SURVEY: 60% OF AMERICANS SAY THEY HAVE GOTTEN SUNBURNED SO BADLY THEIR CLOTHES WERE UNCOMFORTABLE

Memorial Day — long considered the unofficial start of summer in the U.S. — is quickly approaching, and dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology are urging Americans to practice safe sun as they head outdoors, especially as shelter-in-place measures related to COVID-19 begin to lift. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime, yet new data from the AAD shows that many Americans aren’t protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

NEW AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY SURVEY FINDS MOST AMERICANS KNOW SUN PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT, YET MANY AREN’T PROTECTING THEMSELVES

As more Americans head outdoors for warmer weather and fresh air amid “shelter-in-place” measures, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology have an important reminder: practice safe sun. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, but new data from the AAD shows that many Americans aren’t taking the necessary steps to protect themselves.

Superior Progression-Free Survival Associated with Continuous Targeted Therapy Combination for BRAF-mutated Melanoma

Results from a randomized phase 2 clinical trial examining the targeted therapy drugs dabrafenib and tremetinib in both continuous and intermittent treatment of patients with BRAF-mutated melanoma show continuous dosing yields superior progression free survival. A Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey investigator shares more on the work presented at the opening plenary session of the virtual AACR Annual Meeting.

Prebiotics help mice fight melanoma by activating anti-tumor immunity

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have shown that two prebiotics, mucin and inulin, slowed the growth of melanoma in mice by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The study, published today in Cell Reports, provides further evidence that gut microbes have a role in shaping the immune response to cancer, and supports efforts to target the gut microbiome to enhance the efficacy of cancer therapy.

Study demonstrates liquid biopsy as effective predictor of stage III melanoma relapse and treatment

A study at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center showed that circulating tumor cells (CTCs), a form of liquid biopsy, was independently associated with melanoma relapse, suggesting CTC assessment may be useful in identifying patients at risk for relapse who could benefit from more aggressive therapy following primary treatment.

Study reveals a new approach to enhancing response to immunotherapy in melanoma

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys have identified a new way to boost the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. The study used a mouse model to identify the importance of the Siah2 protein in the control of immune cells called T regulatory cells (Tregs), which limit the effectiveness of currently used immunotherapies. The research, which offers a new avenue to pursue immunotherapy in cases where the treatment fails, was published today in Nature Communications.

One-two punch drug combination offers hope for pancreatic cancer therapy

Scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute have identified a combination of two anti-cancer compounds that shrank pancreatic tumors in mice—supporting the immediate evaluation of the drugs in a clinical trial. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)–approved versions of the compounds are used today to treat certain leukemias and solid tumors, including melanoma. The study was published in Nature Cell Biology.

6 SKIN CARE TIPS THAT DERMATOLOGISTS USE THEMSELVES

Board-certified dermatologists are experts when it comes to the skin, hair and nails, diagnosing and treating more than 3,000 diseases and conditions, including skin cancer, acne, psoriasis and eczema. They also help patients address their cosmetic concerns, such as tattoo removal, scarring, and aging skin. But do you ever wonder what skin care tips dermatologists use themselves to maintain healthy skin? In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month in November, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology are sharing six skin care tips they recommend to all of their patients—and actually use themselves.

NEARLY $40,000 RAISED FOR SKIN CANCER PREVENTION AND DETECTION THROUGH “SKIN CANCER, TAKE A HIKE!™”

This fall, a group of skin cancer advocates and their families and friends in both Chicago and Phoenix hiked three miles to say “Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!” Together, they raised nearly $40,000 for SPOT Skin Cancer™ benefiting the American Academy of Dermatology’s skin cancer prevention and detection programs, including free skin cancer screenings, sunscreen dispensers, and permanent shade structures in outdoor spaces where children learn and play.

Huntsman Cancer Institute Introduces Cancer Screening and Education Bus to the Community

Today Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI) at the University of Utah unveiled the Cancer Screening and Education bus. This new, state-of-the-art mobile outreach clinic brings HCI’s clinical and educational expertise and the latest screening technology to residents across Utah, including those who live in distant geographic areas and rural communities.