Health News
Hey Doc, Is This a Side Effect?
There’s no need to suffer in silence. Side effects of melanoma medications can be managed, but only if the patient tells the doctor about all of the symptoms as soon as they appear.
Smartphone Apps Are Not Doctors
There’s an app for just about everything these days. But when it comes to diagnosing any type of cancer, nothing beats a real doctor. Seriously, go to a real doctor.
One Rx Better Than Another For Melanoma?
Two medications are approved in the US to treat advanced melanoma. Zelboraf ( vemurafenib ) was approved in September, 2012. DTIC-Dome ( dacarbazine ) is used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma as well as melanoma. Which is the better medication?
Vitiligo? Lower Risk of Skin Cancer!
The common skin condition where splotches of lighter skin spread unpredictably over the body may be frustrating. But on the bright side, it lowers the risk of skin cancer threefold.
Statins for Skin Cancer?
Gene mutations at the root of certain cancers can make treatment tricky. Drug combos are being developed for a two-pronged approach. Cholesterol drugs may help.
Breast Cancer Drug on Route for Melanoma
A phase III trial for a melanoma treatment drug, which is already on the market for breast and lung cancer, has shown promise. The next step is Food and Drug Administration approval for melanoma.
When Cancer Therapy Backfires
Triggering a patient’s natural immune response to treat melanoma can work well. But it can also cause melanoma cells to disguise themselves as another kind of cell.
Check Out That Body
Sunscreen and shade do help with protecting the skin, but that's only part of the process. Keeping a close eye on those moles and spots is sometimes farther down the checklist.
Experimental Drugs Battle Melanoma Nicely
Sometimes drug combinations work better than one drug alone. First, though, studies need to determine whether the combination is safe, what the best dosage range is and evaluate overall effectiveness.
Soaring Melanoma Risks for Some
Melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – is increasing in this country for a number of reasons, including tanning beds. Some cancer patients are especially at risk and need to be especially vigilant of their skin.