Melanoma (Cutaneous) : What are cytokines and how are they relevant to melanoma?

What are cytokines and how are they relevant to melanoma?

Cancel

Topic Tags:

Unorganized

Topic Tags:

Unorganized X

Done

Diseases:

Melanoma (Cutaneous)

Diseases:

Melanoma (Cutaneous)

Done

Expert Answers

KimMargolinMD (Physician - Oncology - Hematology/Oncology (Verified) ) - 08 / 06 / 2012

Cytokines are substances that mediate communication between cells, in particular those of the immune system that require very specific types of cytokine to function correctly. It is possible to administer large amounts of purified cytokines to patients with melanoma and to activate a large number of T- and related other lymphocytes that possess sufficient anti-melanoma activity to provide remission. Interferon is such a cytokine, although its activity is very modest in both advanced melanoma and in the adjuvant setting. Interleukin-2 is a cytokine approved for advanced melanoma that can provide remissions in about one-fifth of patients, some of which are longlasting and may be cures. Cytokines are also important for more complex therapies under investigation, such as T cells expanded outside of the body and then re-infused, followed by cytokines to stimulate the cells’ activity and numbers. Cytokines may also be important as part of cancer vaccines under investigation.

Join Now to ask a follow-up question or share your experience!
We'll help guide and support you through treatments.

Similar Questions

What are the different phenotypes for metastatic melanoma and how do they affect treatment?

Would you explain what melanoma epidemiology is and how it is used?

How is micrometastases detected in melanoma?

Aside from Her2, ER, PR, what other markers in breast cancer are known to be relevant? What are other biomarkers currently being researched?

How is uveal melanoma typically discovered?

Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.

Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.

Flag Content

Please explain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.

Cancel

Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.

Give a 'Thank you' to

Cancel

Add Answer

1) Question:

2) Background Info (optional): What context or background information is relevant to this request?

Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.

Thank you for sharing your question.

Our topic related experts will review the question and will either answer right away, find the right specialist, or save the question for the next relevant Q&A workshop. Responses will be sent to your email account as well as viewable at the following link on TalkAboutHealth:

We are finding other members now to join the chat.

Click here to start the chat.

Newsletters

Subscribe to our free updates for the latest news, best answers and featured experts!

Your Email:

Q&A Workshop Announcements
(Featured experts, answers, tips, & latest news.)

Q&A Workshop Summaries
(Answer summaries from our expert Q&A workshops.)

Best of TalkAboutHealth (weekly)
(The week's best answers, news & support.)

TalkAboutHealth Benefits
(Custom health, wellness & medical promotions from our partners including clinical trials, market research opportunities, & new programs.)

No Thanks View all Newsletters