Melanoma

For the first time, scientists have demonstrated how tanning beds cause fundamental DNA damage across almost the skin's entire surface that results in a threefold risk of developing melanoma. It puts beyond doubt the dangers of using these devices.

An inexpensive, over-the-counter form of vitamin B3 cut new skin cancers by an average of 14% in a study of more than 33,000 people. Among those who began taking a daily dose after a first diagnosis, the risk of a repeat skin cancer fell by up to 54%.

The number of people carrying an inherited mutation that predisposes them to melanoma is seven-fold higher than previously thought, according to a new study. Medical practitioners are urged to consider cancer risk factors beyond sun exposure.

A study has found that a cannabis extract can inhibit the growth of melanoma cells and trigger cell death. The next step is pre-clinical trials to investigate whether the extract can be used to treat other types of cancers.

Scientists have demonstrated an intriguing new technique to treat cancer – “molecular jackhammers” that latch onto cancer cells, then vibrate vigorously to kill them when activated by infrared light.

Moderna has announced results of a Phase 2b trial of its mRNA treatment for skin cancer. When paired with immunotherapy, the treatment significantly reduced risks of recurrence, metastasis and death, paving the way for trials against other cancers.

Scientists have developed a new potential treatment for cancer that works in a similar way to the COVID-19 vaccines. The technique involves delivering mRNA molecules to cancer cells and tricking them into producing toxic proteins that kill the tumors.

Researchers at UCLA have developed a small sponge that can be implanted next to a tumor to help the body fight it. In tests in mice, the devices induced remission, prevented growth and spread of cancers, and increased survival times.

A combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy has shown promise against stage IV melanoma in a new clinical trial. The chemo drug targets a type of cell that suppresses the immune response, and together the two showed an increased response rate.

The first results from a trial testing mRNA technology against cancer reveal 44% of patients fared better than those on conventional treatments. The announcement from Moderna reveals Phase 3 trials for its mRNA skin cancer vaccine will commence next year.

Researchers have created a new mRNA vaccine for cancer that’s designed to carry its cargo to the lymph nodes rather than the liver. Tests in mice showed significant inhibition of the tumors, with complete remission in a decent percentage of cases.

Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer thanks to its ability to rapidly spread to other organs. Brazilian researchers have now developed a peptide that seems to slow the growth and spread of melanoma, improving the survival rates of test mice.