Hidden melanomas
Melanomas also can develop in areas of the body that have little or no exposure to the sun. These areas may include the spaces between the toes and on the palms, soles, scalp or genitals. These are sometimes referred to as hidden melanomas because they occur in places most people wouldn't think to check. When melanoma occurs in people with brown or Black skin, it's more likely to occur in a hidden area.
Summary: The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40, especially women. Knowing the symptoms of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before the cancer has spread. Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is found early. More ...
Advances in immunotherapy for mucosal melanoma: harnessing immune checkpoint inhibitors for improved treatment outcomes
Summary: Mucosal melanoma (MM) poses a significant clinical challenge due to its aggressive nature and limited treatment options. In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy for MM, with a particular focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors such as PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. These inhibitors have demonstrated substantial efficacy by harnessing the body’s immune response against tumors. Moreover, adoptive cell transfer (ACT), anti-angiogenic therapy, and combination therapies have garnered attention for their potential in MM treatment. More ...
Transforming Treatment for Refractory Metastatic Melanoma: FDA Approval of TIL
Summary: Lifileucel, the first-of-its-kind cellular immunotherapy, gained FDA approval in February, offering a ray of hope for patients with treatment-resistant metastatic melanoma. This tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy involves a one-time T-cell infusion, utilizing the patient's own immune cells to combat the cancer. Notably, it marks the first FDA approval of a cell therapy for solid tumors, specifically for those who have previously undergone PD-1 antibody-based, BRAF inhibitor, or MEK inhibitor treatments. More ...
Association of Immune-Related Adverse Events, Hospitalization, and Therapy Resumption With Survival Among Patients With Metastatic Melanoma Receiving Single-Agent or Combination Immunotherapy.
Summary: This retrospective analysis suggests an association between immunotherapy-related events (ie, colitis, hepatitis, etc) and longer overall survival for patients with metastatic melanoma (including MM patients). This includes those treated with monotherapy and combination immunotherapy and those with severe events requiring hospitalization. More ...
Cancer vaccine plus PD-1 blockade promotes infiltration of melanoma metastases by vaccine-induced T lymphocytes.
Summary: The objective of this study was to determine whether 6 synthetic melanoma helper peptides (6MHP) vaccine plus pembrolizumab increased infiltration of vaccine-induced T cells into tumor metastases compared to 6MHP vaccine alone. The findings suggest that adding pembrolizumab may enhance infiltration of melanoma metastases by vaccine-induced T lymphocytes compared to 6MHP vaccine alone. This treatment combination holds promise in the management of advanced melanoma. More ...
Brain metastases are common in advanced melanoma and cause death in >50% of patients.
Summary: Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer and metastasizes to the brain via hematological dissemination.1 Male sex, high serum lactate dehydrogenase level, high Breslow thickness of primary melanomas, head or neck as the site of primary disease, visceral or nodal involvement are risk factors for melanoma brain metastasis (MBM) development.. More ...
Mucosal melanoma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts in mucosa (mucous membrane). This is soft tissue that lines organs and other areas throughout your body. By the time it’s diagnosed, most mucosal melanoma already has spread (metastasized).
Summary: Mucosal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma. It starts in mucosa (mucous membrane), the soft tissue that lines organs and other areas throughout your body. You may develop mucosal melanoma anywhere you have mucosa, but the condition typically affects: The head and neck region, particularly your nose, lips and mouth. The anorectal region (your anus and rectum). The vulvovaginal region (your vagina and vulva). More ...