Virtual Skin Centre Medical News

Skin flaps deliver cancer-fighting therapy, ASPS study reveals

Using gene therapy, plastic surgeons have delivered cancer fighting proteins through skin flaps placed on cancerous tumors on rats with a 79 percent reduction in tumor volume, according to a study in

Scientists identify interacting proteins key to melanoma development and treatment

Researchers have discovered how a mole develops into melanoma by showing the interaction of two key proteins involved in 60-70 percent of tumors. The Penn State scientists also demonstrate that therap

First targeted therapy for melanoma brings hope

In a demonstration that even some of the most hard-to-treat tumors may one day succumb to therapies aimed at molecular “weak points,” researchers at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute report the

Researchers to focus on G.I. war injuries

Mayo Clinic researchers are part of a national consortium that will focus on developing innovative medical treatments for American war wounded. Mayo's role will emphasise bone and peripheral nerve reg

Interleukin-12 indicates survival prospects for melanoma patients

Higher blood levels of an immune system protein predict poor survival prospects for melanoma patients with advanced disease, researchers at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center report

Calorie restriction limits and obesity fuels development of epithelial cancers

A restricted-calorie diet inhibited the development of precancerous growths in a two-step model of skin cancer, reducing the activation of two signaling pathways known to contribute to cancer growt

New genetic links to psoriasis

In the first comprehensive study of the genetic basis of psoriasis, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have discovered seven new sites of common DNA variation that in

Healthcare providers who discuss intimate piercings earn patients' trust

Patients with genital and nipple piercings, also known as "intimate piercings," are best served by healthcare providers who initiate positive discussions about them, according to a new artic

New PBS listings for April 2008

Cancer patients, children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), people suffering from schizophrenia, stroke patients and the Indigenous community will benefit from changes to the Pharm

Younger age, involvement on neck or arms associated with abnormal scarring after burn injury

Sex, age, burn site, number of surgical procedures and the type of skin graft are associated with abnormal scarring following burns, according to a report in the March/April 2008 issue of Archives

Men are opting to remove spider veins over replacing hair
The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) is pleased to announce the results of its 2007 Procedural Data. This information is collected by polling the Academy’s U.S.-based members.

Eye warning as occy straps lash out
Easter-period travellers are being warned to take care with octopus straps that hospitalise 540 people each year with severe eye injuries.

Botox for newborns
Botulinum toxin, also called Botox, is best known as one of the most commonly used molecules to reduce wrinkles. It is also known as one of the most poisonous naturally occurring substances.

Protein in embryonic stem cells controls malignant tumour cells
A protein that governs development of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) also inhibits the growth and spread of malignant melanoma, the deadliest skin cancer, Northwestern University researchers have

Skin prick tests identify asthma risk for toddlers with eczema
Toddlers with eczema who have a positive skin prick test for allergy have almost triple the risk of developing asthma than those with a negative test, says an Australian study.