A skin cancer arising from melanocytes, commonly linked to UV exposure.
England launches STRIDE-RCT, a government-funded trial offering blood-based tests to 45-plus patients at about 200 GP surgeries to detect abdominal cancers early. The study will assess accuracy and determine if tests can guide urgent investigations for prostate, ovarian, bowel, pancreatic, stomach, liver and other cancers.
Bloomberg reports a telehealth company has disclosed plans to sell already allowed compounds such as sermorelin and glutathione, which patients pursue for wellness benefits despite limited clinical evidence. The move underscores ongoing tensions between patient demand and scientific validation.
The experimental mRNA cancer vaccine, intismeran, has been tested in a phase 3 trial with 1,000+ melanoma patients. It is personalised to each patient by analysing tumors and targets neoantigens. When given with pembrolizumab, it aims to boost the immune response and extend cancer-free time. Results indicate reduced recurrence risk, but long-term survival remains to be seen. Trials also explore other cancers.
Drugmakers Moderna and Merck have released Phase 3 results showing their personalised mRNA vaccine, intismeran, plus the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has reduced the two‑year risk of melanoma recurrence or death by 42% and distant metastasis or death by 38% in a trial of about 1,137 patients. Data were released after partial results leaked and will be presented at ESMO.