Roche's New Therapy Prolongs Life of Melanoma Patients

Roche has announced promising results for their Phase 3 clinical study (the BRIM3 trial) of the targeted anticancer drug PLX4032 in patients with previously untreated melanoma that has spread throughout the body.

PLX4032 (also designated as RG7204) is a drug being co-developed by Plexxikon and Roche that specifically targets and kills cancer cells that possess the V600E cancer-causing mutation in the BRAF protein. BRAF is critical for normal cell growth and survival.

The V600E mutation causes BRAF to become overactive, leading to excessive cell growth and cancer. BRAF V600E is the most common mutation occurring in human melanomas; it is found in 50-60% of all melanomas. Plexxikon and Roche are also developing a test for detecting which melanoma patients have the BRAF V600E mutation and might benefit from receiving PLX4032.

The purpose of the BRIM trial is to compare PLX4032 to dacarbazine, the standard therapy given to melanoma patients. The drugs were investigated in patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma with the BRAF mutation. Study participants were randomly assigned to two groups, and received either 960 mg of PLX4032 orally twice daily or 1000 mg/m2 of dacarbazine intravenously every 3 weeks. Patients were monitored for how long they lived (survival) and side effects.

Study participants receiving PLX4032 lived longer (overall survival) and also lived longer without their disease getting worse (progression-free survival) compared to volunteers who received dacarbazine. How much PLX4032 extends life over dacarbazine has not yet been reported. Roche and Plexxicon plan to present these details along with other findings later this year.

Many anticancer agents were not developed to be selective; consequently, they attack and destroy both good and bad cells. PLX4032 targets the BRAF V600E mutation which is only present in cancer cells. Because of this targeted approach to cancer therapy, only mild adverse effects have been reported in the clinical trials for PLX4032. These side effects included rash, joint pain, photosensitivity and fatigue. No effects have been reported as yet for the BRIM3 clinical trial.

Since preliminary BRIM3 study results have been so promising, study volunteers who received dacarbazine will be allowed to switch over and receive PLX4032.

The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 120,000 new cases of melanoma will be diagnosed annually. This is the most common and dangerous form of skin cancer, causing roughly 80% of skin cancer-related deaths. It is the hope that drugs like save the lives of patients suffering from this devastating disease.

To find out more information about clinical trials or how to join a clinical trial please visit our website.

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A Powerful Weapon Against Skin Cancer

Photo dynamic therapy achieved eradication of these diseases through a combination of a photo sensitizing cream and a red light bulb that eliminates malignant cells without cuts or scars. More photo dynamic therapy has not been revealed only as a simple treatment, safe and effective against certain skin cancers, has also proved an excellent system for skin rejuvenation.

How does photodynamic therapy Skin Cancer?

Photo dynamic therapy is based on the theory of bio-stimulation and modulation of cellular activity. It combines two essential elements that work in synergy:

* photosensitizing substance in a cream (methyl - aminolevulinate)
* a narrow band red light of 635 nm.

Treatment consists of applying the cream to the lesion, covering the skin with an occlusive dressing for 3 hours. Methyl - aminolevulinate acts on photo active porphyrins, so that when the area is illuminated with red light of 635. for about 7 to 9 minutes, it stimulates the production of a number of free radicals that lead to tumor destruction process, removing only the cancerous cells without harming healthy cells.

Unexpected side effects and positive

Its use for cosmetic purposes was accidental, as when treated malignant lesions, it was observed improved adjacent tissues. We worked with the idea of extending its application to healthy skin, and found to activate cell renewal and boosts the production of collagen and elastin to exceptional levels.

Who photo dynamic Skin Cancer therapy is recommended?

It is indicated for people with signs of photo aging such as wrinkles, irregular thinning of the epidermis, hyperpigmentation in patches and formation of spider veins or telangiectasia. It is said that a meeting with Photodynamic Therapy Photorejuvenation is three sessions with Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) conventional. Spectacular results have been observed in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. Is an effective alternative for patients whose skin has become resistant to treatment with antibiotics and / or for those wishing to avoid the inconvenience of topical ointments or oral treatment with isotretinoin. In the case of acne treatment using a light and a photo sensitizing substance, in addition to killing bacteria, reduce inflammation and redness associated with acne lesions.

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Non Melanoma Skin Cancer Increasing

Another troubling statistic... the number of people diagnosed with a non melanoma skin cancer is still going up, with just under 4 million cases being diagnosed in America. During 2009 according to the latest figures from researchers who reported last year that 2 million people in America were treated for 3.5 million nonmelanoma (mainly basal cell or squamous cell) skin cancers.

These cancers can be treated easily if they're found early, however, the highly entrenched view of tanning as healthy looking and beautiful has created a significant public health problem.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in humans, and recently rising rates have brought both attention and concern from the medical community.

The new findings showed that cancer treatments among Medicare patients went up an extra 2.4% between 2006 to 2007; 2.5% from 2007 to 2008, plus an extra 1.6 in 2009.

The number of treatments for nonmelanoma skin cancers is considered a good gauge of the total number of cancers. This, according to the researchers, allows their work to provide truest figures we've had thus far on this particular type of cancer.

To arrive at their final estimate the researchers analysed Medicare claims to get the total number of skin cancer treatments among Medicare patients, and then calculated figures for the general population.

An earlier report found cancer removals increased about 4% a year between 1992 to 2006. If things continue on as they have been it's thought nonmelanoma cancers of the skin will double in the next couple of decades.

The cost, in terms of money alone, is huge. Diagnosing and treating individual skin cancers costs over $2,000. This brings the total cost for the reported cases from 2009 to over $8.5 billion.

One of the most worrisome parts of this cancer problem is that the numbers are likely to continue to rise. The reason? There's often a time lag of at least 20 years between damage by the sun and the manifestation of a cancerous growth. That means, for many of us, the skin damage has already been done.

So what can we do to reduce our risk now?

- Always use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 when going outside.
- Wear protective clothing (a shirt with long sleeves, pants, wide brimmed hat, sunglasses) when you are out in the sun.
- Try to get in the shade whenever you can, especially between the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
- Be careful near reflective surfaces like water, sand and snow as this can up your risk of sunburn.
- Stay away from tanning beds as this type of light can cause not only skin cancer but also wrinkling. Self tanners are far better choices for a sun kissed look.
- Anything that changes, grows or bleeds on your skin should be checked by a dermatologist in case it's non melanoma skin cancer or worse, a melanoma.

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