Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) continues to rise in the United States. While sun protection and full body skin examinations remain the mainstay of preventative care, chemoprevention of the deadly disease has become an increasingly popular field of study. In this focused review, we discuss current findings and analyze the risks and benefits of various agents investigated for the primary and secondary chemoprevention of MM. Such agents include topical retinoids, vitamins, and supplements, Polypodium leucotomas extracts, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), statins, sunscreens, and field therapy with topical imiquimod for primary and secondary chemoprevention. We further identify a need for expanded high quality human research on the topic.
MeSH terms
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Adjuvants, Immunologic / administration & dosage
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Adjuvants, Immunologic / adverse effects
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Adjuvants, Immunologic / therapeutic use*
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / adverse effects
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use*
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Chemoprevention / methods*
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Clinical Studies as Topic
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Humans
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / administration & dosage
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / adverse effects
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
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Incidence
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Melanoma / drug therapy*
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Melanoma / epidemiology
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Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
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Micronutrients / administration & dosage
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Micronutrients / adverse effects
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Micronutrients / therapeutic use*
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Plant Extracts / administration & dosage
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Plant Extracts / adverse effects
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Plant Extracts / therapeutic use
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Polypodium / chemistry
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Skin Neoplasms
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Sunscreening Agents / therapeutic use
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Treatment Outcome
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United States / epidemiology
Substances
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Adjuvants, Immunologic
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Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
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Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors
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Micronutrients
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Plant Extracts
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Sunscreening Agents