Psoriasis in Greater Context
December 28, 2011
Psoriasis is a well-known skin condition that causes skin redness and irritation. Psoriasis sufferers have skin cells that rise to the surface too quickly, leaving insufficient time for old skin cells to slough off, resulting in a buildup of dead skin cells. While it is known that the condition may be triggered by abnormal signals from the body’s immune system, new findings place the disease in a greater context. According to a growing body of evidence, psoriasis is being linked with heart and blood vessel problems, including an increased risk of stroke and atrial fibrillation (irregular heart beat). It may be that the chronic inflammation associated with psoriasis may also play a role in stroke and atrial fibrillation.
P.S. Due to the suspected link mentioned above, psoriasis sufferers may want to check with their primary care doctors about having their overall cardiovascular health checked.
Targeting Melanoma
December 21, 2011
One of the best pieces of news in the battle against skin cancer is FDA approval of a new drug that targets a specific gene mutation found in about half of melanoma patients. Along with the pill called Zelboraf, the FDA also approved a test to screen patients for the mutation that the drug targets. The approval of Zelboraf comes on the heels of approval of another drug (Yervoy) that has been shown to prolong the survival of advanced-melanoma patients. Zelboraf now provides a second option for melanoma patients with a mutated form of a protein (known as BRAF), which normally helps with cell growth. Zelboraf blocks the mutated form of the protein, which serves to slow tumor growth.
P.S. The increase in the incidence of melanoma is largely attributed to longer life expectancies among the elderly and increased use of indoor tanning by younger individuals.
The Villages Office