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News items on 'Malignant Melanoma'
New drug 'can treat more cancers'
(BBC 16/09/2009)
Scientists found that cells with faulty PTEN genes were up to 25 times more sensitive to PARP inhibitors than cells with normal PTEN. Faults in the PTEN gene account for 30%-80% of breast, prostate, melanoma (skin), womb and colon cancers. Professor Ashworth, director of the Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre at the Institute of Cancer Research, said: "These results are exciting because they show that PARP inhibitors are potentially a powerful targeted treatment with few side effects".
Elderly skin 'raises cancer risk'
(BBC 30/08/2009)
Older people are more at risk of skin cancer and infection because their skin is unable to mobilise the immune system to defend itself, UK research suggests. It contradicts previous thinking that defects in a type of immune cell called a T cell were responsible for waning immunity with age. In fact, it is the inability of the skin to attract T cells to where they are needed that seems to be at fault.
Inspirational fight
(BBC 31/07/2009)
Former England manager Sir Bobby Robson, who has died at the age of 76, was diagnosed with cancer five times. Sir Bobby is reported to have responded indignantly when he was first told in 1992 that a "little bit of cancer" in his bowel would take him away from PSV Eindhoven for three months. The fear for most would be a recurrence of the original cancer, or the news that it might have spread. But three years later, an entirely new form of the disease made an appearance - malignant melanoma.
'No doubt' sunbeds cause cancer
(BBC 29/07/2009)
Previously, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) assessed sunbeds and sunlamps as "probably carcinogenic to humans". But it now says their use is definitively "carcinogenic to humans". Campaigners believe the move, announced in the journal Lancet Oncology, will increase pressure for tighter industry regulation of sunbed use. However, the Sunbed Association said there was no proven link between the responsible use of sunbeds and skin cancer.
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Angela's Ashes author has meningitis
(The Scotsman 17/07/2009)
FRANK McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, is seriously ill with meningitis brought on by skin cancer. His brother, Malachy McCourt, said yesterday. The writer, 78, is in a New York hospice and was diagnosed with meningitis about two weeks ago following a melanoma. Mr McCourt said: "He's still conscious, but his hearing has gone and his eyesight is going. He's speaking less."
Mole check offer sparks concern
(BBC 08/07/2009)
Skin specialists attending a conference in Glasgow have been told not to offer free mole checks to the public, BBC Scotland has learned. Health experts in the city were worried doctors would not be able to cope with an increase in referrals. Delegates at the British Association of Dermatologists conference at the SECC had planned to offer checks for skin cancer as part of the three-day event. Greater Glasgow health board said its priority was patients referred by GPs.
(The Scotsman 06/07/2009)
TWO genes which regulate the appearance of moles can double the risk of skin cancer - Scientists identified the genes after scouring the genetic codes of more than 1,500 adult female twins in the UK. Single-letter variations in the code associated with high mole counts were found in two genes linked to melanoma skin cancer. Having two copies of the same two genes can double the chances of developing melanoma. The study confirms a direct genetic link between moles and skin cancer.
Skin cancer on rise among 15-34s
(BBC 16/06/2009)
Skin cancer is now the most common cancer among 15 to 34-year-olds, according to new figures out today from Cancer Research UK. Nearly 10,000 people a year get malignant melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. However, the number of young people affected has doubled in the last 20 years. Cancer Research UK says cases are rising fast because people let their skin burn in pursuit of a golden tan.
Hope for advanced melanoma drug
(BBC 02/06/2009)
Scientists say they have developed a drug that can treat the most deadly form of skin cancer in its most advanced, incurable stages. Malignant melanoma is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the UK, largely due to sun exposure. An experimental drug PLX4032 (R7204) could help many patients with incurable disease live longer with the disease in check, early trial results suggest. Experts welcomed the findings and urged people to take care when out in the sun this summer.
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