Melanoma Development

This book focuses on malignant melanoma, discussing the current state of scientific knowledge and providing insights into the underlying basic mechanisms, the molecular changes, genetics and genomics. Human Melanoma is a dangerous type of skin cancer affecting an increasing population, and a better understanding of its development will help in finding sophisticated targeted therapies. The second revised edition features the latest research findings and offers updates on the latest advances and potential novel melanoma therapies. It is a valuable resource for researchers and clinicians working in the fields of melanoma, cancer research and therapy as well as dermatology.

The book provides comprehensive insights into molecular changes in malignant melanoma. The general mechanisms of melanoma growth and development are described, as well as new research findings. Our current knowledge on the molecules involved in cell transformation and tumor progression will soon lead to sophisticated, targeted therapies. Recent studies with targeted b-RAF inhibitors have given us grounds to hope that these therapies will be successful. Melanoma Development- Molecular Biology, Genetics and Clinical Application aims to contribute to this knowledge. Summarizing the newest data and presenting upcoming research areas in the field, the book will be of great interest to basic researchers and physicians working in the important fields of melanoma, cancer research, therapy and dermatology.

The third edition is a comprehensive and updated overview of positive and negative effects of UV-exposure, with a focus on Vitamin D and skin cancer. Researchers, oncologists,and students will be provided with the most significant and timely information related to topics such as the epidemiology of skin cancer, the immune system and skin cancer, ultraviolet damage, DNA repair and Vitamin D in Nonmelanoma skin cancer and malignant melanoma. There have been a number of new, scientific findings in this fast moving field that necessitated a thoroughly updated and revised edition including new Vitamin D metabolites and skin cancer, new findings on the beneficial effects of UV and solar UV and skin cancer, adverse effects of sun protection and sunscreens, sun exposure and mortality, and more. The book will summarize essential, up-to-date information for every clinician or scientist interested in how to balance the positive and negative effects of UV‐exposure to minimize the risks of developing vitamin D deficiency and skin cancer.

This book provides a comprehensive examination of uveal melanoma, a rare neoplasm that carries a very high mortality and whose natural history makes it fairly unique among adult tumors. Split into three sections, this book explores the basic science behind the disease and inherited genetic syndromes that predispose some patients, as well as the pathology and use of gene expression profiling to determine risk of recurrence. It also focuses on the management of the primary tumor in the eye, including surgical intervention and lesion imaging. Elucidating treatment options for metastatic disease, the book reviews chemotherapy agents and immunotherapy approaches, as well as liver-directed therapies, cellular therapies, and various treatments after primary treatment but before the development of metastases. Uveal Melanoma: Biology and Management is the most up-to-date and comprehensive text devoted solely to this disease and will be useful to medical oncologists, ophthalmologists, radiation therapists, interventional radiologists, pathologists, molecular biologists and immunology researchers, as well as trainees in those fields.

Melanoma - Current Clinical Management and Future Therapeutics serves as an advanced course in melanoma or an addendum to further polish expertise. Sections of the book include a thorough introduction on epidemiology and disease, the current surgical management of melanoma and lymph node dissection, immunotherapy along with drug toxicities and emerging research topics, like RAGE and autotaxin, that have potential therapeutic applications. The chapters in this book explore the most common subtype of melanoma, cutaneous disease, as well as a rare form, acral lentiginous melanoma and even canine tumors. Experts from around the globe contributed chapters, most of which have visual illustrations to depict aspects of disease management and therapy, allowing readers to grasp the advanced concepts presented.

Leading researchers and clinicians join forces to explain how malignant melanoma develops from its benign precursor cell type. The authors focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in melanogenesis, in the malignant transformation of melanocytes, and in the further progression of primary melanomas into invasive and metastatic melanomas. They also review recent advances in our understanding of the basic biology of melanocytes and the development, migration, and differentiation of melanoblasts into melanocytes. The book provides an up-to-date understanding of the progressive mechanisms of oncological development in malignant melanoma, a likely model of malignant progress for other types of cancer, and the ongoing development of novel therapeutics.

Skin cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the United States, yet most cases are preventable. Every year in the United States, nearly 5 million people are treated for skin cancer, at an estimated cost of $8.1 billion. Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, causes nearly 9,000 deaths each year. Despite recent efforts to address risk factors, skin cancer rates continue to rise. While those with lighter skin are more susceptible, anyone can get skin cancer—and it can be serious, even deadly. Almost all of the conditions can be caused by unnecessary ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, usually from excessive time in the sun or from the use of indoor tanning devices. It is alarming that every year, nearly one out of every three young white women aged 16–25 engages in indoor tanning. It's important to shatter the myth that tanned skin is a sign of health. And a “base” tan is not a “safe” tan. Tanned skin is damaged skin. Understanding the risk of UV exposure is crucial to protecting ourselves and our loved ones. That is why “The Surgeon General's Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer” is important for all of us. It outlines action steps we can all take—as individuals, parents, educators, employers, policy makers, health care professionals, and communities—to reverse this alarming trend. As a nation, we can all do more to address skin cancer as a serious public health challenge. Everyone is urged to find out more about the risk of skin cancer—and what we all can do to prevent it.