Dissecting BCC Risk

Some genetic components of the risk for basal cell carcinoma have nothing to do with pigmentation.

We don't understand the molecular basis for susceptibility to basal cell carcinoma nearly as well as we understand the basis for susceptibility to cutaneous melanoma. Because sun exposure is the main risk factor for BCC, alleles associated with light pigmentation likely contribute to BCC risk. However, variants that do not directly influence pigment may ultimately provide the greatest insight into the pathogenesis of BCCs and other nonmelanoma skin cancers.

The authors of the deCODE study, who previously identified several BCC risk loci (see JW Dermatol Nov 7 2008), extended their analysis to 30 likely single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from a genome-wide association study. Genotyping an additional 903 Icelandic BCC cases and a case-cont…

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)