Since 1988, Hoag physicians have been
involved in the treatment of large numbers of patients with melanoma.
With a multidisciplinary approach that includes
prevention,
early detection, the use of promising new therapies, participation in
laboratory and clinical research, and extensive complementary care, the
team at Hoag Family Cancer Institute provides melanoma patients with
every diagnostic and therapeutic advantage.
Most melanomas are caused by a combination of sporadic and environmental factors, but in a small percentage of families, a susceptibility to melanoma may be inherited. In some of these families, there is also an increased risk for pancreatic cancer. Genetic testing is available for hereditary melanoma; however, there is ongoing debate about the usefulness of this testing. The Melanoma Genetics Consortium has recommended that such testing should only rarely be performed outside of research studies. Reasons for this include the low detection rate (20-40% when three or more relatives in the immediate family have been diagnosed with melanoma), the variability of information regarding the likelihood of developing cancer in the event of a positive result, and the lack of efficacy of surveillance and prevention strategies.
At Hoag, we offer both commercially available testing and referral to research studies for individuals with melanoma and a family history of melanoma in at least two close relatives, especially if there is also a family history of pancreatic cancer.
For more information, call Hoag Family Cancer Institute at 949-764-5542.
Latest News in Melanoma Treatment
Read the published medical paper, "Should High-Dose Interleukin-2 Still Be the Preferred Treatment for Patients with Metastatic Melanoma?", published by Hoag-affiliated physicians in the
Cancer Biotherapy and Radiopharmaceuticals Journal.