Two kinds of cancer treatments are being trialed in combination for the first time on melanoma patients, according researchers from the Medical Oncology Skin and Melanoma Clinical Service at Peter MacCullum Cancer Centre, Australia.

The researchers presented to delegates at the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia’s Annual Scientific Meeting.

Professor Grant McArthur told delegates that treatment combos could well provide a feasible model for treating a range of cancers.

Prof. McArthur says there are today two approaches for treating cases of melanoma:

  • Identifying the genetic mutations that drive the cancer
  • Targeting the patient’s immune system

Prof McArthur said:

“These approaches have been developed at the same time, by coincidence. The next wave is putting them together. We think using the treatments sequentially will reduce the death rate in patients at high risk of their cancer returning.

There has been a transformation in effective treatments for melanoma in the past few years. Melanoma research is coming up with innovative ways to treat cancer that may provide lead for other areas of oncology.”

Researchers from the USA and Europe are also collaborating in this study.

If the clinical trials produce good results, the researchers say that combined treatment may be available within the next three to five years.

Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer in Australia according to Professor Bogda Koczwara, President of the Clinical Oncological Society of Australia.

Professor Koczwara said:

“Australia has been a world leader in skin cancer awareness and prevention. This new treatment gives hope to the 10 per cent of patients who cannot be treated with surgery.”

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes (pigment cells). Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer, and the cause of the majority of skin cancer related deaths. It is also one of the rarer types of skin cancers. Malignant melanoma occurs when the melanocytes grow uncontrollably.

Malignant melanoma affects the deeper layer of skin compared to other skin cancers. Oncologists say this is one of the reasons it is a more serious type of skin cancer – a cancer that starts deep under the skin is more likely to spread, compared to one on the surface or very near the surface.

Melanomas usually appear on the arms, face and the back of the legs. However, other parts of the body may be affected. Sometimes the first sign may be the appearance of a new mole. Other times an existing mole may change in its shape and color. Sometimes the mole may itch, and even bleed.

Written by Christian Nordqvist