Australian researchers develop novel therapies for cancer spread

In a breakthrough against skin cancer, Australian researchers have developed a combination of new treatments to stop melanoma early in its tracks, thus preventing the deadliest form of this cancer from spreading to other organs as well as recurring.

The results from two international clinical trials -- COMBI-AD and CheckMate 238 -- proved successful in preventing the spread of disease in Stage III melanoma patients whose tumours had been surgically removed.

In the COMBI-AD trial, the targeted therapies -- dabrafenib and trametinib -- blocked the action of a particular gene -- BRAF -- which is a driver for melanoma.

The treatment not only prevented resected Stage III melanoma from recurring, but it increased overall survival.

On the other hand, the CheckMate 238 trial involved patients with high risk Stage III and Stage IV disease who had had all melanoma surgically removed and were treated with the immunotherapy nivolumab.

The treatment rebooted their immune system to attack the melanoma cells, as well as decreased the chance of relapse.