Chemoprevention refers to the use of agents to reverse, suppress, or prevent carcinogenic progression of cancer. The use of chemoprevention is an unexplored strategy in melanoma prevention.
Methods
A retrospective review of the literature was undertaken regarding the important elements in evaluating chemoprevention as a strategy in melanoma.
Results
Several considerations need to be addressed before a chemoprevention agent can be moved to a large randomized trial. Statins have both experimental and epidemiologic evidence to support their further development as candidate chemopreventive agents, but the evidence is insufficient to justify large-scale phase III studies. A strong scientific rationale, a systematic approach to chemoprevention agent development with rigorous chemoprevention designs, and careful selection of surrogate endpoint biomarkers are critical issues in developing a chemoprevention strategy.
Conclusions
Addressing these relevant considerations will allow for the development of chemoprevention in melanoma.
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