BACKGROUND: There is evidence from cohort studies for an inverse association between atopic dermatitis and asthma and cutaneous melanoma. However, these studies have been too heterogeneous and did not show statistically significant results. Also, this association has not been compared to traditional melanoma risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To test for associations between history of atopic disorders and melanoma life-time prevalence, and for associations between atopic disorders and melanoma prognosis. METHODS: Validated questionnaires from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children protocol on life-time prevalence of atopic disorders were sent to 280 patients with histopathologically confirmed melanoma. The control group consisted of their spouses. The skin phototype was also assessed using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-four melanoma patients and 169 controls responded to the questionnaire. The life-time prevalence of atopic dermatitis and hayfever was not different in melanoma patients (8.7 % vs. 8.2, p = 0.890 and 15.2 vs. 18.3 %, p = 0.432, respectively). Asthma was non-significantly lower in melanoma patients (3.8 vs. 8.2 %, p = 0.075). Atopic melanoma patients did not differ from non-atopic patients in terms of Breslow thickness, metastases and second melanomas. CONCLUSION: Atopic dermatitis is not a protective factor in cutaneous melanoma but a history of asthma may be.
BACKGROUND: There is evidence from cohort studies for an inverse association between atopic dermatitis and asthma and cutaneous melanoma. However, these studies have been too heterogeneous and did not show statistically significant results. Also, this association has not been compared to traditional melanoma risk factors. OBJECTIVES: To test for associations between history of atopic disorders and melanoma life-time prevalence, and for associations between atopic disorders and melanoma prognosis. METHODS: Validated questionnaires from the European Community Respiratory Health Survey and International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Children protocol on life-time prevalence of atopic disorders were sent to 280 patients with histopathologically confirmed melanoma. The control group consisted of their spouses. The skin phototype was also assessed using a validated questionnaire. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-four melanomapatients and 169 controls responded to the questionnaire. The life-time prevalence of atopic dermatitis and hayfever was not different in melanomapatients (8.7 % vs. 8.2, p = 0.890 and 15.2 vs. 18.3 %, p = 0.432, respectively). Asthma was non-significantly lower in melanomapatients (3.8 vs. 8.2 %, p = 0.075). Atopic melanomapatients did not differ from non-atopic patients in terms of Breslow thickness, metastases and second melanomas. CONCLUSION:Atopic dermatitis is not a protective factor in cutaneous melanoma but a history of asthma may be.
Authors: Alison Talbot-Smith; Lin Fritschi; Mark L Divitini; Dominic F J Mallon; Matthew W Knuiman Journal: Am J Epidemiol Date: 2003-04-01 Impact factor: 4.897
Authors: Leslie K Dennis; Marta J Vanbeek; Laura E Beane Freeman; Brian J Smith; Deborah V Dawson; Julie A Coughlin Journal: Ann Epidemiol Date: 2008-08 Impact factor: 3.797
Authors: Noelia A Massari; Melisa B Nicoud; Lorena Sambuco; Graciela P Cricco; Diego J Martinel Lamas; María V Herrero Ducloux; Horacio Blanco; Elena S Rivera; Vanina A Medina Journal: Oncotarget Date: 2017-04-18