Some recent studies have demonstrated possible improvements in survival rates and effective treatment of melanoma patients.
A study examined aspirin for its usefulness as a survival agent. Aspirin may improve survival rates in melanoma patients after the results were published in a study of over 1,500 patients diagnosed with melanoma. Aspirin use was associated with longer overall survival in stages II and III, but was not associated with survival in patients with in situ and stage I melanoma. There was no change in survival rates of those in stage IV. Patients using aspirin before diagnosis were less likely to be diagnosed in stages III or IV of the disease.
Another study investigated an immunosuppressive rheumatoid arthritis drug, which halted the growth of melanoma cancer cells in mice. This arthritis drug may boost existing melanoma treatments because it works by suppressing the immune system; one major issue with current melanoma treatments is that the tumours become resistant.
The research team first tested the drug on melanoma cells in the lab, where they discovered that the drug could halve the early phase of melanoma cell growth, before forcing the cells to programmed cell death – apoptosis. Apoptosis is our cells’ normal way of self-destructing if they are damaged or diseased, which melanoma and other cancer cells evade in some way, leaving them to replicate and multiply, forming tumours.
In this study, melanoma cells were tested with the arthritis drug in combination with another drug commonly used to treat melanomas. This other drug works by inhibiting a protein that melanoma cells use to survive. The combination of drugs was more effective at stopping melanoma cell growth than either drug on its own.
The next stage of the testing was to see if this combination worked on mice with melanomas. The treatment combination was successful in stopping melanoma tumour growth and in reducing tumour size in the mice within 12 days – much higher success rates than with either drug on its own.
The researchers believe that this arthritis drug can improve current treatments for melanomas, however further studies and human trials are required.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts off in melanocytes, the type of skin cells that produce melanin. Melanin is the pigment that causes us to tan, and thus protects us from the sun’s UV rays. About one per cent of all skin cancer is melanoma, but it is the main cause of death from skin cancer.
Most people in Australia have heard of skin cancer clinics, however, not everyone makes the effort to go to one. Having regular checks at a skin cancer clinic is important for the prevention and quick treatment of melanomas. Our clinic is even better than a skin cancer clinic – we are specialist dermatologists, with doctors on staff who specialise in skin cancers of all kinds. Get the most effective skin cancer clinic and the best dermatologists, at ENRICH in Melbourne.
Need a skin check?
*With all surgeries or procedures, there are risks. Consult your physician (GP) before undertaking any surgical or cosmetic procedure. Please read the consent forms carefully and be informed about every aspect of your treatment. Surgeries such as liposuction have a mandatory seven-day cooling-off period to give patients adequate time to be sure of their surgery choice. Results may also vary from person to person due to many factors, including the individual’s genetics, diet and exercise. Before and after photos are only relevant to the patient in the photo and do not necessarily reflect the results other patients may experience. Ask questions. Our team of dermatologists, doctors and nurses are here to help you with any of your queries. This page is not advice and is intended to be informational only. We endeavour to keep all our information up to date; however, this site is intended as a guide and not a definitive information portal or in any way constitutes medical advice.
"*" indicates required fields
Combining Dr Rich’s dermatological skill with his knowledge of restorative skin regimes and treatments, the ENRICH range is formulated to help maintain and complement your skin. Our signature Vitamin C Day & Night creams are now joined by a Vit A, B,&C Serum and a B5 Hyaluronic Gel, both with hydration properties and much, much more.
Discover why men are more likely to be diagnosed with skin cancer than women and what you can do to lower your risk.
Here in Australia, when working outdoors you must make looking after your skin a priority. We can help with your skin health.
In this article, we take a look at some of the information around melanoma, the process you go through after being diagnosed, and the best ways to proceed.
Non-melanoma skin cancers (keratinocyte cancers) are the most common form of cancers in Australia and are generally not life-threatening
Subscribe to the ENRICH newsletter and receive latest news & updates from our team.
Enrich Clinic acknowledges the Traditional Lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Bunurong peoples of the East Kulin Nations on which we work and trade. We pay respect to their Elders past, present and emerging. We extend our acknowledgement and respect to the LGBTQIA+ community who we welcome and support. Read our full Acknowledgement Statement here
