In a study of 7,360 women diagnosed with breast cancer between 1980 and 2005, 54% were given supplemental antiestrogen therapy. The rate of cutaneous melanoma was 60% higher for those women not taking antiestrogen supplements compared with the expected rate of melanoma incidence based on age and other factors.

The article points out that melanoma incidence varies between men and women. Women generally contract melanoma during their reproductive years, between puberty and menopause. Women also generally have a better prognosis. “Melanoma and benign nevi have been shown to express estrogen-binding receptors, and sex hormones can be associated with increased melanocyte proliferation, which is associated with early-stage melanoma. Both of these observations suggest a link between sex hormones and melanoma development”, the article stated.

As pointed out in an article on Daily  RX, these results still need to be further tested and researched. Dr. Christine Bouchardy, of the Institute for Social and Preventative Medicine at the University of Geneva, who led the study said that, “These results need to be replicated in other studies, particularly given the numerous side effects linked to this kind of drug”.  In other words, she does not think it wise for people to just assume that these anti-estrogen drugs will help melanoma.  Testing must still be done.

This is the first study which has delved into a link between melanoma and estrogen. As scientist look further into this link, they may be able to find even larger clues as to how we can beat this cancer. MoleSafe hopes they do!

What do YOU think? Leave some comments and let us know!

The Melanoma Research Foundation reminds us that, “Approximately 65 percent of melanomas—the most deadly form of skin cancer and one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States—are attributed to ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight or artificial sources such as tanning beds”. They go on to say that although melanoma can develop on areas of the body not exposed to the sun, your best bet is to slather on the sunscreen. This applies to even the cloudiest of days.  Specifically they ask that we:

• Be sure to use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Look for ingredients in your sunscreen such as titanium dioxide and mexoryl, which block UVA rays better.
• Use enough sunscreen. To protect your entire body, use approximately an ounce of sunscreen (about a full shot glass) and apply it at least 20 minutes before sun exposure.
• Re-apply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming or sweating, even if the bottle says it’s waterproof or long lasting.
• Remember, wearing sunscreen is not a blank check for spending unlimited time in the sun. Sunscreen is just one component of sun safety.

We are also reminded to limit our sun exposure during the midday sun. At this time of day, the sun is at its strongest and is most harmful to us. The specific hours for this time  are between 10am and 4pm. If you are planning on spending a long amount of time outdoors during these hours, check out a UV Index to see how at risk you are.

Jerome Zack led the study at the University of California Los Angeles with a team of researchers who tested lab mice. “We knew from previous studies that we could generate engineered T-cells, but would they work to fight cancer in a relevant model of human disease, such as melanoma”, Zack said in a press release.

The study found that the generated T-cells would indeed work in humans as well. The engineered cells successfully attacked the melanoma cancer cells. Researcher Dimitrios Vatakis said that,”These cells can exist in the periphery of the blood and if they detect the melanoma antigen, they can replicate to fight the cancer”.

Researchers used a T-cell receptor from a cancer patient which had been cloned. The receptor looks for an antigen determined by the type of melanoma. The human blood stem cells were created by moving genes for the T-cell receptor into the stem cell nucleus. Zee news reported that:

In the study, the engineered blood stem cells were placed into human thymus tissue that had been implanted in the mice, which allowed the research team to study the human immune system reaction to melanoma in a living organism.
Over time, about six weeks, the engineered blood stem cells developed into a large population of mature, melanoma-specific T-cells that were able to target the right cancer cells.

Two groups of mice existed, ones with the antigen complex that attracts the T-cells, and one without. The engineered T-cells successfully went for the antigen-attracting melanoma. Zack was happy to report that, “… four tumors were completely gone and the rest had regressed, both by measuring their size and actually seeing their metabolic activity through PET”.

This is hopefully the first in a long line of steps which could find a cure for melanoma. Here at MoleSafe we applaud their efforts!

Ocular melanoma develops because our eyes have melanin. Melanin is what produces pigment, and the cells that produce melanin can become cancerous. The Mayo Clinic points out that, “Most eye melanomas form in the part of the eye you can’t see when looking in a mirror. This makes eye melanoma difficult to detect. In addition, eye melanoma typically doesn’t cause early signs or symptoms”.

An article on Just Cancer describes the stages of the cancer. In the first stage, the melanomas have, “…approximate thickness of 1 to 2.5 mm and maximum width of 10mm”. They are small, and generally do not spread to other areas. Luckily, the chance of survival is at 84%.

In stage two the melanoma increases in size. The chance of survival also remains relatively high at 68%. What changes in this stage however, is that symptoms can begin to appear. Loss of vision, seeing spots, and seeing flashes of light are all possible.

In stage three the cancer can spread beyond the eye, but not to the lymph nodes. The symptoms are similar to those in stage 2, but the tumor is much larger at 10mm thick and 16mm in diameter. The survival rate at this stage is 47%.

At stage four, the melanoma begins to spread to other organs and the lymph nodes. There is generally appetite loss and malaise accompanied with possible loss of vision. The survival rate at this stage drops dramatically to only 15%.

So, as we can see, melanoma of the eye is very serious. As we apply our sunscreen we must also remember our sunglasses. Those with UV protection are what we at MoleSafe recommend. You can find a wide variety of shapes and colors to match your every mood!

The identified mutation occurs in the gene encoding MITF, a transcription factor that induces the production of several important proteins in melanocytes, the cells in which melanoma originates.  While previous research has suggested that MITF may act as a melanoma oncogene, the current study identifies a mechanism by which MITF mutation could increase melanoma risk.

Researchers knew that MITF regulated the production of melanin, and what they found, was that this gene mutation would block the chemical change, sumoylation, which slows MITF activity. This causes MITF to overact, hence the risk for melanoma. David Fisher, the Wigglesworth Professor of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School , says that:

We now need to better understand exactly how this mutation causes melanocytes to 
become cancerous.  That information might help us discover other oncogenes as well as find treatment strategies to block the cancer-promoting activity and kill melanoma cells.

What is important to remember however, is that while 10 percent of melanoma patients report a history of the cancer in their familiy, the truly hereditary form of the cancer most likely occurs in 1 percent or less of all cases.  Hensin Tsao, of MGH Dermatology and the Wellman Center for Photomedicine, reminds us that, “most cutaneous melanomas arise as a result of interaction between environmental factors such as excessive sun exposure and more common, inherited low- to moderate-risk gene variants”.

The American study was done by sequencing the genome of a melanoma patient with a history of the cancer in their family. Melanoma was reported across three generations. The American researchers then looked into the research done by the Australians and those in the UK. What they found is that the mutation, named E318K, occurred frequently in individuals with melanoma.

Tsao says, “This MITF variant doubles the background risk for melanoma, which is approximately the same risk increase conferred by severe sunburns”. He also reminds us that what this study truly displays is the amount of collaboration researchers are willing to do in order to find an answer. Here at MoleSafe, we hope they find one soon!

“…each year between 2004 to 2006, over 45,000 cases of melanoma were reported in 45 states and the District of Columbia. In the U.S. skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer. Although melanoma is the third most prevalent type of skin cancer, it is more dangerous than other skin cancers, and is the leading cause of death from skin disease killing approximately 8,000 individuals each year as well as costing the country billions.”

The exact number of money lost each year totals at about $8 billion.  “Deaths caused by melanoma accounted for $3.5 billion in lost productivity every year”, reported David Goodhue for AHN News Reporter. Another startling fact was that researchers found that melanoma patients died 20 years prematurely. That number is only 17 for most other cancers.

These new statistics only point out the importance of spreading the word about melanoma prevention. People can take great efforts to successfully prevent themselves from contracting this horrible cancer.  If caught early enough, Melanoma can be stopped from taking lives. MoleSafe, is here to help with that.

Here’s how it may work, as described by MSNBC.com:

When UV rays hit your skin, they activate “reactive oxygen species,” or ROS, which then oxidize big molecules like lipids and DNA. This activates particular enzymes that kill skin cells. But grapes’ flavonoids work to decrease the formation of the ROS’s in skin cells that were exposed to UVA and UVB rays.

Basically, the thinking is that the flavonoids in grapes help halt the chemical reaction that kills skin cells leading to skin cancers and melanoma, and causes sun damage.

The catch? Consume as you will, but the researchers will be applying their findings to the development of new photoprotection skin products, sun-shielding drugs and cosmetics.

Cheers.

You may have also read on our wall, or on Twitter, that we’re going to be accepting appointments at our MOBILE clinic, arriving in San Francisco the week of October 10th. Please share this with all your friends and loved ones in the Bay Area as we bring the most advanced detection services to the West coast.  Call 1-877-MOLESAFE (1-877-665-3723) to schedule an appointment there…or at any of our permanent clinics in six locations around the country.

If you can’t make it to one of our clinics, do continue to practice self-exams and book your annual examinations with your dermatologist.

MelApp from Health Discovery on iTunes

If you’ll be attending the AAD next weekend (American Academy of Dermatology) we hope to meet you.  Please look for me, Dr. Richard Bezozo as well as Dennis Favazza – MoleSafe’s Director of Business Development, and Maddie Pallamary, RN.  We’ll be at the conference, taking place Aug 4-6 at the Hilton Hotel in NYC — Booth # 330.  Please come by and let’s talk in person about MoleSafe and our leading edge diagnostic tools.

Finally, in other news, there’s another way to remember your ABCDEs! Similar to the app we reported on a couple of months ago you can use your iPhone now in the meantime with MelApp to share images of your moles with your doctor, along with a helpful reminder of exactly what to look for on your skin — and the skin of a loved one.

Bikers –

Cycling news site, Nouvelles à Vélo du Monde — Bike World News –  has some practical reminders:

People who bicycle a lot have several strikes against them when it comes to skin cancer… Because many cyclists ride near their homes, they think they’re not at risk if they don’t put on sunblock — even for a short ride. The problem is that cyclists tend to expose more skin than other athletes because of the clothes they wear (shorts and short-sleeve shirts). In addition, many cyclists may not realize that water, sand, and asphalt streets reflect dangerous UV rays.

In addition to the expected recommendations such as sunscreen, including face, nose, neck and ears, less obvious suggestions include moving your cycling time to when the sun is less severe, such as early morning, wearing riding gloves and also a thin cycling hat under a helmet. 

Another interesting suggestion?:

Don’t forget to stay hydrated while cycling by drinking plenty of non-alcoholic beverages before  and during a ride. When your skin dries out or is not hydrated properly, it’s more susceptible to sunburn and long-term skin damage.

Beach and Pool:

Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours when you’re in the sun and every 40 minutes if you are in the water.  And don’t forget your feet.  Believe it or not, some say flip-flops are causing increased skin cancer!  Well, not the sandals themselves, but the increased popularity of that sun-exposing style vs. covered shoes.  But as described on Fort Bragg Patch.com,

“Being protected from the sun doesn’t mean you have to throw all the fun out the window. Find the coolest pair of shades you can come by, get a ridiculously big hat (like Carrie from Sex and the City), park it under a tree or umbrella and sip on something fruity to keep you cool.”

That said, sometimes a burn will still happen.  USAToday.com has good and practical treatment advice in that worst case scenario.  I encourage you to read it, but some high points are:

After a cool shower or bath, slather on a moisturizing cream or lotion to soothe the skin. …And consider a product containing vitamin C and vitamin E: It might help limit skin damage (though studies have not proved that)… It’s also OK to use a hydrocortisone cream for a day or two to relieve discomfort.

…Drink extra water, juice and sports drinks for a couple of days and watch for signs of dehydration… Children are especially vulnerable, so check with a doctor if they appear ill.

Consider medicating with ibuprofen which not only alleviates the pain and some swelling, but might prevent some long-term skin damage.  While they remind us most sunburns can be treated at home, “if a blistering burn covers 20% or more of the body (a child’s whole back), [or if symptoms such as fever or chills occur] seek medical attention”

First, as stated by MedPage Today,

“If you have to have malignant melanoma, be a woman – your chances are better.”

While it’s considered preliminary data, the article share that “women exhibited a consistent independent advantage in melanoma progression, metastasis, and survival across all stages which was independent of hormonal status.”

That means the results were the same, regardless of age.  The challenge is that we still don’t know WHY women survive melanoma or it progresses less quickly than in men. Even the speculation that it was behavioral was ruled out — such as men avoiding the doctor more than women — and is seen as something biological.  But what?:

It’s…not an obvious effect of changes in hormone levels driven by menopause. Women 45 or younger had similar rates of progression-free survival as women 64 and older. But there could be other hormonal factors, differences in vitamin D metabolism, or variation by sex in how people handle reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress, [Arjen Joosse, MD, of Erasmus University Medical center in Rotterdam, the Netherlands] speculated.

Even such a factor as obesity might play a role, since adipose tissue releases hormones, he said.

Indeed, the key question is no longer if the observation is true, but what’s causing it,

Vitamin D supplementation at a relatively low dose plus calcium did not reduce the overall incidence of NMSC or melanoma. However, in women with history of NMSC, CaD supplementation reduced melanoma risk, suggesting a potential role for calcium and vitamin D supplements in this high-risk group. Results from this post hoc subgroup analysis should be interpreted with caution but warrant additional investigation.

That leads us to the next report that just came out, and as reported by MedScape Today:

Calcium plus vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the overall incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) or melanoma in postmenopausal women in the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), researchers say.

However, the placebo-controlled study found that, in women with history of NMSC, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation reduced subsequent melanoma risk, suggesting a potential role for the supplements in this high-risk subgroup, said the authors, led by Jean Tang, MD, PhD, from Stanford University in California.

So, while we don’t know why women do better in battling melanoma, and we know that Calcium and Vitamin D seem to be ruled out as a factor in preventing the disease, there DOES seem to be some evidence that the supplements may hold melanoma at bay a bit in women who have had NON-melanoma skin cancers before.

The takeaway continues to be, as with our other posts on studies and treatment news, that we are continuing to gain ground and promising results are coming in.  But, we must continue the research and continue down the path a ways to reach a cure.

*Please remember, we share information on Melanoma Updates that we found interesting, inspirational, or thought-provoking.   Any science or clinical study news you read here or elsewhere should be reviewed with your doctor.