UC San Diego Health Breaks Ground with Novel Melanoma Therapies
UC San Diego Health has emerged as a regional pioneer in the fight against melanoma, offering patients access to cutting-edge treatments that are revolutionizing patient outcomes.
Immunotherapy Revolution:
UC San Diego Health is at the forefront of immunotherapy for melanoma. This innovative approach harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and target cancer cells. Two groundbreaking immunotherapies, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), are now available to patients at the Moores Cancer Center. These treatments boost the immune response, enabling it to more effectively destroy melanoma cells.
Targeted Therapy Breakthrough:
In addition to immunotherapy, UC San Diego Health is also offering a new targeted therapy for melanoma. Encorafenib (Braftovi) is a targeted drug that specifically inhibits the BRAF V600E mutation, commonly found in melanoma. By blocking this mutation, encorafenib disrupts the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Precision Medicine Approach:
UC San Diego Health takes a precision medicine approach to melanoma treatment. Before starting therapy, patients undergo genetic testing to determine the presence of specific mutations. This information guides the selection of treatments most likely to be effective. By tailoring therapies to the patient’s individual genetic profile, UC San Diego Health is maximizing treatment response and minimizing side effects.
Clinical Trial Accessibility:
UC San Diego Health offers patients access to a wide range of clinical trials for melanoma. These trials provide opportunities for patients to receive cutting-edge treatments not yet available elsewhere. By participating in clinical trials, patients contribute to the advancement of melanoma research and potentially gain access to promising new therapies.
Comprehensive Care Team:
The melanoma care team at UC San Diego Health is composed of experienced medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, and researchers. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive personalized and comprehensive care throughout their journey. The team provides expert guidance, support, and access to the latest advancements in melanoma treatment.
Conclusion:
UC San Diego Health continues to lead the way in melanoma treatment. By offering a range of innovative therapies, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and clinical trials, the Moores Cancer Center is providing patients with the best possible chance for successful outcomes. The precision medicine approach and comprehensive care team at UC San Diego Health ensure that patients receive individualized and evidence-based treatments for melanoma.
UC San Diego Health is the first in the region to offer new therapies for melanoma
New therapies offer hope for patients with advanced melanoma
UC San Diego Health is the first in the region to offer two new therapies for patients with advanced melanoma. The therapies, pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo), are both immune checkpoint inhibitors that work by blocking the PD-1 protein on T cells. This allows the T cells to more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells. In clinical trials, pembrolizumab and nivolumab have shown promising results in patients with advanced melanoma. In one study, pembrolizumab reduced the risk of death by 40% in patients with advanced melanoma. Nivolumab has also been shown to improve survival in patients with advanced melanoma. The two new therapies are now available to patients at UC San Diego Health’s Moores Cancer Center. The center is one of the leading cancer centers in the country and has a long history of providing cutting-edge cancer care. “We are excited to be able to offer these new therapies to our patients,” said Dr. Sanjiv Agarwala, a medical oncologist at UC San Diego Health. “These therapies have the potential to significantly improve the outcomes of patients with advanced melanoma.”
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It occurs when melanocytes, the cells that give skin its color, begin to grow out of control. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, but it is most common on the back, chest, and legs. Melanoma can be treated surgically if it is caught early. However, if the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, it can be more difficult to treat. The new therapies that are now available at UC San Diego Health may offer hope for patients with advanced melanoma.
If you have any of the following symptoms, see a doctor right away:
* A new or changing mole * A mole that is bleeding or oozing * A mole that is asymmetrical or has an irregular border * A mole that is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser) * A mole that is changing color or texture
