Yervoy (ipilumamab), a new medication for the treatment of melanoma, is reviewed by leading dermatologists Dr. Ramzi Saad and Dr. Richard Eisen.
“The breakthrough cancer medication from Bristol-Myers Squibb is Yervoy and it is specifically for patients with late-stage or metastatic melanoma. This is an exciting new weapon in the fight against skin cancer. We have two drugs out there that are used in the treatment of stage 3 and stage 4 melanoma – Interferon (which was approved a decade ago) and Dacarbazine. Yervoy is the first medication shown to prolong survival,” explained Dr. Saad.
Dr. Saad added that “ Yervoy is going to be a promising option for many. It prolongs life by six and a half months or more. The big issue is the significant side effect profile. But, Yervoy will undergo further rigorous testing to define it’s optimal use on melanoma patients.”
“Skin cancer is primarily caused by prolonged exposure to Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays from the sun or from tanning booths. UVA and UVB rays are present in tanning booths as well as on cloudy days and exposed skin is left vulnerable without sunblock or sunscreen. We’re all exposed to these rays every day, each time we go outdoors and the repeated exposure builds over time,” noted Dr. Richard Eisen, M.D.
According to South Shore Skin Center’s dermatologists, early skin cancer detection is imperative in the prevention and treatment of melanoma. If undetected and untreated, melanoma can quickly spread to the major organs and lymph nodes.
The dermatologists emphasize the need to follow key steps to prevent skin cancer including avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 30 or higher every day even if it is cloudy.
They add that a person’s skin should be checked regularly by a dermatologist regularly, and any moles or other spots on the skin that have changed should be checked by physician as soon as possible.
Both Dr. Saad and Dr. Eisen practice provide medical care to patients at South Shore Skin Center in Cohasset, Massachusetts.
