Treatment 'breakthrough' in man with advanced skin cancer

Conclusion This is described as the first case study in humans to have successfully combined these immune treatments. The results demonstrate that long-term cancer remission was achieved even after the cancer had previously progressed quickly when the person had been given IL-21, CTL and anti-CTLA4 separately. These seem to be extremely encouraging findings for metastatic melanoma, a cancer with notoriously poor prognosis. However, before the findings raise too much hope, it must be emphasised that this case report focuses on just one man. The researchers note he is one of 10 people entered into the trial of this combination treatment, and only one other person received complete remission as well. This means this treatment combination may not offer the hope of a complete cure for all people who have reached the advanced stages of this aggressive cancer. It is unclear why these two people responded so positively to treatment, while the other eight did not. However, new treatment possibilities for advanced melanoma are always welcome. It is hoped that researchers may be able to build on these encouraging results in future trials to find out which people with metastatic melanoma are likely to be suited to this treatment and would benefit the most from it – for example, by looking at characteristics of their cancer, cell profile and previous treatment. For now, the most important message for malignant melanoma remains that prevention is better than cure. Though not ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Medication Source Type: news