title: Chemoprevention of melanoma: theoretical and practical considerations.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. mariefrance.demierre@bmc.org
authors.forename: Marie F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Demierre
authors.forename: Vernon K
authors.initials: VK
authors.lastname: Sondak
mesh_terms: D018890:Chemoprevention / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000517:prevention & control*