The Save Your Skin Foundation announces approval from the Canadian Health Minister of new drugs for skin cancer patients

The Save Your Skin Foundation commends Canada's approval of new drugs for patients suffering with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers

VANCOUVER, July 26, 2013 /CNW/ - The Save Your Skin Foundation applauds the Canadian Health Minister's approval this month of new drugs Erivedge (vismodegib) for basal cell carcinoma and Tafinlar (dabrafenib mesylate) and Mekinist (trametinib) for unresectable and metastatic melanoma. The new drugs were approved following the pCODR (pan- Canadian Oncology Drug Review) process where recommendations supporting funding across Canada were made.

Roche's Erivedge (vismodegib) is the first medicine approved for the treatment of adult patients with symptomatic metastatic basal cell carcinoma (BCC) or locally advanced BCC unsuitable for surgery or radiation therapy. Tafinlar (dabrafenib mesylate) and Mekinist (trametinib) is for patients with unresectable (melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery) or metastatic (melanoma which has spread to other parts of the body) melanoma. The drugs, released by GSK, are two different options for those with the BRAF V600 mutation.

After waiting years for a breakthrough in treatments for both melanoma and non-melanoma, it seems there is finally a steady stream of new drugs showing great promise for those suffering from these diseases. "There is an ongoing need for new treatment options for melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers," says Kathleen Barnard, Founder, Save Your Skin Foundation. "The recent announcements of these three new treatments provide patients and caregivers with new hope."

The Save Your Skin Foundation is hopeful for nation wide funding and availability of Erivedge (vismodegib), Tafinlar (dabrafenib mesylate) and Mekinist (trametinib) within the next few months, which would provide the latest advancements to cancer patients across Canada.

About Melanoma and Non-Melanoma in Canada
Every year, thousands of Canadians are diagnosed with melanoma, with the incidence of the disease increasing faster than that of any other cancer. Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) located in the skin. One in 74 men and 1 in 90 women are expected to develop melanoma during their lifetime; 1 in 284 men and 1 in 486 women will die of it. Melanoma is clearly visible on the skin, and 90 per cent of melanomas are caused by exposure to UV light, including tanning beds. Basal cell carcinoma is a slow-growing skin cancer that accounts for as many as 80 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers.

About the Save Your Skin Foundation
The Save Your Skin Foundation is a Canadian not-for-profit foundation. Through events and other initiatives, the Foundation focuses on: raising funds for education and awareness, providing emotional and financial support to those dealing with melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers, and on supporting the ongoing research and treatment of skin cancer - especially melanoma. The Save Your Skin Foundation is a member of the Coalition Priorité Cancer au Québec. For further information, visit saveyourskin.ca.

SOURCE Save Your Skin Foundation