Cutaneous melanoma: pathogenesis and rationale for chemoprevention.
OBJECTIVE
To critically review aspects of melanoma pathogenesis that lend themselves to a chemoprevention strategy. To discuss potential candidate chemoprevention agents with an emphasis on the lipid lowering drugs, the statins, currently, the most promising agents.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the literature.


METHODS
Studies included those relevant to melanoma pathogenesis, to the scientific rationale of chemoprevention, and pertinent epidemiologic, pre-clinical, and clinical studies. The referenced study designs and methodologies varied.


METHODS
Data were extracted by two reviewers, and the main results are presented in a quantitative descriptive manner.


CONCLUSIONS
Melanoma is a preventable disease by altering behavior (sun exposure) among at-risk individuals. There is also considerable evidence to suggest that melanoma development may be prevented or delayed by drugs of sufficiently low toxicity to make clinical trials of chemoprevention feasible and potentially successful. Among potential candidate agents, statins have compelling data for long-term safety and sufficient pre-clinical and clinical evidence for efficacy to justify their evaluation in well-designed trials in high-risk individuals, incorporating intermediate biologic endpoints.
Demierre
Marie-France
MF
Department of Dermatology, Skin Oncology Program, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, 720 Harrison Ave-DOB 801A, Boston, MA 02118, USA. mariefrance.bemierre@bmc.org
Sondak
Vernon K
VK
D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008545:Melanoma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology
D019161:Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors