Ipilimumab (Yervoy) prolongs survival in advanced melanoma: Serious side effects and a hefty price tag may limit its use

摘要

Melanoma, a cancer originating in melanocytes, is the most deadly form of skin cancer and the sixth leading type of cancer in the U.S.1 According to the World Health Organization, approximately 53,000 people die of melanoma each year worldwide.2 In 2011, an estimated 70,230 adults were diagnosed with melanoma in the U.S., and 8,790 died of the disease. This may be an underestimation of new cases, however, as superficial and in situ melanomas treated in the outpatient setting usually are not reported.