An average of 212 people in Arizona passed away due to melanoma. Each year from 2018 through 2022, as reported by the Arizona Department of Health Services.
From 2017 to 2022, Arizona witnessed a rise of 7.3% in the incidence rate of new invasive melanoma cases.
In efforts to tackle these figures, the HonorHealth Research Institute has recently initiated an international clinical trial with the enrollment of its first participant. This study aims to evaluate a novel form of treatment designed for melanoma, which is a highly aggressive kind of skin cancer.
It's a tale that resonates particularly now as we anticipate unprecedented temperatures in Arizona this summer.
Many melanomas are caused by excessive sunlight," explained Dr. Justin Moser, who leads the HonorHealth Research Institute's melanoma research efforts. "Living in the desert exposes us to abundant sunshine, and our state offers numerous opportunities for outdoor pursuits such as hiking and mountain biking. This means residents face prolonged periods of direct sunlight.
Melanoma, the most perilous form of skin cancer, originates from pigment-making cells and generally appears on the skin; however, it can exceptionally develop in areas such as the mouth, digestive tract, or eyes. In extremely uncommon instances, this condition might also arise in the lungs.
And sadly, the statistics related to melanoma are quite alarming.
"We have some of the highest melanoma rates in the United States right here in Arizona," stated Moser.
The American Cancer Society predicts that there will be 3,790 new cases of melanoma identified in Arizona this year.
This rate is significantly higher than the national average, making Moser’s research particularly significant.
"I specialize in melanoma and various other types of skin cancer as part of the clinical research team," he stated.
Currently, Moser, who is additionally an associate research professor at ASU’s newly established School of Medicine and Advanced Medical Engineering, is striving towards a significant objective.
"We are truly committed to providing the latest and most effective treatment options to patients in Arizona as swiftly as possible," he stated.
He is currently involved in a clinical trial for a novel form of cell therapy aimed at treating patients suffering from refractory melanoma—a condition where the cancer has not been responsive to conventional treatments.
"... a treatment method involving using a patient's own immune cells and training them to combat the cancer," explained Moser.
The HonorHealth Research Institute has recently initiated treatment for the inaugural participant in an extensive global study spanning 50 sites. This international clinical trial is evaluating a novel form of therapy designed specifically for treating melanoma.
"The hope is that this research yields positive results and leads to the approval of a new treatment for melanoma," he stated.
Moser states that if you happen to develop melanoma and fortunately detect it at an early stage, such as stage one, these cases are highly treatable, with success rates exceeding 95%.
If, however, your level of sunlight exposure leads to developing one melanoma, he warns that you're more likely to be at an increased risk for additional cases of melanoma.
Therefore, as his team carries on with their efforts, he advises others to focus primarily on preventive measures.
"... staying out of direct sunlight, wearing clothes designed for sun protection, using sunscreen regularly, and having routine skin examinations with a dermatologist to ensure that if you develop another skin cancer, it will be detected while it remains highly treatable," explained Moser.
This guidance is beneficial for everyone, particularly as we approach the peak summer months.
If you or anyone you know is dealing with refractory melanoma and seeks additional details about the study, visit their website for further information.
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