melanoma, the most aggressive skin cancer moves back in front of the latest findings of scientific research. The results of a study conducted worldwide show a significant improvement in survival of patients in advanced stages of disease through the use of a new generation of monoclonal antibody which is to activate the immune system.
If this news will probably have an important impact in the media, also in view of the arrival of the summer sun, it is important to emphasize that proper prevention, aimed at limiting exposure to the sun, is crucial in addressing this terrible cancer.
Our skin may experience a more aggressive malignant degeneration can affect the body and that, in Italy every year, sees the identification of about 10 new cases per 100,000 inhabitants . Melanoma, held until a few years ago, a tumor almost rare, is now showing steady growth, so that its incidence has almost doubled in the last 10 years. predominantly affects persons between the ages of 30 and 60 years , is much more common in people of European origin.
Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates from specific cells in the skin, called melanocytes . The melanocyte is a cell delegated to the synthesis of melanin, a substance that in addition to pigment the skin, exerts a protective function against the sun. The prognosis is closely related to the thickness the melanoma has reached into the skin at diagnosis and subsequent removal. melanomas tend to form in the trunk, legs, face but are less common on the head and neck.
In terms of prevention, is important to limit sun exposure , especially avoiding the hottest hours of the day, particularly for people with lighter skin. However, when it triggers the malignant transformation of melanocyte becomes crucial in the face of aggression is often expressed by the tumor, the availability of targeted therapies and highly effective.
on the prestigious scientific journal "New England Journal of Medicine , were presented the encouraging results of a study by the World melanoma.Un monoclonal antibody (ipilimumab) last generation has been used on 600 patients, an experimental study of phase 3, show an ability to activate specific T cells immune system against tumor cells alone. The Phase 3 represents the final step before registration and authorization for the sale of a drug.
The study shows that the new molecule is able to improve survival 34% in patients with advanced melanoma, compared with those treated with a peptide vaccine. However, the new therapy was not free from side effects are mild (diarrhea) and severe (14 deaths were recorded).
ipilimumab The molecule, although its use has not yet been approved at the clinical level in the treatment of melanoma, will be available for a range of patients, selected on the basis of the extreme gravity of the tumor (compassionate use of the drug).
Given these data, then open up new and promising scenarios for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
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