The search for a chemoprevention agent effective against melanoma: considerations and challenges.

Studies examining the potential chemopreventive properties of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) against melanoma report widely varying results. The construction and interpretation of these studies are hampered by many factors, including limited knowledge of the pathogenesis of melanoma, leading to difficulties in determining the relevant factors in the administration of chemopreventive agents and difficulties in assessing long-term use of nonprescription medications. The study by Curiel-Lewandrowski et al. reported in this issue is an important contribution to the literature, but the final verdict regarding the chemopreventive properties of NSAIDs against melanoma is yet to come.