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1.
The Role of Calcium Signaling in Melanoma.
Zhang, H, Chen, Z, Zhang, A, Gupte, AA, Hamilton, DJ
International journal of molecular sciences. 2022;(3)
Abstract
Calcium signaling plays important roles in physiological and pathological conditions, including cutaneous melanoma, the most lethal type of skin cancer. Intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i), cell membrane calcium channels, calcium related proteins (S100 family, E-cadherin, and calpain), and Wnt/Ca2+ pathways are related to melanogenesis and melanoma tumorigenesis and progression. Calcium signaling influences the melanoma microenvironment, including immune cells, extracellular matrix (ECM), the vascular network, and chemical and physical surroundings. Other ionic channels, such as sodium and potassium channels, are engaged in calcium-mediated pathways in melanoma. Calcium signaling serves as a promising pharmacological target in melanoma treatment, and its dysregulation might serve as a marker for melanoma prediction. We documented calcium-dependent endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondria dysfunction, by targeting calcium channels and influencing [Ca2+]i and calcium homeostasis, and attenuated drug resistance in melanoma management.
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2.
Recent Advances in Nanotechnology for the Treatment of Melanoma.
Cassano, R, Cuconato, M, Calviello, G, Serini, S, Trombino, S
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland). 2021;(4)
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer, with few possibilities for therapeutic approaches, due to its multi-drug resistance and, consequently, low survival rate for patients. Conventional therapies for treatment melanoma include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which have various side effects. For this reason, in recent years, pharmaceutical and biomedical research has focused on new sito-specific alternative therapeutic strategies. In this regard, nanotechnology offers numerous benefits which could improve the life expectancy of melanoma patients with very low adverse effects. This review aims to examine the latest advances in nanotechnology as an innovative strategy for treating melanoma. In particular, the use of different types of nanoparticles, such as vesicles, polymers, metal-based, carbon nanotubes, dendrimers, solid lipid, microneedles, and their combination with immunotherapies and vaccines will be discussed.
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3.
A Review on Sources and Pharmacological Aspects of Sakuranetin.
Stompor, M
Nutrients. 2020;(2)
Abstract
Sakuranetin belongs to the group of methoxylated flavanones. It is widely distributed in Polyomnia fruticosa and rice, where it acts as a phytoalexin. Other natural sources of this compound are, among others, grass trees, shrubs, flowering plants, cheery, and some herbal drugs, where it has been found in the form of glycosides (mainly sakuranin). Sakuranetin has antiproliferative activity against human cell lines typical for B16BL6 melanoma, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) and colon cancer (Colo 320). Moreover, sakuranetin shows antiviral activity towards human rhinovirus 3 and influenza B virus and was reported to have antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiinflammatory, antiparasitic, antimutagenic, and antiallergic properties. The aim of this review is to present the current status of knowledge of pro-health properties of sakuranetin.
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4.
Molecular Genetics of Intraocular Tumors.
Hanbazazh, M, Dryja, TP
Seminars in ophthalmology. 2020;(3):174-181
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore the value of molecular technologies in the pathologic evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma. METHODS Review of the peer-reviewed literature on the molecular pathology of primary intraocular tumors. CONCLUSION Molecular tests are playing an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of intraocular tumors. They provide information valuable for diagnosis, prognosis, screening regimens, genetic counselling, and treatment. These technologies are becoming easier, faster, and with higher sensitivity and accuracy.
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5.
Development, Characterization and Use of Liposomes as Amphipathic Transporters of Bioactive Compounds for Melanoma Treatment and Reduction of Skin Inflammation: A Review.
CastaƱeda-Reyes, ED, Perea-Flores, MJ, Davila-Ortiz, G, Lee, Y, Gonzalez de Mejia, E
International journal of nanomedicine. 2020;:7627-7650
Abstract
The skin is the largest organ in the human body, providing a barrier to the external environment. It is composed of three layers: epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The most external epidermis is exposed to stress factors that may lead to skin conditions such as photo-aging and skin cancer. Some treatments for skin disease utilize the incorporation of drugs or bioactive compounds into nanocarriers known as liposomes. Liposomes are membranes whose sizes range from nano to micrometers and are composed mostly of phospholipids and cholesterol, forming similar structures to cell membranes. Thus, skin treatments with liposomes have lower toxicity in comparison to traditional treatment routes such as parenteral and oral. Furthermore, addition of edge activators to the liposomes decreases the rigidity of the bilayer structure making it deformable, thereby improving skin permeability. Liposomes are composed of an aqueous core and a lipidic bilayer, which confers their amphiphilic property. Thus, they can carry hydrophobic and hydrophilic compounds, even simultaneously. Current applications of these nanocarriers are mainly in the cosmetic and pharmaceutic industries. Nevertheless, new research has revealed promising results regarding the effectiveness of liposomes for transporting bioactive compounds through the skin. Liposomes have been well studied; however, additional research is needed on the efficacy of liposomes loaded with bioactive peptides for skin delivery. The objective of this review is to provide an up-to-date description of existing techniques for the development of liposomes and their use as transporters of bioactive compounds in skin conditions such as melanoma and skin inflammation. Furthermore, to gain an understanding of the behavior of liposomes during the process of skin delivery of bioactive compounds into skin cells.
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6.
Dermatomyositis in a patient undergoing nivolumab therapy for metastatic melanoma: a case report and review of the literature.
Kosche, C, Stout, M, Sosman, J, Lukas, RV, Choi, JN
Melanoma research. 2020;(3):313-316
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy is a transformative treatment for advanced malignancies, but can be associated with numerous immune-related adverse events (irAEs). The majority of irAEs include those that closely resemble known cutaneous and neurocutaneous autoimmune or autoinflammatory diseases, such as scleroderma, psoriasis, and dermatomyositis. We present the case of a 63-year-old man with metastatic melanoma undergoing treatment with nivolumab who developed significant motor weakness, paresthesias of both hands, swollen fingers, and a pruritic rash over the face, chest, and upper back after two cycles. Creatine kinase was elevated. Electromyography revealed a myopathic pattern, muscle biopsy of the deltoid revealed an inflammatory myopathy, and skin biopsy showed interface dermatitis. There were no detectable autoantibodies except positive antinuclear antibody. He was diagnosed with immunotherapy-induced dermatomyositis, nivolumab was held, and he was treated with oral prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin with overall improvement in myopathic and cutaneous symptoms. Dermatomyositis is an inflammatory myopathy with a characteristic dermatologic presentation that can occur spontaneously, as a paraneoplastic phenomenon, or as a drug reaction. This is the second known case of nivolumab-induced dermatomyositis. A review of the literature revealed seven total cases of immunotherapy-induced dermatomyositis. Functionally disabling autoimmune adverse effects of this severity would frequently persuade providers to discontinue immunotherapy in patients with metastatic disease.
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7.
Updates in imaging in ocular oncology.
Davila, JR, Mruthyunjaya, P
F1000Research. 2019
Abstract
Innovations in ophthalmic imaging have made a profound impact on the diagnosis and treatment of ophthalmic disease. In ocular oncology, the development of optical coherence tomography with enhanced depth imaging and swept source technologies has made it possible to visualize the anatomical characteristics of retinoblastoma and uveal melanoma with a level of detail previously unobtainable on clinical exam alone. As a result, our understanding of the pathophysiology of vision loss in choroidal melanoma in particular has improved. These modalities have also helped identify fundoscopically "invisible" tumors and risk stratify pre-malignant choroidal lesions, making a strong case for their inclusion in all screening evaluations. Optical coherence tomography angiography, on the other hand, has allowed non-invasive imaging of the retinal and uveal vasculatures, providing insight into vascular changes associated with malignant transformation and vision loss following exposure to radiation. While the impact of new imaging technologies on clinical outcomes and overall survival in ocular oncology has yet to be determined, several reports cited herein offer promising results.
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8.
Potential use of melatonin in skin cancer treatment: A review of current biological evidence.
Pourhanifeh, MH, Mahdavinia, M, Reiter, RJ, Asemi, Z
Journal of cellular physiology. 2019;(8):12142-12148
Abstract
Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a leading cause of death worldwide. The therapeutic methods for this malignancy are not effective, and due to the side effects of these treatments, applying an appropriate alternative or complementary treatment is important. According to available data, melatonin as the main product of the pineal gland has oncostatic and antitumoral properties. Also, melatonin acts as an anti-inflammatory and reactive oxygen species inducer agent which suppresses the growth of tumors. It also has apoptosis induction characteristics through regulating signaling pathways, including heat shock protein 70, nuclear factor-erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 and others. Thus, adding melatonin to chemo- and radiotherapy may have synergistic therapeutic effects and increase the survival time in patients with skin cancer. Few clinical studies have evaluated the efficacy of melatonin in skin cancer. Based on the related mechanisms, this review discusses about how melatonin may improve outcomes in skin cancer patients.
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9.
Cutaneous Surgery in Patients Who Are Pregnant or Breastfeeding.
Li, JN, Nijhawan, RI, Srivastava, D
Dermatologic clinics. 2019;(3):307-317
Abstract
Dermatologic surgery in pregnant/postpartum patients requires deliberate consideration. Although surgery can be safely performed during any trimester, the second trimester and immediate postpartum period is optimal. Surgery should not be delayed for melanoma/high-risk skin cancers. Perioperative positioning, analgesic, antiseptic, and antibiotic selection should be deliberate to avoid risk to the patient/fetus/infant. The left lateral tilt position reduces aortocaval compression syndrome. Lidocaine and epinephrine can be used safely. Alcohol and chlorhexidine are considered safe. Antibiotics commonly used in skin surgery are safe in pregnancy and lactation. Acetaminophen is first line for pain management. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs should be avoided.
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10.
Immunotherapy and targeted therapies in older patients with advanced melanoma; Young International Society of Geriatric Oncology review paper.
Bastiaannet, E, Battisti, N, Loh, KP, de Glas, N, Soto-Perez-de-Celis, E, Baldini, C, Kapiteijn, E, Lichtman, S
Journal of geriatric oncology. 2019;(3):389-397
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Abstract
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive cancer associated with a poor prognosis in patients with metastatic disease. As in many other cancers, the incidence of melanoma rises with age; and combined with the longer life expectancy, this led to an increasing prevalence of melanoma in the older population. Recently, immune checkpoint inhibitors significantly improved the treatment of melanoma given their efficacy and tolerability profile. Two major classes of agents include the anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) inhibitors, such as ipilimumab, and the anti-programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1) inhibitors, such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab. Treatment of metastatic disease with immune checkpoint inhibitors demonstrated improved efficacy and better safety profiles compared to cytotoxic drugs and appears to be an attractive treatment option. Nevertheless, there is a need for tools designed to better predict which older patients will benefit from its use and who will experience toxicities related to the treatment. Current data do not show a major increase in toxicity rates in older patients. However, patients above 75 are often under-represented and those who are included are not representative of the general population of older patients, thereby also stressing the need for real-life data. Ongoing research is aiming at maximizing the potential treatment efficacy and developing novel immune-targeting modalities. Future studies should include older patients and assess geriatric domains in these older patients to better guide decision-making. This review discusses published clinical trials and where known, the efficacy and toxicity in older patients. Moreover, the clinical implications and future perspectives are discussed, with current recommendations for older patients, management of toxicities, and a proposal for an initial approach to the treatment of older patients with metastatic melanoma.