A Chemopreventative Strategy to Intercept Melanomagenesis Associated with Red Hair/Pale Skin
Abstract
Among active-duty Service Members in the United States, melanoma is now the most commonly diagnosed cancer. Its incidence also appears to be rising, especially among younger men in the Air Force. Preventing the development of melanoma, rather than treating the cancer when it has developed, could save the lives of military and civilian populations alike. Unfortunately, there have been relatively few advances in preventing the risk of melanoma. Since harmful ultraviolet light (UV) exposure is the most established risk factor for melanoma, sunscreens have been advanced to reduce melanoma incidence. However, sunscreen must be applied before sun exposure since it cannot reduce the risk of melanoma after inadvertent UV exposure. In addition, the benefits of these agents are controversial, as early studies have demonstrated modest preventive effects of sunscreens on melanoma incidence. We have previously identified how melanomas arise even in the absence of ultraviolet radiation. We found that the pigment found in the skin of individuals with fair skin produces chemicals called reactive oxygen species. These chemicals modify DNA and proteins in melanoma pre-cursor cells, called melanocytes. The chemicals also activate specific pathways in melanocytes, well before they development into melanomas. Our laboratories have identified a compound that selectively kills cells exhibiting activation of these specific pathways but spares healthy cells. This proposal seeks to establish if this drug can interrupt the development of melanoma at early stages. These studies could establish the basis for the development of a new paradigm to block the development of melanoma. Such a treatment could be useful to improve the survival of a large population of civilians and military Service Members at risk of melanoma. We anticipate that our studies, if successful, could catalyze the clinically meaningful pharmaceutical development of drug candidates within 5 years.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 05, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2110981
Entities
People
- Rizwan Haq
Organizations
- Dana–Farber Cancer Institute
- United States Army