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Drug Shows Hope for Advanced Skin Cancer

By Jess Kilby, Newser User

Posted Jun 1, 2009 10:56 PM CDT

(Newser) – More promising news has emerged from this weekend’s international cancer conference in Florida: Researchers unveiled a drug that shows early promise in fighting the most deadly form of skin cancer. The experimental PLX4032 targets tumor cells that carry a mutation found in 60% of malignant melanomas, and in the 16 patients treated more than half saw their cancer reduced by at least 30%, the BBC reports.

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Sun bathers relax on the pebbled beach outside the city walls of Dubrovnik, Croatia August 10, 2005. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan)

Sun bathers relax on the beach in the tourist resort of Hikkaduwa. Overexposure to sun is the leading cause of skin cancer. (Getty Images)

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With this year's summer expected to be hotter than the last, it's important that we don't let sunburn catch us out. Whether at home or abroad, use shade, clothing and sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher to protect your skin.
- Dr Jodie Moffat of Cancer Research UK

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