Melanoma, a neoplasm of the pigment-producing cells in the epidermis, is the most deadly form of skin cancer owing to its aggressive nature and resistance to treatment. The number of new cases of melanoma diagnosed per year continues to rise, despite public health initiatives promoting sun avoidance and protection. Melanoma formation has been postulated to result from a multistep process. Investigation into multiple novel agents that block UV radiation, prevent activation of oncogenes and oxidative stress, exploit apoptosis, and boost the immune system, have been suggested as promising strategies for melanoma chemoprevention. As no agent has yet emerged as a clear choice for effective melanoma chemoprevention, advising patients to avoid excessive sun exposure remains the mainstay of melanoma prevention for those at high risk.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.