Chemical Peels May Prevent Skin Cancers

Tumor formation was delayed and reduced in mice treated with chemical peeling agents after exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Chemical peels are popular procedures for the rejuvenation of photoaged skin. They improve skin texture and improve dyspigmentation by controlled injury to the epidermis and dermis. Because this procedure is used on skin with a heightened risk for neoplastic transformation, its effect on nonmelanoma skin cancer formation comes into question. On the one hand, chemical peels improve photodamage and might therefore be expected to inhibit ultraviolet (UV) radiation–induced skin cancers. However, peels also cause inflammation, which has been shown to enhance tumor development.

To investigate the influence of chemical peels on UV-induced tumors, investigators exposed hairless mice to UV radiation three times a week for 10 weeks. Thereafter, the mi…

Reviewing Author

Craig A. Elmets, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory board Astellas Pharmaceuticals

EquityVaxin

Grant / Research support NIH; NIH/NCI; Veteran’s Administration; Ferndale Laboratories; Kyowa Hakko Kirin Pharma, Inc.

Editorial boards Cancer Prevention Research; Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, & Photomedicine; UpToDate; eMedicine; Journal of Dermatological Sciences; JAMA Dermatology

Leadership positions in professional societies American Academy of Dermatology (Vice Chair, Committee on Science and Research); Photomedicine Society (Board of Directors)