Memphis Dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel Discusses Melanoma on Ch. 3 "Live At 9" May 13

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - May 12, 2015 - PRLog -- Dr. Purvisha Patel, a leading Memphis dermatologist and MOHS skin cancer surgeon joins Marybeth Conley on WREG Channel 3's "Live At 9" show on Wednesday, May 13 to discuss an experimental treatment for melanoma which has been recommended for FDA approval in the United States.The treatment uses modified herpes viruses to help the body recognize and attack melanoma skin cancer cells. Dr. Patel is the founder of Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer Associates with offices in Germantown, TN and Olive Branch, MS.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer and melanoma is the most severe of all the skin cancers, developing in the skin cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

The treatment targets only the cancerous cells. The modified herpes simplex viruses are injected  directly into the melanoma. The modified virus product, described by the company as the first "oncolytic" immunotherapy, is destined for use in patients with "injectable regionally or distantly metastatic melanoma lesions." An oncolytic virus is a virus that preferentially infects and kills cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses are thought not only to cause direct destruction of the tumor cells, but also to stimulate anti-tumor immune responses.

Immunotherapy has been under study for years as an effective way to treat or even cure cancer. The biggest challenge is “teaching” the body that the cancer cells are foreign. Normally, melanoma cancer cells hiding in the body are not attacked by the patient’s immune system.

Dr. Patel will also share the most advanced conventional treatments for melanoma including MOHS skin surgery and will show viewers how to recognize signs of melanoma. For more information on skin cancer prevention, diagnosis and treatment visit Advanced Dermatology and Skin Cancer  Associates at www.advanceddermatologymemphis.com