, 16 Sep 2011 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110916131304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143257.htm The body produces a substance that renders cancer cells insensitive to treatment with widely used chemotherapies. The same substance is also contained in fish oil capsules that are taken by many cancer patients. The Dutch researchers who discovered the substance advise patients undergoing chemotherapy against the use of fish oil and similar products. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 14:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912143257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907192325.htm Biological agents used to treat rheumatoid arthritis seem to be associated with an increased risk of skin cancer, indicates a systematic review of published research. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 19:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907192325.htm