New treatment for metastic melanoma. but watch those Freckles, or get someone else to.

The new treatment for metastic melanoma involves using cytokines, which are protein hormones of the immune system. The two cytokines that are used are interleukin-12 (IL-12), which stimulates production of interferon-gamma (IFN-g) in the body, and interferon-alpha (IFN-a). The IFN-g makes the body more receptive to the IFN-a which slows down growth of the tumor. This works better than if the IFN-a was only used. We found that in very high doses about 15 percent of the time it will actually make tumors shrink, even if they have spread through the body. Carson said.Research is about to embark on phase two of the trials. During phase one of the study patients were monitored to make sure they had no adverse effects to the cytokines. After the drugs are determined to be safe, the trial enters phase two. This stage monitors effects and evaluates effectiveness of the drugs. This is a national trial funded by the National Cancer Institute These are the kinds of things that provide new treatments to cancer patients, give our hospital experience in running national trials and brings some recognition to Ohio State, Carson said.
Skin cancer, however, is a disease where risk can easily be reduced. Suggestions include; limiting exposure to the sun, wearing sun screen when in the sun and keeping an eye on moles and freckles that may change in color or size.Gary D. Stoner, professor and chair of environmental health sciences, said food also plays an important part in prevention. He said eating foods such as tomatoes, broccoli, onion, garlic and berries may drastically reduce the risk for cancer.