Caroline Helwick

High response rates and regression of metastatic lesions were observed in preliminary study results.

Knowledge of the mechanisms involved in melanoma development may help to identify targets for chemoprevention or treatment. A variant in the cyclin D1 gene appears to increase susceptibility to malignant melanoma, an expert says.

Las Vegas - The next-generation of cosmeceuticals capitalize on discoveries gleaned from biotechnology research. These five new compounds appear to represent innovative approaches to anti-aging strategies, but by objective measures the jury is still out, according to Patricia Farris, M.D., of Metairie, Louisiana. Dr. Farris delivered a talk on new anti-aging agents at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Las Vegas -- The practice of dermatology is artistic, and no aspect of the field is a greater testament to this than the injection of Botox. According to Richard Glogau, M.D., clinical professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, Botox treatments are not a "one size fits all" deal, and dermatologists who individualize and treat with "finesse" will have the best outcomes and the most satisfied patients, he said at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Chicago - The promise of biochemotherapy for stage IV malignant melanoma has not held up to scrutiny, and the value of this form of treatment seems nil, according to recent discouraging findings from major phase III clinical trials.

Chicago - Targeted drug therapy, a rational approach to the treatment of malignant melanoma, offers a number of targeted agents currently in development, according to Scott Saxman, M.D., senior investigator, Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program, National Cancer Institute.

Maui, Hawaii - Recent technological advances and findings from clinical studies can be put to use immediately to assure optimal diagnosis and management of malignant melanoma, Timothy S. Brown, M.D., said at the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation.