Chemoprevention in skin cancer medicine

Chemoprevention in Skin Cancer Medicine delves into the principles and applications of chemoprevention to combat skin cancer, providing evidence-based strategies and practical insights for healthcare professionals.

The course introduces the fundamentals of chemoprevention, which involves using agents to prevent, delay, or reduce the recurrence of cancer. Participants will explore:
- Types of Chemoprevention: Differentiating between primary, secondary, and tertiary chemoprevention, and their application in varying stages of cancer development.
- Mechanisms of Action: Insights into blocking and suppressing agents that inhibit carcinogen uptake, induce cell apoptosis, or reduce cell proliferation.
- Agents in Focus:
- Sunscreens: Their role as topical blocking agents and an analysis of evidence on their efficacy in preventing melanoma and actinic keratosis.
- Retinoids: Evaluating the effectiveness of topical and systemic retinoids in reducing keratinocytic cancers.
- Nicotinamide: Promising results in reducing actinic keratosis and squamous cell carcinoma, supported by recent phase III clinical trials.
- NSAIDs and Statins: Examining their potential roles and limitations in skin cancer prevention based on current studies.
- Dermoscopic Insights: Understanding precancerous lesions such as actinic keratosis and their progression to invasive carcinomas, aided by clinical and dermoscopic imagery.
- Population-Specific Approaches: Strategies tailored for high-risk groups, such as individuals with genetic predispositions or extensive UV exposure.

This unit empowers practitioners with actionable knowledge to recommend and implement chemopreventive measures effectively. Through expert-led insights and interactive case discussions, participants will develop the skills needed to integrate chemoprevention into clinical practice, enhancing early intervention and reducing the burden of skin cancer.