New therapies for skin cancer

New cases of skin cancer have increased dramatically in recent years

09/12/2014

In no other type of cancer is the number of new cases increasing as much as that of skin cancer. For this reason 800 experts advise on the latest research results at the German Skin Cancer Congress in Frankfurt. However, according to the experts, these seem to be promising, so even at the meeting there was a „revolution“ the speech is.

Persons with external occupations particularly endangered
Skin cancer has the highest frequency of cancer incidence. A particularly high risk exists here for people who work in outdoor occupations and thus more exposed to the sun than others, such as construction and transport workers, postmen, horticulturists or lifeguards. Therefore, 800 experts at the German Skin Cancer Congress in Frankfurt will be discussing the latest research results using terms such as „excited“ or „grateful“ related to the topic „cancer“ be rated atypically positive.

„Many advances that ensure long-term survival“
The reason for the euphoria among the experts: While on the one hand increases the number of new cases, but more and more effective treatments were developed, which could be effective even in the case of fatal black skin cancer. „We are reluctant to use the term "healing", says Prof. Dirk Schadendorf, chairman of the Dermatological Oncology Working Group, to the news agency „dpa“. „But we see many advances that will ensure long-term survival“, emphasizes the physician further. Forecasts that are very valuable for many people, because in this country alone 220,000 new patients develop skin cancer each year. In 20,000 cases, this is a malignant melanoma (black skin cancer), which has so far been almost always fatal in the late stage, which caused the cancer registry to register 3,000 deaths per year.

Rising number of cancer cases due to frequent vacations and more elderly people
From an expert's point of view, the increase in new cases is mainly due to more frequent and longer holidays in distant countries and the aging of the population: „As the sun-drenched generation ages, they experience their skin cancer, "said the President of the Congress and head of the German Dermatological Society, Prof. Roland Kaufmann, but Kaufmann also sees good opportunities for the future in the development of new treatment methods: „We have reasonable hope that a deadly disease will become a chronic disease - with a good quality of life. "So far, the concern was mainly the black skin cancer, although rare, but at the same time much dangerous than the light form. „Only five percent of patients with advanced malignant melanoma have survived for more than five years, "explains Peter Mohr of the Dermatological Oncology Association „dpa“. On the other hand, bright skin cancer (basal cell carcinoma) is considered to be treatable by surgically removing the affected area and achieving a permanent cure in 95% of cases.

„revolutionary“ Developments in the treatment methodn
Nevertheless, according to the unanimous opinion of the representatives of all professional societies in retrospect to the last five years, several "revolutions" in the development of new therapeutic approaches can be spoken. However, for a final assessment of long-term success in the case of already spread black skin cancer, these would require even longer testing. However, according to Mohr, it can be assumed that the survival rate „soon at 40 percent.“ As Mohr goes on to explain, two new forms of advanced stage medication have been approved in Germany. Accordingly, this would be a preparation on the mutated gene „BRAF“ which occurs in half of the patients and could therefore be an effective therapy for many. The other option, on the other hand, does not focus on cancer treatment itself but on strengthening the immune system. The advantage is here according to Kaufmann a possible transferability to other tumors, because „the skin is the model organ for cancer research. "

Every two years from the age of 35 to skin cancer screening
In view of the dramatic increase in skin cancer numbers in recent years, the dermatologists repeatedly warn against too much sun at the congress. This is especially true in the summer, when the daytime UV levels are highest - then the blazing sun should best be avoided completely, which is especially true for children and fair-skinned people. „We recommend that you do not go out in the sun, but put on your clothes and avoid the sun at lunchtime. At higher UV levels, staying in the shade and appropriate clothing provides the most effective protection against skin cancer“, so Professor Eckhard W. Breitbart, Chairman of the Working Group Dermatological Prevention (ADP). In addition to appropriate clothing and sun hats and sunglasses could offer further protection, as well as uniform application of a waterproof sunscreen with a SPF of at least 30. Here is especially the creaming of the so-called „sun terraces“, So nose, ears, shoulders and back of the foot important because these places burn the fastest. From the age of 35, skin cancer screening should also be performed at least every two years, although this is more often recommended for individuals with red hair, weakened immune systems, or an outdoor occupation due to their increased risk. (No)