Chemoprevention in Skin Cancer Medicine

Chemoprevention is the use of natural or pharmacologic agents to prevent or reverse skin cancer genesis to target ultraviolet radiation-induced tumorigenesis. Indications include excessive ultraviolet exposure, history of multiple or metastatic non-melanoma skin cancers, immunosuppression, genetic syndromes or other exposures (e.g. PUVA, radiation, arsenic, trauma, burns). Acitretin and nicotinamide are commonly used systemic agents for chemoprevention. Other options include 5-fluorouracil, photodynamic therapy, imiquimod, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), difluoromethylornithine (DFMO), and polyphenolic antioxidants