It is the first new drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration since 1998 to treat melanoma. Melanoma is one of the most dangerous and feared forms of skin cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, in 2010, there were about 68,130 new cases and 8,700 deaths for the disease.

The drug is designed to fight cancer by eliminating molecular breaks that prevent cells of the immune system from destroying tumors. You can search FDA tentatively approved drug list from various onlines sources.

This announcement should be good news especially for those who have previously received treatment for melanoma. But don't get too excited, in a drug study, patients taking Yervoy were on average four months more alive than patients who were using older drugs.

While this may be good news, the researchers also stated in their report that a small group of patients actually respond to treatment. The lack of a cure for melanoma highlights the importance of knowing how to reduce your risk of being diagnosed with the disease.

The Skin Cancer Foundation states that most mutations found in melanoma are caused by ultraviolet radiation. This means that when it comes to preventing melanoma, protecting yourself from overexposure to the sun is extremely valuable.

Early detection is another important factor that may reduce your risk of taking Yervoy for the treatment of melanoma. Seeing a dermatologist regularly for skin cancer screening can significantly reduce the risk of melanoma.