Melanoma
Patient Advocacy
for Chicago



Skin of Steel strives to provoke revolutionary change in how people and institutions respond to Melanoma, which is the world's fastest growing cancer. 

We are dedicated to making Chicago a destination for comprehensive Melanoma Awareness and Research.

This dedication is based on the research of valued institutions, such as the American Academy of Dermatology and the Mayo Clinic, which found that Melanoma patient survival is directly proportional to proximity of quality care. 

We are focused on:

        Awareness

  • Fostering positive and long lasting change in attitudes, behavior and habits relative to the sun

  • Maximizing skin cancer prevention and early detection practices for a variety of demographics

  • Securing the latest treatments for every patient with Melanoma

    Research

  • Fast tracking resources that develop comprehensive care for Melanoma patients, particularly in the Midwest

  • Supporting collaboration between medical research, industry and government for new lines of Melanoma research

  • Encouraging systemic and targeted therapy combinations that increase treatment sequence options, while cures continue to be sought

    * Skin of Steel is an IRS designated 501(c)(3)


Spotlight
on
Chicago Melanoma Research

Aug 20, 2010- Fishing for Melanoma:
                                      Dr. Pedram Gerami's Research


Although the clinical and pathologic diagnosis of some melanomas is clear-cut, there are many histopathologic simulators of melanoma that pose problems. Over-diagnosis of melanoma can lead to inappropriate therapy and psychologic burdens, whereas under-diagnosis can lead to inadequate treatment of a deadly cancer. We used existing data on DNA copy number alterations in melanoma to assemble panels of fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probes suitable for the analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue. Using FISH data from a training set of 301 tumors, we established a discriminatory algorithm and validated it on an independent set of 169 unequivocal nevi and melanomas as well as 27 cases with ambiguous pathology, for which we had long-term follow-up data. An algorithm-using signal counts from a combination of 4 probes targeting chromosome 6p25, 6 centromere, 6q23, and 11q13 provided the highest diagnostic discrimination. This algorithm correctly classified melanoma with 86.7% sensitivity and 95.4% specificity in the validation cohort. The test also correctly identified as melanoma all 6 of 6 cases with ambiguous pathology that later metastasized. There was a significant difference in the metastasis free survival between test-positive and negative cases with ambiguous pathology (P=0.003). Sufficient chromosomal alterations are present in melanoma that a limited panel of FISH probes can distinguish most melanomas from most nevi, providing useful diagnostic information in cases that cannot be classified reliably by current methods. As a diagnostic aid to traditional histologic evaluation, this assay can have significant clinical impact and improve classification of melanocytic neoplasms with conflicting morphologic criteria.

For more information contact:

Dr. Pedram Gerami

Assistant Professor of Dermatology

Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine

Chicago, IL

Pedram.Gerami@nmff.org

Dr. Gerami initiated the molecular diagnostics lab at Northwestern University, which is one of the few labs internationally using fluorescense in situ hybridization as a routine diagnostic tool in the evaluation of melanocytic neoplasms.



Melanoma / Skin Cancer news headlines provided courtesy of Medical News Today.







Skin of Steel: Skin Cancer Campaign

               
                                                                                                                                                                                     
          
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**Disclaimer: Skin of Steel is devoted to educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or substitute professional medical care. Information provided by SOS should not be used for diagnosing or treating a skin problem or disease. If you have or suspect you have a skin problem please consult with a dermatologist, or other qualified professional healthcare provider.