Abstract
Isn't Skin Cancer Preventable?
Highlights
What are the implications for cancer chemoprevention in humans as reported in the negative study by Tangrea et al (7) in this issue of the Journal? Impeccably conducted, this multicenter, randomized clinical trial convincingly demonstrated that a low dose of isotretinoin did not decrease the appearance of new primary basal cell carcinomas in patients who had previously had two or more such malignancies and who had follow-up treatment for a mean duration of over 3 years
Using a similar study design, Greenberg et al (2) demonstrated that beta carotene at a low dose did not affect the natural history of skin cancer
The architecture of the normal skin of most lower mammalian animals and humans is very different and the histology of the skin cancers induced by chemical or UV light in lower animals is largely fibrosarcoma rather than the basal or squamous cell carcinoma typically seen in humans
Summary
What are the implications for cancer chemoprevention in humans as reported in the negative study by Tangrea et al (7) in this issue of the Journal? Conducted, this multicenter, randomized clinical trial convincingly demonstrated that a low dose of isotretinoin did not decrease the appearance of new primary basal cell carcinomas in patients who had previously had two or more such malignancies and who had follow-up treatment for a mean duration of over 3 years. Using a similar study design, Greenberg et al (2) demonstrated that beta carotene at a low dose did not affect the natural history of skin cancer.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
