Specific Genetic Risk Factors for Basal Cell Carcinoma

Some genetic factors were specific risks for BCC and not for cutaneous melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma.

Cutaneous basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is arguably the most common cancer in people of European ancestry. It is often linked to cutaneous melanoma (CM), with which it shares such risk factors as fair complexion and sun exposure. A short but important report from an Icelandic genetics laboratory identified other genetic risk factors specific to BCC yet distinct from CM.

The researchers performed a genome-wide association study in 930 Icelanders with histopathologically confirmed BCC and 33,117 Icelanders without BCC (controls). After analyzing 304,083 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the investigators identified and ranked 4 candidate SNPs according to their association with BCC risk. The strongest associations were found on the G allele…

Reviewing Author

Hensin Tsao, MD, PhD

Disclosures

Consultant / advisory board Lubax; WorldCare Clinical

EquityLubax

Grant / Research support NIH; Department of Defense; American Skin Association; Piramal

Editorial boardsBritish Journal of Dermatology; Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology; Journal of Investigative Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Chair, Skin Cancer and Melanoma Committee); American Board of Dermatology (Director)