Australian scientists have prevented dangerous skin cancer

Researchers from the Australian Institute of Malignant Cancer said a new combination treatment could prevent the development of the most dangerous type of skin cancer - melanoma - and prevent the disease from spreading to the sets. other parts of the body.

In the September 11 study in the New England Journal of Medicine, Australian scientists reported that the two experiments have initially succeeded in preventing the spread of cancer cells in stage patients. 3 had surgery to remove the tumor.

Until now, patients in stage 3 who had surgery to remove the tumor still had a high risk of complications and death (40-70%).

According to Georgina Long, director of the Australian Institute of Malignancy, the results from these clinical trials show that it is hopeful to prevent this dangerous disease from spreading.

With this new step, the goal of turning melanoma from a deadly disease into a chronic disease is now much closer.

About 30% of all cancers worldwide are skin cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 30% of all cancers worldwide are skin cancer, of which Australia is the country with the highest rate of melanoma.

It is estimated that one Australian person dies of melanoma every 5 hours. Surgery to remove the tumor can cure the disease for about 90% of patients , the remaining 10% of cancer cells metastasis due to detection too late.

Australian researchers conducted two separate experiments, which lasted for 12 months and both experiments succeeded in preventing the spread of the disease.

In the first experiment, scientists have "frozen" the activity of a specific gene called BRAF that plays a role in promoting the development of malignant tumors.

This not only helps prevent recurrence of malignant tumors in patients who have had surgery to remove the tumor but also helps to improve the survival rate of the patient.

The second experiment to activate the immune system attacks melanoma cells. The results show that this method reduces the risk of recurrence.

Georgina Long said the new research results will change the way melanoma can be treated as well as improve the quality of life of patients with the disease.

Currently, stage 3 patients who have had surgery to remove the tumor often have to wait for a long time to see if the tumor has spread or spread.

This waiting process is often very heavy for patients and family members.