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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Pharmacologic Induction of Epidermal Melanin and Protection Against Sunburn in a Humanized Mouse Model
Published on: September 7, 2013
Cutaneous pigmented melanocytic tumor in a mouse treated with psoralen plus ultraviolet A radiation
J Alcalay1, C Bucana, M L Kripke
1Department of Immunology, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Abstract:
A pigmented melanocytic tumor was induced on the treated site of a C3H/HeN female mouse given repeated topical applications of 8-methoxy-psoralen and subsequent exposures to ultraviolet A radiation (PUVA) over a 7-month period. The tumor invaded the subcutaneous tissue and muscle but produced no distant metastases. To our knowledge, this is the first report suggesting a direct relationship between PUVA treatment and the induction of cutaneous melanocytic tumor in mice.

