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Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for cutaneous melanoma: a literature review

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Abstract

Rising melanoma rates have spurred interest in preventive strategies. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly aspirin, show potential in reducing cancer risks. NSAIDs act on cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, impacting COX-2 associated with inflammation and cancer progression. This paper explores aspirin’s role in cutaneous melanoma prevention, elucidating its mechanisms and acknowledging varying literature outcomes. Rather than providing conclusive recommendations, the review emphasizes the influence of individual factors, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on aspirin’s complexities in melanoma prevention. A PubMed search using “Aspirin” AND “Cutaneous melanoma” yielded relevant English-language, peer-reviewed studies. Selection criteria focused exclusively on skin cancers, specifically cutaneous melanoma. Exclusions included studies covering various cancers, some non-dermatologic, and those not evaluating aspirin use independently but in conjunction with NSAIDs. The potential chemopreventive effects of aspirin and NSAIDs against melanoma have gained attention due to their association with a reduced risk of various cancers including gastric, colorectal, and breast. By inhibiting COX enzymes and the NF-κB pathway, these agents theoretically slow malignant cell activities, presenting a prospect for cancer prevention. Aspirin exhibits noteworthy effects, depleting growth-stimulating hormones, generating reactive oxygen species harmful to cancerous cells, and inhibiting COX-2 linked to cancer progression. Limited literature suggests survival benefits with aspirin use in stage II and III melanoma, possibly due to slowing disease progression, evident in smaller Breslow depths. Gender-specific responses to aspirin are notable, with some studies reporting a stronger chemopreventive correlation in females. It’s crucial to note that geographic disparities, demographic cohorts, and individual-specific factors are confounding variables that may contribute to conflicting findings regarding aspirin’s impact on melanoma. The association between aspirin use and melanoma risk is complex, with conflicting findings across diverse populations. Although it appears that more studies suggest a protective role for aspirin rather than not, evidence lacks consistency. Factors such as gender, geography, race, sun exposure, and health conditions play a role in sha** these varied outcomes, necessitating large-scale, prospective studies research and standardized parameters for more conclusive insights that may help guide tailored clinical strategies for melanoma prevention.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine, Kansas City, MO, USA

    Anika Pulumati

  2. Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA

    Yanci A. Algarin

  3. Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA

    Dana Jaalouk

  4. University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Sarah Kim

  5. Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Steven Latta

  6. Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA

    Anika Pulumati, Yanci A. Algarin, Dana Jaalouk & Keyvan Nouri

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Contributions

AP made substantial contributions to the design of the research paper, as well as analysis and interpretation of data. AP, YA, DJ, SK, and SL contributed to writing the manuscript and reviewing it to ensure emphasis of important educational content. KN reviewed and approved the final version to be published with his expertise.

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Correspondence to Anika Pulumati.

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Pulumati, A., Algarin, Y.A., Jaalouk, D. et al. Aspirin as a chemopreventive agent for cutaneous melanoma: a literature review. Arch Dermatol Res 316, 367 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-024-03056-3

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