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Chemoprevention of Keratinocyte Carcinomas: An Updated Review

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Abstract

A well-established link between ultraviolet exposure and the carcinogenesis of keratinocyte carcinomas exists. Despite increased sun protection efforts, skin cancer remains the most common cancer in the USA. Numerous studies on the topic of chemoprevention investigate alternative topical, oral, and injectable agents to reduce skin cancer incidence in those at risk. Such agents include sunscreen, numerous vitamins and minerals, difluoromethylornithine, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, various peptides, field therapy, statins, and polyphenols. In this focused review, we discuss the risks and benefits of chemoprotective agents reported in clinical studies conducted in humans. We report several agents that may reduce skin cancer incidence in those at risk.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Stony Brook University School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY, USA

    Jessica Mounessa

  2. Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado Hospital, Aurora, CO, USA

    Jessica Mounessa, Cory A. Dunnick & Robert P. Dellavalle

  3. Duke University School of Medicine, 8 Duke University Medical Center Greenspace, Durham, NC, USA

    Rosie Qin

  4. Department of Dermatology, Denver VA Medical Center, 1055 Clermont St. #165, Denver, CO, 80220, USA

    Cory A. Dunnick & Robert P. Dellavalle

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  1. Jessica Mounessa
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Correspondence to Robert P. Dellavalle.

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Jessica Mounessa, Rosie Qin, Cory A. Dunnick, and Robert P. Dellavalle have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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Mounessa, J., Qin, R., Dunnick, C.A. et al. Chemoprevention of Keratinocyte Carcinomas: An Updated Review. Am J Clin Dermatol 17, 475–484 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-016-0208-2

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