Clinical Trial Studying Melanoma, But Avoiding Skin Cancer is Critical

Summer officially started June 21, so to kick off the season I’ll tell you a little bit about our new melanoma clinical trial.

This study, called DERMA, uses a vaccine, recMAGE-A3 + AS15 to attack cancer cells that express a certain protein. This protein, MAGE-A3, is expressed on over 50 percent of melanoma cells. To be eligible for enrollment patients must have stage III melanoma and express the MAGE-A3 protein on their tumor. Patients are randomized (assigned randomly) to receive either the actual vaccine or a placebo.

While we’re on the subject, prevention of melanoma is the first step. The sun is almost unavoidable in Florida. So if you’re going to partake in the Sunshine State’s most abundant resource, remember these safety measures:

¨ Remember to apply sunscreen daily and reapply after swimming or every two hours
¨ Avoid the sun at peak times, such as midday
¨ Wear protective clothing and a wide-brim hat to protect your face
¨ Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your ears, the backs of your hands and tops of your feet, and your scalp
¨ Avoid tanning beds; many people believe they’re safer than the sun, but they’re actually more dangerous
¨ Have your skin checked regularly (at least once a year) by a dermatologist to look for any abnormalities and to watch existing abnormalities for changes

If you have already had a melanoma, or have a strong family history, it may be hereditary. Genetic testing for hereditary melanoma is available at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center. If you have any of the following, please contact us:

¨ Two or more melanomas
¨ Two or more individuals in the same family with melanoma
¨ Melanoma and pancreatic cancer in the same individual or family

For further information on the DERMA trial, sun safety, or melanoma genetic testing, please contact me at (772) 223-5945, ext. 1669.

You can also watch the June 2009 edition of MDoc TV to learn tips from a pediatrician on ways to prevent kids from getting too much sun exposure by visiting www.mmhs.com/content/mdoctv.htm.

-- Lindsay Mattino, RN, BA
Clinical Research Coordinator
Genetics Nurse Educator