New Hope for Skin Cancer
Revolutionary Immunotherapy Treatment
Positive news in the fight against cancer was announced by researchers who believe that immunotherapy treatment could replace chemotherapy in as little as 5 years.
Treatments are given in a drip every few weeks and typically cost around £100,000 per patient a year. Some types are already available on the NHS but others are awaiting approval by European regulators.
The treatment essentially teaches the body to attach tumours and cancerous cells and researchers say that it is particularly effective against skin and lung cancer.
The findings of the study were presented at the American Society for Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago.
In one British trial, patients with advanced skin cancer who had expected a terminal outcome are now back at work and predicted to live until old age. Some may require a top-up treatment while others have no further requirements.
Out of 950 patients with advanced skin cancer, 60% had seen the tumours shrink or brought under control.
Professor Peter Johnson, director of medical oncology at Cancer Research UK, said:
‘The evidence suggests we are at the beginning of a whole new era for cancer treatments. Not for every type of cancer, but for some of the ones we have struggled with the most.
‘We are hoping that in many cases these effects will be maintained in the long term, possibly leading to cures for some.’
Skin Cancer – What to Look For
While the arrival of a new treatment is good news, the rising rates of skin cancer are a concern for all and the public should remain highly aware of the risks.
- Avoid over-exposure to the sun – staying indoors, covering up and/or wearing high factor sunscreen
- Be vigilant for any ‘suspicious’ moles and seek early attention for any concerns
Private Mole Removal
Cosmedics Skin Surgery Laser Clinic offer private mole removal at a selection of clinics based in London and Bristol. Moles are removed using the latest surgical techniques including laser mole removal; with trained doctors and surgeons.
All moles are tested by a specialist company as a matter of course – even those which don’t look at all suspicious.
For more information or to book a consultation, please complete the form on this web page or call 020 7386 0464.
