Study Reinforces BRAF-MEK Inhibition Over Anti-BRAF Only in Advanced Melanoma
Combined BRAF-MEK inhibition for advanced BRAF-mutant melanoma led to significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) as compared with single-agent BRAF inhibition, according to a randomized trial. Patients who received encorafenib (Braftovi) plus binimetinib (Mektovi) had a median PFS of 12.9 months as compared with 9.2 and 7.4 months for two cohorts treated with encorafenib alone. The […]
Personalized Cancer Vaccine Boosts Recurrence-Free Survival in Melanoma
ORLANDO — Adding a personalized cancer vaccine to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for resectable melanoma led to a 44% improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) versus immunotherapy alone, according to a study reported here. Patients who received the mRNA vaccine, derived from their own tumor, had an 18-month RFS of 78.6% as compared with 62.2% for patients who […]
Fewer cases of melanoma among people taking vitamin D supplements
Fewer cases of melanoma were observed among regular users of vitamin D supplements than among non-users, a new study finds. People taking vitamin D supplements regularly also had a considerably lower risk of skin cancer, according to estimates by experienced dermatologists. The study, conducted in collaboration between the University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University […]
Are Skin Lesion Analyzers Ready for Prime Time?
While the FDA is proposing to reclassify two class III computer-aided melanoma detection devices as class II devices, most members of its General and Plastic Surgery Devices Panel suggested that such a move would be premature during the Medical Devices Advisory Committee meeting on Friday. According to the FDA, reclassification of the MelaFind and Nevisense […]
Dietary fiber improves outcomes for melanoma patients on immunotherapy
Melanoma patients receiving therapy that makes it easier for their immune system to kill cancer cells respond to treatment better when their diet is rich in fiber, according to a large, international research collaboration that includes the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy. Published today in Science, the study led by the University of Texas […]
Adjuvant Pembrolizumab Boosts Recurrence-Free Survival in High-Risk Melanoma
Adjuvant pembrolizumab (Keytruda) for resected stage II melanoma significantly prolonged recurrence-free survival (RFS) compared with placebo, according to results from the KEYNOTE-716 trial. At a median follow-up of 14.4 months, pembrolizumab for resected stage IIB and IIC melanoma decreased the risk of disease recurrence or death by 35% compared with placebo (hazard ratio 0.65, 95% […]