UNIVERSITY OF REGENSBURG, REGENSBURG, BAVARIA. The decrease in the ozone layer usually results to the increase of sunlight exposure. The damages to the DNA inside the cells lead to cancer. These genetic mutations build up over a person’s lifetime and they grow out of control resulting to a tumor. Melanoma is caused by damage from UV light from the sun. It is not a common type of skin cancer. However, it can be the most dangerous if not discovered early.

The discovery of novel peptide inhibitors or antibodies bind to the melanoma inhibitory activity protein and inhibit the growth of melanoma. This is a new invention in treating skin cancer or malignant melanoma.

Statistics show that there are about 160,000 new cases of melanoma worldwide. This kind of skin cancer is more prevalent in women than in men. It usually affects Caucasians worldwide. Malignant melanoma is associated with very aggressive local grown and early formation of metastases. Its early detection usually results to better treatment results. The survival of a patient is usually determined if the cancer is local or has spread to other tissues or organs.

The Regensburg scientists discovered a new treatment for melanoma. A protein called Melanoma Inhibitory Activity (MIA)promotes the invasion of healthy cells into healthy tissues. It also speeds up the formation of metastases. The scientists were able to identify several peptides that inhibit MIA protein activity and dynamically reduce the formation of metastases in the body. The inhibitors offer a significant treatment strategy or method in reducing and preventing the formation of metastases in malignant melanoma.

Melanoma is typically treated by surgically removing the tumor. If needed, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy is administered. The invention can greatly help in the prevention and treatment of malignant melanoma. It might not require the various therapies mentioned.