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Cancers
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Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology
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Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Cancer Epidemiology and Prevention".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2021) | Viewed by 33892

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Marianne Berwick

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Internal Medicine, University of New Mexico Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, 2073 Frontier Avenue, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
Interests: Melanoma; epidemiology; molecular epidemiology; Cancer prevention

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Melanoma is a complex immunogenic disease. Incidence is rising among developed countries, but mortality has begun to plateau and even decrease. The extent to which this is due to current immunotherapies is not yet clear, as the decrease became evident before the widespread use of these therapies. It is critical to clearly understand the biology of melanoma in order to curb its increase and to continue the decline in mortality. To assist ongoing research efforts, we present the most up-to-date information on prevention and the molecular epidemiology of melanoma.

Prof. Dr. Marianne Berwick
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Cancers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Melanoma Epidemiology
  • Molecular Epidemiology
  • Prevention
  • Melanoma Survival
  • Melanoma Etiology

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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11 pages, 547 KiB  
Article
Cumulative Sun Exposure and Melanoma in a Population-Based Case–Control Study: Does Sun Sensitivity Matter?
by Leslie K. Dennis
Cancers 2022, 14(4), 1008; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers14041008 - 16 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3934
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) has consistently been associated with intermittent sun exposure, while the association with chronic sun exposure is debated. The goal of this research was to examine the complex relationship between CM, sun sensitivity and sun exposure based on theoretical concepts of [...] Read more.
Cutaneous melanoma (CM) has consistently been associated with intermittent sun exposure, while the association with chronic sun exposure is debated. The goal of this research was to examine the complex relationship between CM, sun sensitivity and sun exposure based on theoretical concepts of how these factors may be associated. Detailed sun exposure histories across life periods and various measures of sun sensitivity were collected in a population-based case–control study of melanoma in Iowa, USA. Participants were asked about their hours of sun exposure per day between March and October each year over periods or decades of life to estimate cumulative lifetime hours of sun exposure. Increased odds ratios (ORs) for CM were seen for most standard measures of sun sensitivity except for the tendency to sunburn. Minimal associations were seen with total hours of sun exposure early in life. However, an interaction was seen between fair skin color and lifetime hours of sun exposure, where the strongest associations with CM were seen among medium-skinned and dark-skinned participants. This suggests that cumulative sun exposure at high levels may increase CM among non-sun-sensitive individuals typically at lower risk of CM. Such a finding has implications for the prevention effort for melanoma regarding time in the sun among darker-skinned individuals. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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19 pages, 4641 KiB  
Article
Slip versus Slop: A Head-to-Head Comparison of UV-Protective Clothing to Sunscreen
by Elizabeth G. Berry, Joshua Bezecny, Michael Acton, Taylor P. Sulmonetti, David M. Anderson, Haskell W. Beckham, Rebecca A. Durr, Takahiro Chiba, Jennifer Beem, Douglas E. Brash, Rajan Kulkarni, Pamela B. Cassidy and Sancy A. Leachman
Cancers 2022, 14(3), 542; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers14030542 - 21 Jan 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7343
Abstract
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer development. Although sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are essential tools to minimize UVR exposure, few studies have compared the two modalities head-to-head. This study evaluates the UV-protective capacity of four [...] Read more.
Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is the most important modifiable risk factor for skin cancer development. Although sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are essential tools to minimize UVR exposure, few studies have compared the two modalities head-to-head. This study evaluates the UV-protective capacity of four modern, sun-protective textiles and two broad-spectrum, organic sunscreens (SPF 30 and 50). Sun Protection Factor (SPF), Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF), Critical Wavelength (CW), and % UVA- and % UVB-blocking were measured for each fabric. UPF, CW, % UVA- and % UVB-blocking were measured for each sunscreen at 2 mg/cm2 (recommended areal density) and 1 mg/cm2 (simulating real-world consumer application). The four textiles provided superior UVR protection when compared to the two sunscreens tested. All fabrics blocked erythemogenic UVR better than the sunscreens, as measured by SPF, UPF, and % UVB-blocking. Each fabric was superior to the sunscreens in blocking full-spectrum UVR, as measured by CW and % UVA-blocking. Our data demonstrate the limitations of sunscreen and UV-protective clothing labeling and suggest the combination of SPF or UPF with % UVA-blocking may provide more suitable measures for broad-spectrum protection. While sunscreen remains an important photoprotective modality (especially for sites where clothing is impractical), these data suggest that clothing should be considered the cornerstone of UV protection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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21 pages, 4122 KiB  
Article
Shared Gene Expression and Immune Pathway Changes Associated with Progression from Nevi to Melanoma
by Elizabeth S. Borden, Anngela C. Adams, Kenneth H. Buetow, Melissa A. Wilson, Julie E. Bauman, Clara Curiel-Lewandrowski, H.-H. Sherry Chow, Bonnie J. LaFleur and Karen Taraszka Hastings
Cancers 2022, 14(1), 3; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers14010003 - 21 Dec 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3555
Abstract
There is a need to identify molecular biomarkers of melanoma progression to assist the development of chemoprevention strategies to lower melanoma incidence. Using datasets containing gene expression for dysplastic nevi and melanoma or melanoma arising in a nevus, we performed differential gene expression [...] Read more.
There is a need to identify molecular biomarkers of melanoma progression to assist the development of chemoprevention strategies to lower melanoma incidence. Using datasets containing gene expression for dysplastic nevi and melanoma or melanoma arising in a nevus, we performed differential gene expression analysis and regularized regression models to identify genes and pathways that were associated with progression from nevi to melanoma. A small number of genes distinguished nevi from melanoma. Differential expression of seven genes was identified between nevi and melanoma in three independent datasets. C1QB, CXCL9, CXCL10, DFNA5 (GSDME), FCGR1B, and PRAME were increased in melanoma, and SCGB1D2 was decreased in melanoma, compared to dysplastic nevi or nevi that progressed to melanoma. Further supporting an association with melanomagenesis, these genes demonstrated a linear change in expression from benign nevi to dysplastic nevi to radial growth phase melanoma to vertical growth phase melanoma. The genes associated with melanoma progression showed significant enrichment of multiple pathways related to the immune system. This study demonstrates (1) a novel application of bioinformatic approaches to aid clinical trials of melanoma chemoprevention and (2) the feasibility of determining a gene signature biomarker of melanomagenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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14 pages, 1630 KiB  
Article
Mutational Characterization of Cutaneous Melanoma Supports Divergent Pathways Model for Melanoma Development
by David Millán-Esteban, María Peña-Chilet, Zaida García-Casado, Esperanza Manrique-Silva, Celia Requena, José Bañuls, Jose Antonio López-Guerrero, Aranzazu Rodríguez-Hernández, Víctor Traves, Joaquín Dopazo, Amaya Virós, Rajiv Kumar and Eduardo Nagore
Cancers 2021, 13(20), 5219; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13205219 - 18 Oct 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2363
Abstract
According to the divergent pathway model, cutaneous melanoma comprises a nevogenic group with a propensity to melanocyte proliferation and another one associated with cumulative solar damage (CSD). While characterized clinically and epidemiologically, the differences in the molecular profiles between the groups have remained [...] Read more.
According to the divergent pathway model, cutaneous melanoma comprises a nevogenic group with a propensity to melanocyte proliferation and another one associated with cumulative solar damage (CSD). While characterized clinically and epidemiologically, the differences in the molecular profiles between the groups have remained primarily uninvestigated. This study has used a custom gene panel and bioinformatics tools to investigate the potential molecular differences in a thoroughly characterized cohort of 119 melanoma patients belonging to nevogenic and CSD groups. We found that the nevogenic melanomas had a restricted set of mutations, with the prominently mutated gene being BRAF. The CSD melanomas, in contrast, showed mutations in a diverse group of genes that included NF1, ROS1, GNA11, and RAC1. We thus provide evidence that nevogenic and CSD melanomas constitute different biological entities and highlight the need to explore new targeted therapies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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16 pages, 1237 KiB  
Article
Behavioral and Psychological Outcomes Associated with Skin Cancer Genetic Testing in Albuquerque Primary Care
by Jennifer L. Hay, Kimberly A. Kaphingst, David Buller, Elizabeth Schofield, Kirsten Meyer White, Andrew Sussman, Dolores Guest, Yvonne T. Dailey, Erika Robers, Matthew R. Schwartz, Yuelin Li, Keith Hunley and Marianne Berwick
Cancers 2021, 13(16), 4053; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13164053 - 12 Aug 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2749
Abstract
Public availability of genetic information is increasing; thus, efforts to improve diversity in basic and translational research in genomics is a top priority. Given the increasing U.S. incidence and mortality of melanoma, and the prevalence of common melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene melanoma [...] Read more.
Public availability of genetic information is increasing; thus, efforts to improve diversity in basic and translational research in genomics is a top priority. Given the increasing U.S. incidence and mortality of melanoma, and the prevalence of common melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) gene melanoma risk variants in the general population, we examined genomic testing of MC1R for skin cancer risk in a randomized controlled trial in Albuquerque, New Mexico primary care. Participants were 48% Hispanic and were randomized 5:1 to a MC1R test invitation or usual care. We assessed 3 month sun protection, skin cancer screening, and skin cancer worry outcomes associated with testing, and key effect moderators (e.g., cancer risk perceptions, and skin cancer risk factors). Our findings indicate that the primary outcomes were unchanged by the MC1R test offer, test acceptance, and level of risk feedback. Moderator analyses showed that those with lower risk perception, and those with skin that readily tans, significantly increased their sun protection in response to higher than average risk feedback. Risk feedback did not prompt cancer worry, and average risk feedback did not erode existing sun protection. This study paves the way for the development of tailored strategies to address low skin cancer risk awareness in this understudied context of public health genomics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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11 pages, 1876 KiB  
Article
Age and Cohort Trends of Malignant Melanoma in the United States
by Stephanie G. Lashway, Robin B. Harris, Leslie V. Farland, Mary Kay O’Rourke and Leslie K. Dennis
Cancers 2021, 13(15), 3866; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13153866 - 31 Jul 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2759
Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma in the United States is increasing, possibly due to changes in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure due to lifestyle or increased awareness and diagnosis of melanoma. To determine if more recent birth cohorts experience higher rates of melanoma as [...] Read more.
The incidence of malignant melanoma in the United States is increasing, possibly due to changes in ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure due to lifestyle or increased awareness and diagnosis of melanoma. To determine if more recent birth cohorts experience higher rates of melanoma as they age, we examined age and birth cohort trends in the United States stratified by anatomic site and cancer type (in situ vs. malignant) of the melanoma diagnosed from 1975–2017. Poisson regression of cutaneous melanoma cases per population for 1975–2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) cancer registries was used to estimate age adjusted incidence for five-year birth cohorts restricted to Whites, ages 15–84. The rate of melanoma incidence across birth cohorts varies by anatomic site and sex. Melanomas at all anatomic sites continue to increase, except for head and neck melanomas in men. Much of the increase in malignant melanoma is driven by cases of thin (<1.5 mm) lesions. While increased skin exams may contribute to the increased incidence of in situ and thin melanoma observed across birth cohorts, the shifts in anatomic site of highest melanoma incidence across birth cohorts suggest changes in UVR exposure may also play a role. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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15 pages, 780 KiB  
Article
A Randomized Trial of Precision Prevention Materials to Improve Primary and Secondary Melanoma Prevention Activities among Individuals with Limited Melanoma Risk Phenotypes
by John Charles A. Lacson, Scarlet H. Doyle, Lu Qian, Jocelyn Del Rio, Stephanie M. Forgas, Stella Valavanis, Rodrigo Carvajal, Guillermo Gonzalez-Calderon, Youngchul Kim, Richard G. Roetzheim, Steven K. Sutton, Susan T. Vadaparampil and Peter A. Kanetsky
Cancers 2021, 13(13), 3143; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13133143 - 23 Jun 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2533
Abstract
Inherited variation at MC1R is associated with elevated melanoma risk among non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). MC1R genetic testing may unmask previously unrecognized disease risk, especially among individuals with few melanoma phenotypic risk factors. We recruited NHW individuals with limited phenotypic risk factors from two [...] Read more.
Inherited variation at MC1R is associated with elevated melanoma risk among non-Hispanic whites (NHWs). MC1R genetic testing may unmask previously unrecognized disease risk, especially among individuals with few melanoma phenotypic risk factors. We recruited NHW individuals with limited phenotypic risk factors from two primary care clinics in west-central Florida. Participants (n = 1134) were randomized within MC1R genotype risk group (average/higher) to receive mailed precision prevention (i.e., intervention) or generic prevention materials. Participants reported hours of weekday and weekend sun exposure, frequency of intentional outdoor tanning and sun protection behaviors, number of sunburns, indoor tanning episodes, and skin examinations at baseline, and after 6 and 12 months. Among MC1R higher-risk participants, the intervention increased the likelihood of often or always wearing a shirt with sleeves (OR = 1.49, p = 0.03) and seeking shade or using an umbrella (OR = 1.42, p = 0.046), and it decreased the number of sunburns among their young children (β = −0.13, p = 0.03). Intervention effects were not noted among MC1R average-risk participants. Moderation analyses identified intervention effects within subgroups in average-risk and higher-risk participants. Precision prevention information conveying MC1R testing results can increase the practice of some sun protection behaviors among at-risk individuals with limited melanoma risk phenotypes and may provide a cross-generational tool to counteract increasing incidence of melanoma. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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Review

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27 pages, 413 KiB  
Review
Etiologies of Melanoma Development and Prevention Measures: A Review of the Current Evidence
by Amir Reza Djavid, Connor Stonesifer, Benjamin T. Fullerton, Samuel W. Wang, Marlene A. Tartaro, Bradley D. Kwinta, Joseph M. Grimes, Larisa J. Geskin and Yvonne M. Saenger
Cancers 2021, 13(19), 4914; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13194914 - 30 Sep 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4063
Abstract
(1) Melanoma is the most aggressive dermatologic malignancy, with an estimated 106,110 new cases to be diagnosed in 2021. The annual incidence rates continue to climb, which underscores the critical importance of improving the methods to prevent this disease. The interventions to assist [...] Read more.
(1) Melanoma is the most aggressive dermatologic malignancy, with an estimated 106,110 new cases to be diagnosed in 2021. The annual incidence rates continue to climb, which underscores the critical importance of improving the methods to prevent this disease. The interventions to assist with melanoma prevention vary and typically include measures such as UV avoidance and the use of protective clothing, sunscreen, and other chemopreventive agents. However, the evidence is mixed surrounding the use of these and other interventions. This review discusses the heritable etiologies underlying melanoma development before delving into the data surrounding the preventive methods highlighted above. (2) A comprehensive literature review was performed to identify the clinical trials, observational studies, and meta-analyses pertinent to melanoma prevention and incidence. Online resources were queried to identify epidemiologic and clinical trial information. (3) Evidence exists to support population-wide screening programs, the proper use of sunscreen, and community-targeted measures in the prevention of melanoma. Clinical evidence for the majority of the proposed preventive chemotherapeutics is presently minimal but continues to evolve. (4) Further study of these chemotherapeutics, as well as improvement of techniques in artificial intelligence and imaging techniques for melanoma screening, is warranted for continued improvement of melanoma prevention. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
18 pages, 343 KiB  
Review
Photosensitizing Medications and Skin Cancer: A Comprehensive Review
by Elisabeth A. George, Navya Baranwal, Jae H. Kang, Abrar A. Qureshi, Aaron M. Drucker and Eunyoung Cho
Cancers 2021, 13(10), 2344; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/cancers13102344 - 12 May 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3235
Abstract
(1) The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the United States (US) despite scientific advances in our understanding of skin cancer risk factors and treatments. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that suggests that certain photosensitizing medications (PSMs) increase [...] Read more.
(1) The incidence of skin cancer is increasing in the United States (US) despite scientific advances in our understanding of skin cancer risk factors and treatments. In vitro and in vivo studies have provided evidence that suggests that certain photosensitizing medications (PSMs) increase skin cancer risk. This review summarizes current epidemiological evidence on the association between common PSMs and skin cancer. (2) A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify meta-analyses, observational studies and clinical trials that report on skin cancer events in PSM users. The associated risks of keratinocyte carcinoma (squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma) and melanoma are summarized, for each PSM. (3) There are extensive reports on antihypertensives and statins relative to other PSMs, with positive and null findings, respectively. Fewer studies have explored amiodarone, metformin, antimicrobials and vemurafenib. No studies report on the individual skin cancer risks in glyburide, naproxen, piroxicam, chlorpromazine, thioridazine and nalidixic acid users. (4) The research gaps in understanding the relationship between PSMs and skin cancer outlined in this review should be prioritized because the US population is aging. Thus the number of patients prescribed PSMs is likely to continue to rise. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Melanoma: Prevention and Molecular Epidemiology)
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