basal cell carcinoma

Odors from skin can be used to identify basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, according to new research.

The findings may enable doctors in the future to diagnose skin cancer quickly and accurately by waving a handheld scanner or sensor above the skin.

Earlier work identified almost 100 different chemical compounds coming from skin.

Researchers at Scottsdale Healthcare and TGen have announced the results of two clinical trials that show promise for patients battling two types of cancer: basal cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer.

A novel molecule, GDC-0449, shrinks tumors for patients with advanced basal cell carcinoma with limited side effects, suggesting a viable new treatment option for patients with the advanced form of this cancer.

"Basal cell carcinoma affects about one million people a year, and a very small fraction of these patients have disease that is not curable with surgery.

We currently do not have any treatments that can effectively slow tumor growth in these advanced patients.

This finding has enormous implications in this population," said one of the physicians involved with the research.