Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is among the deadliest forms of malignancies. In 2011, more than 9,000 individuals in the United States died from it. Some cases can be cured if caught early and completely removed surgically; however, the cancer may recur locally and metastasize to other areas of the body. For decades, chemotherapy has been used to treat melanomas; however, resistance develops and the treatment also harms normal cells and organs. The reason that melanomas can grow and spread is because the body’s immune system does not recognize the cancer cells at harmful. Thus, much of the current research focuses on stimulating the immune system.
Researchers at the Huntsman Cancer Institute announced that they have found a method to allow the body’s immune system to recognize—and kill—melanoma cells. The treatment is known as targeted therapy because it targets only the cancerous cells. Their present results reveal that 25% of melanoma cases are cured and that 85% of the remaining cases are kept at bay. The treatment involves injecting modified herpes simplex viruses directly into the melanoma. The immune system recognizes the virus as harmful and attacks the melanoma cells at the injection site, and more importantly, in other areas of the body. The treatment has been limited to clinical trials at present. Current estimates are that it may become available as a treatment in about one year.
As in any condition, prevention is far preferable to treatment. Exposure to the ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a major risk factor for the cancer. Some research suggests that having many sunburns, especially in childhood, might increase the risk of getting melanoma. According to UCLA Health System, the most common risk factors for melanoma include:
Age: Melanoma is more common in older individuals; however, it is still one of the more common cancers in younger people.
Gender: Overall, men have a higher risk for melanoma; however, women have a higher risk before age 40.
Moles: Most moles are harmless; however, individuals who have many moles or abnormal moles (called dysplastic nevi) are at increased risk for melanoma.
Fair skin, light hair: People with white skin are significantly more likely to develop melanoma than those with darker skin. Individuals with very pale skin, those who freckle easily, and those with red or blond hair are at higher risk.
Family history: People whose parents or siblings have had melanoma are at higher risk of the cancer. In some families, people share specific genes changes that increase their risk. For example, some families share changes in a gene known as CDKN2A, which increases their risk. However, known gene changes account for only a small portion of melanomas.
Certain inherited conditions: People with certain rare, inherited conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), are at increased risk for melanoma.
Personal history: People who have had melanoma before are more likely to develop it again.
Weakened immune system: People who have a weakened immune system, such as thosee who have had an organ transplant, are at higher risk of melanoma.
