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20th May 2026
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have improved outcomes for melanoma, but many patients still do not respond. This review outlines key reasons for treatment resistance and highlights growing evidence that the gut microbiota may influence immunotherapy response. It also considers the potential of microbiota-based approaches to help predict or improve outcomes.20th May 2026
Only some melanoma patients respond to anti–PD-1 immunotherapy, and there is currently no reliable way to predict this in advance. This study identifies DNA methylation and gene expression patterns in tumours that are linked to treatment response and may help guide more personalised treatment in the future.17th May 2026
This retrospective study found that nearly one-third of kidney transplant recipients in Canterbury developed skin cancer, with older age, fair skin, male gender, and certain immunosuppressive medications increasing the risk.16th May 2026
Adolescents' sun safety practices are influenced by social norms and perceived costs, suggesting a need for innovative approaches in skin cancer prevention.16th May 2026
A topical cream activated the skin's immune defences and suppressed tumour growth in two preclinical models of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The cream works by blocking LSD1, an enzyme that suppresses immune‑activating pathways in the skin.10th May 2026
A recent randomised controlled trial has found that using a prebiotic and panthenol repair balm alongside topical 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) may reduce skin irritation and improve patient comfort during treatment for actinic keratoses.3rd May 2026
Every year, around 100,000 New Zealanders are diagnosed with skin cancer, and more than 500 lives are lost. Yet there is hope — up to 90% of skin cancers are preventable, and almost all are curable when detected early. Building on the legacy of MelNet, Skin Cancer NZ is launching this year as New Zealand’s national authority on skin cancer prevention, early detection, and high-quality care.30th April 2026
Skin Cancer NZ welcomes today’s announcement of a joint $2 million investment from the Government and the Cancer Society into the SunSmart programme during the 2026/27 year.27th April 2026
Evidence on occupational sun exposure and melanoma development is mixed. Some studies show increased risk while others show reduced risk. A pooled analysis found a 45% higher risk when including lentigo maligna melanoma, and a lower risk when it was excluded. Overall, limitations in existing studies mean the role of occupational sun exposure remains uncertain and likely varies by melanoma subtype and individual factors.21st April 2026
Skin cancer rates continue to rise globally, with a disproportionate burden in regional and rural communities where access to early detection is often limited. This recent Australian study demonstrates that nurse-led, community-based skin check models, supported by targeted training and technology, can improve access, build local workforce capacity, and support earlier detection of high-risk cases.14th April 2026
A new study published in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that combining genetic information with traditional clinical risk factors - like age, skin type, and history of sun exposure - can improve how accurately we identify people at higher risk of melanoma. While genetic risk scores performed better than any single clinical factor on their own, the biggest gains came from using both approaches together.11th April 2026
This article outlines the Australian 'If you could see UV' skin cancer prevention campaign. Targeted at young adults, it positions ultraviolet radiation as an immediate and ever-present threat. Using the concept of “ultraviolet arrows,” it demonstrates how targeted, evidence-based messaging can shift perceptions and encourage the adoption of sun protection behaviours.7th April 2026
Skin Cancer NZ welcomes Pharmac’s decision to widen funded access to nivolumab and ipilimumab for people with resectable stage IIIB and IV melanoma, effective 1 May 2026.4th April 2026
A new editorial in Annals of Surgical Oncology suggests that routine ultrasound surveillance for sentinel node–positive melanoma patients may no longer be necessary when cross-sectional imaging is already in use.4th April 2026
A new systematic review confirms that daily sunscreen significantly reduces rates of actinic keratoses and squamous cell carcinoma in immunocompetent adults. Nicotinamide and topical 5-fluorouracil also show preventive benefits, while oral retinoids and DFMO offer limited value due to inconsistent results and safety concerns.29th March 2026
These Guidelines are under review. The 4th edition is expected to be released in June 2026. Clinicians can use the updated draft right now to support best practice care.29th March 2026
Our transition to Skin Cancer New Zealand from MelNet is now complete. We have a fresh new brand and website — take a look around and explore all the resources and information available. We’d love to hear your feedback, ideas, or suggestions as we continue to grow and improve.28th March 2026
With the longest follow-up reported, this Australian study demonstrates that cemiplimab provides durable disease control in advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and that retreatment can be effective for patients whose cancer has returned.26th March 2026
Finnish MSLT-II data show that complete lymph node dissection after a positive sentinel node biopsy does not reduce long-term quality of life. While initial hospital costs are higher, total costs per patient are similar over time.26th March 2026
A study of 3,447 patients shows melanomas arising from pre-existing moles are independently associated with lower risk of recurrence and improved survival.26th March 2026
A study of 1,753 melanomas shows women’s survival advantage is largely due to clinicopathologic features such as tumour thickness, ulceration, and site, rather than sex itself, highlighting the role of early detection and tumour characteristics in outcomes.26th March 2026
A study of US and Queensland data shows women are diagnosed with melanoma 3–8 years earlier than men across most body sites and tumour types, highlighting the need for sex-tailored prevention and early detection strategies.26th March 2026
This trial showed that the Melanoma Care Programme, which combines mental health screening, education, and telehealth sessions, significantly reduced fear of cancer recurrence, anxiety, depression, and stress, while improving knowledge and quality of life in early-stage melanoma patients.26th March 2026
Three-year results from the RELATIVITY-047 trial show that combining nivolumab with relatlimab in advanced melanoma improves overall survival, progression-free survival, and response rates compared with nivolumab alone, with sustained benefit and a safety profile consistent with previous reports.26th March 2026
A new study of over 144,000 Australian patients shows melanoma risk rises sharply once thin tumours reach 0.8 mm in thickness. Tumours under 0.8 mm had excellent survival, while 0.8–1.0 mm tumours carried nearly three times higher melanoma-related death risk.20th March 2026
A recent review of studies from 2020–2024 found evidence that vaping may cause DNA damage, cellular changes, and increased cell growth — all of which are associated with the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma.20th March 2026
New research suggests that circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) could help identify melanoma patients at higher risk of relapse and monitor response to treatment. Patients with detectable ctDNA after surgery had poorer outcomes, while changes in ctDNA levels during therapy reflected whether the disease was returning.20th March 2026
New research suggests that targeted therapy with dabrafenib and trametinib may help reduce the risk of recurrence in patients with BRAF-mutated stage III/IV melanoma who relapse after initial immunotherapy. Patients treated with this approach showed encouraging relapse-free and metastasis-free survival at 12 months.20th March 2026
New research suggests that tailoring treatment based on how patients respond to immunotherapy could improve outcomes in stage III melanoma. Patients with a strong response may safely avoid further surgery or treatment, while those with a poorer response may benefit from additional therapy.4th March 2026
A 2025 national survey found 64% of New Zealand adults were sunburnt last summer, especially young women, while public support for SunSmart programs remains strong, with over 85% backing increased prevention efforts and shaded public spaces.