From the New England Journal of Medicine (click here for the full report):

“Although exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) rays is linked to a higher rate of photocarcinogenesis, UVA has also been shown to induce substantial DNA mutations and direct toxicity, leading to the formation of skin cancer. The use of sun protection and topical retinoids and periodic monitoring for skin cancer were recommended for the patient.”

The condition, known as unilateral dermatoheliosis, is a reminder that the sun is an immensely powerful force that should be respected. If you’re out in the sun for prolonged periods this summer, we urge you to use strong sunscreen.

Did you know Sherman Hospital placed 16 patients on cancer treatment studies in 2011? For more, read our case study on a melanoma clinical trial at Sherman.

size-full wp-image-1080″ />The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention has declared the Friday before Memorial Day to be Don’t Fry Day. For Chicagoans, the skin cancer health observance could not have come at a better time. Forecasts predict we’re getting nothing but sun during the extended weekend, with temperatures in the 80s on Friday and Saturday and the 90s on Sunday and Monday.

It’s unfortunate that we’ve conditioned ourselves to believe that a tanned person is healthy and beautiful when in reality major health concerns await those of us who regularly absorb natural and artificial rays. The American Cancer Society estimates one American dies each hour from skin cancer. It’s the most common cancer in the United States.

“Fortunately, skin cancer is highly curable if found early and can be prevented. Remember to Slip! Slop! Slap!…and Wrap when you’re outdoors — slip on a shirt, slop on broad spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher, slap on a wide-brimmed hat, and wrap on sunglasses. The best way to detect skin cancer early is to examine your skin regularly and recognize changes in moles and skin growths.”

If you’re going to be in the sun for prolonged periods this summer, the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention offers the following tips:

• Do Not Burn or Tan
• Seek Shade
• Wear Sun-Protective Clothing
• Generously Apply Sunscreen
• Use Extra Caution Near Water, Snow, and Sand
• Get Vitamin D Safely

Did you know Sherman Hospital placed 16 patients on cancer treatment studies in 2011? For more, read our case study on a melanoma clinical trial at Sherman.

Liam, a day trader from Glen Ellyn, IL, wanted to take part in a clinical trial for melanoma, a malignant tumor usually found in skin. He thought he’d have

to go all the way to Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo to get this done, but through some Internet sleuthing, he found a melanoma study much closer to home: at Sherman Hospital in Elgin, IL.

A cancer treatment study is a type of research study that involves testing of new medications in cancers to compare existing standard treatments to newer approaches. In cancer, clinical trials are designed to answer questions about new ways to treat cancer, find and diagnose cancer, prevent cancer and manage symptoms of cancer or side effects from its treatment. Many treatments used today are the result of past clinical trials.

Chilakamarri Yeshwant, MD, FACP, is a Hematologist and Oncologist on the medical staff at Sherman Hospital. He is quite familiar with the unique challenge of treating melanoma. As with most cancers, early detection is crucial. “In its early stages, melanoma can often be cured by surgery alone,” he said. “However, in patients with more advanced disease, even after full resection, relapses occur frequently. On top of that, very few systemic therapies have demonstrated any benefit in terms of delaying recurrences or prolonging life.”

For patients in the advanced stages of melanoma, taking part in a clinical trial can offer new therapies that could possibly prove more effective in warding off recurrence. The trial Liam took part in at Sherman uses ipilimumab, a type of cancer immunotherapy that helps a patient’s immune system attack tumor cells. Our immune systems have the potential to mount a powerful response against melanoma tumors (sometimes completely eradicating them), but they first must be stimulated to recognize and attack melanoma cells.

Ipilimumab, however, is not without side effects. As often results from autoimmune reactions, patients have experienced fatigue, diarrhea, skin rash, endocrine deficiencies (gland or hormone), and inflammation of the intestines (colitis). Because of the unusual and severe adverse effects associated with ipilimumab, healthcare professionals participating in this study are expected to complete an education program prior to administering the drug.

But overall, there is just cause for optimism. Ipilimumab is the first agent ever proven to improve survival in advanced melanoma. “We hope to see recurrence free survival and increased overall survival compared to adjuvant therapy with high dose interferon,” Yeshwant said.

Liam came away impressed with the professionalism and kindness of the Sherman staff, Janeen Bazan in particular. Janeen is an Oncology Nurse Research Program Coordinator at Sherman, meaning she knows the ins and outs of the many (and always growing) clinical trials at the hospital. “Janeen was unbelieveable,” he said. “So empathetic, so kind. She knew the timing that was needed to get me into the trial. I can’t say enough good things about her.”

In 2010, Sherman placed 7 patients on cancer treatment studies. That number more than doubled in 2011, up to 16. If you would like more information on 2012 treatment studies, please visit shermanhealth.com.