Depiction of the of increase in melanoma incidence and mortality.
From: Douglas Reintgen, MD, Program Leader, Cutaneous Oncology,
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute Associate Professor of Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida.

MELANOMA

Description: We are undertaking a case-control study that will directly address the complex, multifactorial etiology of melanoma that involves the interaction of genotypes and other risk factors. This study is addressing a number of specific hypotheses. First, we are evaluating whether candidate susceptibility genotypes at the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene are associated with melanoma in a case-control analysis. Second, we are evaluating whether genotypes at MC1R and other risk factors (e.g., dysplastic nevi, UV sun exposure, hair/eye color) interact in melanoma etiology, and whether knowledge of MC1R genotypes will improve our understanding of melanoma etiology once these other risk factors are known. Third, we are evaluating whether MC1R genotypes and other exposures distinguish individuals with dysplastic nevi who do and do not eventually develop invasive melanoma.

Collaborators:
The Pigmented Lesion Group (University of Pennsylvania)
M. Berwick, A. Halpern (Memorial Sloan-Kettering)
A. Goldstein, M.-T. Landi, M. Tucker (NCI)

Funding: Public Health Service Grants P01-CA75434, U01-CA83180



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