Chemoprevention of melanoma: theoretical and practical considerations.
BACKGROUND
Chemoprevention refers to the use of agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent carcinogenic progression of cancer. The use of chemoprevention is an unexplored strategy in melanoma prevention.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the literature was undertaken regarding the important elements in evaluating chemoprevention as a strategy in melanoma.


RESULTS
Several considerations need to be addressed before a chemoprevention agent can be moved to a large randomized trial. Statins have both experimental and epidemiologic evidence to support their further development as candidate chemopreventive agents, but the evidence is insufficient to justify large-scale phase III studies. A strong scientific rationale, a systematic approach to chemoprevention agent development with rigorous chemoprevention designs, and careful selection of surrogate endpoint biomarkers are critical issues in developing a chemoprevention strategy.


CONCLUSIONS
Addressing these relevant considerations will allow for the development of chemoprevention in melanoma.
Demierre
Marie F
MF
Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. mariefrance.demierre@bmc.org
Sondak
Vernon K
VK
D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*