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Chemoprevention of melanoma: an unexplored strategy
Marie-France Demierre1, Larry Nathanson
1Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA. mariefrance.demierre@bmc.org
Abstract:
The incidence and mortality of melanoma has continued to increase steeply-faster than most other preventable cancers in the United States. Current sun protection strategies have yet to reduce this increased incidence and mortality. Chemoprevention, defined as the use of natural or synthetic agents to delay, reverse, suppress, or prevent premalignant molecular or histologic lesions from progressing to invasive cancer, has become an important area in cancer research. Melanoma, with its associated risk factors and its known precursors or premalignant lesions, should lend itself well to chemoprevention. Prerequisites for this research should include determination of the molecular mechanisms of ultraviolet (UV) melanomagenesis; use of animal models to test candidate prevention agents; use of molecular and histologic markers as surrogate end point markers; collection of epidemiological, basic science, or in vitro data on potential chemoprevention candidate drugs; and selection of a high-risk patient population in which to carry out clinical chemoprevention trials. Preliminary data available in all these areas are reviewed. Possible mechanisms and molecular targets for the chemoprevention of UV-induced melanoma are discussed. This recent information should stimulate research in the chemoprevention of melanoma.
Insights
Melanoma incidence and mortality are rising despite sun protection. Chemoprevention, using agents to prevent cancer development, offers a promising strategy for melanoma, requiring further research into UV-induced melanoma mechanisms and clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Preventive Medicine
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Melanoma incidence and mortality rates are increasing rapidly in the United States, outpacing many other preventable cancers.
- Current sun protection measures have proven insufficient in curbing the rise of melanoma.
- Chemoprevention, the use of agents to prevent cancer progression, is an emerging field in cancer research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current state of research for chemoprevention strategies targeting melanoma.
- To discuss potential molecular mechanisms and targets for preventing ultraviolet (UV)-induced melanoma.
- To outline the necessary prerequisites for advancing melanoma chemoprevention research, including animal models and clinical trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of preliminary data on UV melanomagenesis, candidate prevention agents, and surrogate markers.
- Discussion of molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets for UV-induced melanoma.
- Identification of prerequisites for clinical chemoprevention trials in high-risk populations.
Main Results:
- Preliminary data exist across key areas required for melanoma chemoprevention research.
- Specific molecular mechanisms and targets for UV-induced melanoma chemoprevention have been identified.
- The review highlights the feasibility and necessity of further research in this area.
Conclusions:
- Melanoma presents a viable target for chemoprevention due to its known risk factors and precursor lesions.
- Further research, including basic science, animal studies, and clinical trials, is crucial for developing effective melanoma chemoprevention strategies.
- The reviewed information should stimulate increased research efforts in the chemoprevention of melanoma.