Skin Cancer
Immune drug reduces risk of Merkel cell carcinoma spread
A large clinical trial has shown that the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab may help prevent the deadly spread of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare and aggressive skin cancer, after surgery. While it did not significantly reduce overall recurrence rates, the treatment lowered the risk of distant metastases by 42%. The findings offer hope for patients facing this fast-developing disease.
Nicotinamide reduces skin cancer risk in veterans study
A large Veterans Affairs study has shown that nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can significantly lower the risk of new skin cancers among patients with a history of the disease. The research, involving over 33,000 veterans, found a 14% overall risk reduction, with even greater benefits for early users. These findings build on a 2015 clinical trial and may influence preventive strategies.