Five recent developments in skin cancer

Study findings that rapid lump examination enabled fast detection of residual basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery was among recent skin cancer developments reported on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other developments included the FDA granting breakthrough therapy designation to Opdivo for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who previously received platinum-based therapy:

Rapid lump examination shows promise in speeding up Mohs micrographic surgery

Rapid lump examination enabled fast detection of residual basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery, according to published study results.

Researchers conducted a pilot study of 22 facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) excised from 19 patients (53% men; mean age, 68 years) of various subtypes by rapid lump examination and stand fresh frozen section examination. Read more

Music, guided imagery do not reduce patient pain, anxiety during cutaneous surgery

Guided imagery or relaxing music did not significantly reduce pain or anxiety in patients undergoing excisional surgery with local anesthetic, according to recently published study results.

Researchers conducted a randomized controlled study of 155 adults undergoing excisional surgery for basal and squamous cell carcinoma from December 2007 to August 2009. Read more

FDA grants breakthrough designation to Opdivo for SCCHN

The FDA granted breakthrough therapy designation to nivolumab for the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who previously received platinum-based therapy.

The FDA based its decision on results of the phase 3 Checkmate -141 trial, an open-label, randomized trial that evaluated nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) in patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN whose tumors progressed within 6 months of platinum therapies in the adjuvant, primary, recurrent or metastatic setting. Read more

AAD survey finds men lag behind women in skin cancer knowledge

Men are less knowledgeable than women when it comes to skin cancer awareness, according to survey results released by the American Academy of Dermatology.

Abel Torres

“While our survey results indicate that men don’t know as much about skin cancer prevention and detection as women, men over 50 have a higher risk of developing melanoma, so it’s important for them to be vigilant about protecting and monitoring their skin,” Abel Torres, MD, JD, FAAD, president of the AAD, stated in a press release. Read more

Melanoma organizations partner to educate beauty industry on skin cancer awareness

The Melanoma Action Coalition and the Melanoma Foundation of New England has paired with salons across the country to expand a skin cancer and melanoma awareness education program to beauty industry professionals, as part of Melanoma Awareness Month.

The Melanoma Foundation of New England (MFNE), the largest nonprofit in the new England Region dedicated to skin cancer awareness and early detection, began the “Skinny on Skin” program 6 years ago, and has trained more than 6,000 beauty industry professionals, according to a press release. Read more