Scientists are studying the rare type of skin cancer, melanoma acral -
Acral melanoma, a rare type of skin cancer that caused the death of musician Bob Marley, are genetically distinct from other types of. Skin cancer
Cancer Research UK scientists have discovered that melanoma acral - a rare type of skin cancer that caused the death of reggae musician Bob Marley - are genetically distinct from other more common types of skin cancer, according to a study published in the journal Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research.
Acral melanoma most commonly affects the palms, soles, nail beds and other parts of the hairless skin. Unlike other common types of melanoma, it is not caused by UV sun damage.
The team, Research UK Manchester Institute of Cancer at the University of Manchester, block tumor five patients with acral melanoma and combined this with data from three patients . They then compared the genetic defects of these eight pattern found in tumors with that of the most common types of skin cancer.
This study found that the type of DNA damage found in the acral melanoma is very different from other types of skin cancer. For example in melanoma acral, it was much more common to find large pieces of DNA that had broken and reattached elsewhere, as opposed to smaller DNA changes most commonly typically found in the types of cancer the skin.
Study leader Professor Richard Marais, director of research in the UK Manchester Cancer Institute, the University of Manchester, said: "Too much UV radiation from the sun or sunbeds can lead to accumulation of DNA damage that increases skin cancer risk, but acral. Skin cancer is different because the genetic defects that drive are not caused by UV damage. Identifying these defects is an important step toward understanding what causes this unique form of cancer, and how it can be better treated. "
Nell Barrie, senior director of science information at Cancer Research UK, said:" We hope that understanding the defects that lead the acral melanoma will unlock better ways to treat this type still rare and skin cancer aggressively Our scientists seek to improve the survival of all. cancer patients, including those with rarer forms of the disease.
"And that is why the skin cancer will be a key element of research for the Center for Research on the Manchester cancer."
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