Marie-France Demierre1. 1. Skin Oncology Program, Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine, MA 02118, USA. mariefrance.demierre@bmc.org
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper aims to critically review the potential for a chemoprevention strategy in melanoma, and to discuss new data on candidate chemoprevention agents, as chemoprevention has been suggested as an unexplored approach in melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS: A strong scientific rationale, established long-term safety of candidate agents, and a systematic step-wise approach to chemoprevention agent development are all critical for melanoma chemoprevention research. Among potential agents, the lipid-lowering drugs, the statins, satisfy these prerequisites. SUMMARY: Chemoprevention of cutaneous melanoma can become a valid strategy complementing current prevention approaches, as long as these important prerequisites are taken into consideration.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper aims to critically review the potential for a chemoprevention strategy in melanoma, and to discuss new data on candidate chemoprevention agents, as chemoprevention has been suggested as an unexplored approach in melanoma. RECENT FINDINGS: A strong scientific rationale, established long-term safety of candidate agents, and a systematic step-wise approach to chemoprevention agent development are all critical for melanoma chemoprevention research. Among potential agents, the lipid-lowering drugs, the statins, satisfy these prerequisites. SUMMARY: Chemoprevention of cutaneous melanoma can become a valid strategy complementing current prevention approaches, as long as these important prerequisites are taken into consideration.