How New Skin Cancer Treatments Are Boosting Survival Rates

Visual examination of moles for detecting malignant neoplasms to prevent skin cancer and melanoma.

Every day, in the United States, more than 9,500 individuals are diagnosed with skin cancer, and every hour, more than two succumb to the disease. Fortunately, breakthroughs in research and medical technology have led to the development of new skin cancer treatments, which are aimed at reducing mortality rates and improving long-term outcomes.

In this blog, we will explore the newest treatments for skin cancer, along with the tried-and-true methods that specialists have relied on for years, highlighting how each option improves patients’ chances of living longer.

New Skin Cancer Treatments: How They Enhance Survival Outcomes

One of the most promising innovations in skin cancer treatment is tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy— a cutting-edge treatment for melanoma skin cancer approved by the FDA just last year.

TIL therapy involves extracting immune cells from a patient’s tumor, modifying them to enhance their ability to fight cancer, and then reintroducing them into the patient’s body. TIL therapy has shown great potential in boosting survival rates, particularly for patients with advanced melanoma who have not responded to other treatments. By leveraging the body’s natural immune response, TIL therapy provides a more effective approach to fighting melanoma.

Targeted therapy represents another groundbreaking development in the treatment of melanoma skin cancer, especially for patients with tumors that harbor specific genetic mutations like the BRAF mutation. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can damage both healthy and cancerous cells, targeted therapies focus on molecular changes that are unique to cancer cells. This precision not only helps limit side effects but also increases treatment effectiveness. Drugs like BRAF and MEK inhibitors have been shown to enhance the survival outcomes of eligible patients.

 

Highly Effective, Time-Tested Skin Cancer Treatments

Some of the most trusted skin cancer treatment approaches are not the newest, but they have been delivering successful outcomes for decades. Continually refined and perfected over the years, these methods remain the cornerstone of care for many patients.

Discussed below are two of the most reliable, time-tested skin cancer treatment modalities:

1.    Mohs Surgery

First developed in the 1930s by Dr. Frederic Mohs, Mohs surgery is deemed the gold-standard treatment for the most common types of skin cancers: squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Mohs surgery is especially beneficial for patients whose skin cancers are located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face and neck.

If you have been wondering what Mohs surgery is, it is a specialized skin cancer procedure where a dermatologic surgeon removes cancerous tissue layer by layer, meticulously examining each layer under a microscope to ensure that all cancer cells are thoroughly removed. The surgeon uses special stains to detect even the smallest traces of residual tumor cells which, if overlooked, could lead to tumor regrowth.

Mohs surgery has the highest cure rate (up to 99%) and the lowest recurrence rate (2.1%) among all of the skin cancer treatments available. These, combined with its exceptional cosmetic and functional outcomes, are the reasons it remains the preferred treatment for many skin cancers.

 

2.    Radiation Therapy

First developed in the early 20th century, radiation therapy remains a useful tool in the treatment of skin cancers due to its curative potential and effectiveness. Despite being nearly a century old, radiation therapy continues to be one of the most preferred options among patients exploring noninvasive alternatives to the surgical procedure to remove skin cancer.

Radiation therapy involves the use of a specialized machine called a linear accelerator (LINAC), which delivers high-energy rays directly to the cancerous tissue. The LINAC is designed to target and destroy cancer cells with pinpoint accuracy, ensuring minimal damage to the surrounding healthy tissue.

While mostly reserved for aggressive forms or high-risk cases, radiation therapy is also used as a curative treatment for early-stage nonmelanoma skin cancers. It is employed either as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to other modalities, like surgery and chemotherapy, for advanced cases.

 

Skin Cancer Treatment in Miami, FL

For first-rate skin cancer treatment in Miami, FL, turn to Dr. Theodore John (T.J.) Giuffrida here at Dermatology & Skin Cancer Center. Dr. Giuffrida is widely recognized as one of Miami’s top Mohs surgeons and skin cancer experts—a reputation built on his steadfast dedication to providing high-quality, personalized care and delivering exceptional treatment outcomes.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Giuffrida, contact us at (305) 461-2000. Alternatively, you may fill out this appointment request form.

 

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