Ultraviolet Light Exposure and Immunosuppression in Cutaneous Melanoma
It is well established that ultraviolet radiation (UV) exposure is related to the
development of melanoma. There is also evidence that immune reactions are altered after UV
exposure in the skin (locally) and perhaps throughout the body (systemically). Additionally,
while the role of vitamin D and melanoma development has not been fully established, UV-B
exposure is essential for vitamin D production in the skin. Increased sun exposure is also
related to the presence of solar elastosis, which might protect (1) or improve survival from
melanoma. Thus, melanoma represents a unique model for studying UV exposure, the immune
system, and vitamin D. Malignant melanoma is an antigenic cancer; therefore, the role of UV
exposure-induced immunosuppression and vitamin D production in the recognition, destruction
and growth inhibition of cancerous melanocytes is worth further study.
To underscore the importance of this project, the Scientific Advisory Committee of the
Melanoma Research Foundation and the Steering Committee of the Society of Melanoma Research
have indicated a need to collect more human data on the host immune response mechanisms in
melanoma and also to focus on the skin as a whole microenvironment, moving away from only in
vitro experiments.
Observational
Observational Model: Case-Only, Time Perspective: Prospective
• Evaluate serum 25(OH)-vitamin D concentrations. • Detect the presence of solar elastosis and local immunosuppression in skin biopsy samples • Assess the role of the systemic humoral immune response
1 year
No
Montasur Shaheen, MD
Principal Investigator
University of New Mexico
United States: Institutional Review Board
INST 0815
NCT00996827
January 2009
August 2014
Name | Location |
---|---|
University of New Mexico | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131 |
Lovelace Women's Hospial | Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109 |