skin cancer

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.

For the first time, a research group has provided an explanation of how eating broccoli might reduce cancer risk based upon studies in men, as opposed to trying to extrapolate from animal models.

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer for males in western countries. The research has provided an insight into why eating broccoli can help men stay healthy.

The earliest event in the development of sun-induced skin cancer may have been identified. Researchers found that the point of entry for skin cancer in response to sun exposure is in receptor molecules, molecular "hooks" on the outer surface of cells that also pull cannabinoid compounds found in marijuana out of the bloodstream.

Preliminary but encouraging findings from a Phase 0 human clinical trial of a melanoma drug have been reported. Scientists found an approved drug used to treat Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS), slows the growth of melanoma, the most aggressive form of malignant skin 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.

A new Western Australian study has revealed the mortality from nonmelanoma skin cancer, commonly considered less dangerous than melanoma, is affecting older Australians at a worrying rate.