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Advances in Experimental Medicine and... 2020Increasing scientific evidence supports the link between vitamin D and cancer risk. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D exerts its activity by binding to the vitamin D...
Increasing scientific evidence supports the link between vitamin D and cancer risk. The active metabolite 1,25(OH)2D exerts its activity by binding to the vitamin D receptor (VDR), an intracellular receptor that mediates transcriptional activation and repression of target genes. The binding of 1,25(OH)2D to VDR is able to regulate hundreds of different genes. VDR is active in virtually all tissues including the colon, breast, lung, ovary, bone, kidney, parathyroid gland, pancreatic b-cells, monocytes, T lymphocytes, melanocytes, keratinocytes, and also cancer cells.The relevance of VDR gene restriction fragment length polymorphisms for various types of cancer has been investigated by a great number of studies.We have carried out a systematic review of the literature to analyze the relevance of more VDR polymorphisms (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1, Apa1, and Cdx2) for individual malignancies considering ethnicity as a key factor for heterogeneity.Up to December 2018, we identified 176 independent studies with data to assess the risk of breast, prostate, colorectal, skin (melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer), lung, ovarian, kidney, bladder, gallbladder, esophageal, thyroid, head and neck, liver and pancreatic cancer, oral squamous cell carcinoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma and sarcoma.Significant associations with VDR polymorphisms have been reported for prostate (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1, Apa1, Cdx2), breast (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1, Apa1, CdX2), colorectal (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1, Apa1), and skin cancer (Fok1, Bsm1, Taq1). Very few studies reported risk estimates for the other cancer sites.Conflicting data have been reported for most malignancies, and at present, it is still not possible to make any definitive statements about the importance of the VDR genotype for cancer risk. It seems probable that other factors such as ethnicity, phenotype, 25(OH)D plasma levels, and UV radiation exposure play a role as confounding factors and introduce heterogeneity.To conclude, there is some indication that VDR polymorphisms may modulate the risk of some cancer sites and in future studies VDR genetic variation should be integrated also with assessment of vitamin D status and stratified by ethnicity.
Topics: Humans; Neoplasms; Polymorphism, Genetic; Receptors, Calcitriol; Vitamin D
PubMed: 32918214
DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-46227-7_4 -
BMC Cancer Oct 2023Previous studies reported inconsistent results regarding the association between keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) and exogenous hormone therapy. This study aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Previous studies reported inconsistent results regarding the association between keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) and exogenous hormone therapy. This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of exogenous sex hormones and the risk of KC among women. The databases of PubMed, Ovid Medline, Cochrane, and Web of Science were searched until May 2023. A total of 5293 patients with KC and 106,424 controls were included for analysis. The meta-analysis indicated that oral contraceptives (OC) and hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) use were associated with an increased risk of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) (OR/RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.43, I = 41.6%, p = 0.080). Subgroup analysis showed that OC use increased the risk of SCC (OR/RR = 1.37, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.63), whereas no significant association was shown between HRT use and risk of SCC (OR/RR = 1.13, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.37). Additionally, OC and HRT use were linked to an increased risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) (OR/RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.25, I = 30.1%, p = 0.188). Further subgroup analysis suggested both OC and HRT use were associated with an increased risk of BCC (OC: OR/RR = 1.13, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.25; HRT: OR/RR = 1.19, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.30). In conclusion, our findings support the hypothesis that the risk of KC among women may be affected by the use of exogenous hormones.
Topics: Humans; Female; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Contraceptives, Oral; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Gonadal Steroid Hormones; Keratinocytes; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 37803321
DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11459-0 -
The British Journal of Dermatology May 2024Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that most commonly occurs in ultraviolet-exposed body sites. The epidemiology of MCC in different...
BACKGROUND
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, aggressive skin cancer that most commonly occurs in ultraviolet-exposed body sites. The epidemiology of MCC in different geographies and populations is not well characterized.
OBJECTIVES
The objective of this systematic review is to summarize evidence on the incidence, mortality and survival rates of MCC from population-based studies.
METHODS
We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from database inception to 6 June 2023. No geographic, age or date exclusions were applied. We included population-based studies of MCC that reported the incidence, survival or mortality rate, and also considered systematic reviews. A data-charting form was created and validated to identify variables to extract. Two reviewers then independently charted the data for each included study with patient characteristics, and estimates of incidence rate, mortality rate, and survival rate and assessed the quality of included studies using the Joanna Briggs Institute Checklist for Prevalence studies, Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews. We abstracted age-, sex-, stage- and race-stratified outcomes, and synthesized comparisons between strata narratively and using vote counting. We assessed the certainty of evidence for those comparisons using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessments, Developments and Evaluations framework.
RESULTS
We identified 11 472 citations, of which 52 studies from 24 countries met our inclusion criteria. Stage I and the head and neck were the most frequently reported stage and location at diagnosis. The incidence of MCC is increasing over time (high certainty), with the highest reported incidences reported in southern hemisphere countries [Australia (2.5 per 100 000); New Zealand (0.96 per 100 000) (high certainty)]. Male patients generally had higher incidence rates compared with female patients (high certainty), although there were some variations over time periods. Survival rates varied, with lower survival and/or higher mortality associated with male sex (moderate certainty), higher stage at diagnosis (moderate-to-high certainty), older age (moderate certainty), and immunosuppression (low-to-moderate certainty).
CONCLUSIONS
MCC is increasing in incidence and may increase further given the ageing population of many countries. The prognosis of MCC is poor, particularly for male patients, those who are immunosuppressed, and patients diagnosed at higher stages or at an older age.
Topics: Carcinoma, Merkel Cell; Humans; Skin Neoplasms; Incidence; Survival Rate
PubMed: 37874770
DOI: 10.1093/bjd/ljad404 -
JAMA Dermatology May 2022Ultraviolet radiation exposure is an important modifiable risk factor for keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) in fair-skinned non-Hispanic White populations; however, the...
IMPORTANCE
Ultraviolet radiation exposure is an important modifiable risk factor for keratinocyte carcinoma (KC) in fair-skinned non-Hispanic White populations; however, the evidence for this relationship in darker-skinned populations is less certain.
OBJECTIVE
To assess and synthesize the published data concerning the association between UV exposure and the risk of KC in individuals with skin of color.
EVIDENCE REVIEW
PubMed, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases were searched from database origin through January 2022. Studies deemed eligible included UV exposure as a risk factor for KC in individuals with skin of color, defined as any race other than non-Hispanic White, Fitzpatrick skin types IV to VI, or tanning ability of rarely or never burns. The UV index, irradiance, latitude, history of phototherapy, history of sunburn, or occupational exposure were used as measures of exposure. The Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine guidelines were used to assess evidence quality.
FINDINGS
A total of 72 716 articles appeared in the search. After duplicate removal, 29 393 database records were screened, 454 full-text articles were assessed, a forward and reverse citation search was performed, and 12 articles, with clinical data spanning the years 1990 to 2019, met inclusion criteria. More than 32 970 KCs in individuals with skin of color were included. Eight studies found no association between UV exposure and KC, while 4 studies showed a positive association. Study types included 1 ecological study, 9 cohort studies, and 2 case-control studies. The quality of the studies was rated from moderate to low (2b to 4).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
Results of this systematic review show that the evidence assessing the association of UV exposure with KC is of moderate to low quality. The studies that found no association were among patients receiving phototherapy. Studies assessing nonphototherapy-related UV exposure, such as geographic location or occupation, found small positive associations in primarily East Asian individuals. There were no studies performed in the US, no studies among Black individuals, and only 1 study among a Hispanic population. Further research is required to better assess whether these associations exist across populations of patients with darker skin types.
Topics: Humans; Carcinoma; Keratinocytes; Sunburn; Ultraviolet Rays; Racial Groups
PubMed: 35319719
DOI: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2022.0263 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Mar 2015Skin lesions and cancer are known manifestations of chronic exposure to arsenic contaminated drinking water. Epidemiologic data primarily comes from regions with... (Review)
Review
Skin lesions and cancer are known manifestations of chronic exposure to arsenic contaminated drinking water. Epidemiologic data primarily comes from regions with exposures 1-2 orders of magnitude above the current World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines of 10 μg/L. Emerging evidence indicates that more common exposures may also be related to both noncancerous and cancerous changes to the skin. In this review, we focus on the body of epidemiologic literature that encompasses exposures within the WHO guidelines, excluding studies that lacked individual exposure estimates and case reports. For skin lesions and skin cancers, 15 and 10 studies were identified that met our criteria, respectively. For skin lesions, a consistent dose-response relationship with water arsenic has been observed, with increased risk evident at low- to moderate-dose exposure. Of the larger studies of specific histologic types of skin cancers, although with differing exposure definitions, there was evidence of dose-related relationships with both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas. The effect of arsenic exposure on skin lesion risk is likely modified by genetic variants that influence arsenic metabolism. Accumulating evidence suggests that arsenic may increase risk of skin lesions and skin cancers at levels not previously considered harmful, and that genetic factors may influence risk.
Topics: Arsenic; Arsenic Poisoning; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drinking Water; Environmental Exposure; Global Health; Humans; Male; Skin Diseases; Water Pollution, Chemical
PubMed: 26231242
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-014-0040-x -
Dermatology Research and Practice 2020Large epidemiological studies on patterns of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to gather... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Large epidemiological studies on patterns of skin diseases in Saudi Arabia are scarce. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to gather available epidemiologic data describing the pattern of skin diseases in different geographical areas in Saudi Arabia.
METHODS
A comprehensive literature search of articles was conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science through October 2019. We included all published cross-sectional studies that provided data on relevant incidence or prevalence of skin disease in Saudi Arabia. The risk of bias within the included cross-sectional studies was assessed using the Hoy tool for the prevalence studies. All statistical analysis was performed using the Comprehensive Meta-analysis software.
RESULTS
The present meta-analysis included 14 studies that reported the frequency of the skin disease patterns in different regions in Saudi Arabia with a total sample size of 30436 patients with an overall low risk of bias. The diseases of skin appendages and dermatitis were the most commonly reported skin diseases in Saudi Arabia (24.8% (95% CI, 24.3-25.3) and 24% (95% CI, 23.6%-24.6%), respectively). Skin infection represented about 18.5% (95% CI, 18.1%-19%), while the papulosquamous disorders represented 5.3% (95% CI, 5%-5.6%) of the skin diseases in Saudi Arabia. Skin cancers were pooled from only two studies. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were the most common malignant neoplasm in Saudi Arabia (51.4% and 22.5% of the malignant neoplasm, respectively), while malignant melanoma represents only 3.8% of the malignant skin cancer.
CONCLUSION
Adnexal disorders and dermatitis are the most common skin disease in Saudi Arabia, followed by skin infection and pigmentary disorders. While skin cancer is more frequent than other countries, awareness campaigns should be initiated to increase knowledge about the harmful effect of long-term sun exposure.
PubMed: 33193756
DOI: 10.1155/2020/5281957 -
The British Journal of Dermatology Sep 2017Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises mainly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The association between alcohol intake and NMSC... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) comprises mainly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The association between alcohol intake and NMSC has been inconclusive; therefore the objective of this study is to quantify the relationship between alcohol intake and NMSC using meta-analyses. A systematic literature search of PubMed and Embase was performed on 30 October 2016. Eligible articles were case-control or cohort studies that examined alcohol intake and risk of BCC or cSCC and reported relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Of the 307 articles identified, 13 case-control and cohort studies were included in the systematic review, including 95 241 NMSC cases (91 942 BCC and 3299 cSCC cases). A random-effects model was used to obtain summary RRs and 95% CIs for dose-response meta-analyses. For every 10-gram increase in ethanol intake per day, a positive association was found for both BCC (summary RR of 1·07; 95% CI 1·04-1·09) and cSCC (summary RR of 1·11; 95% CI 1·06-1·16). While there was evidence suggesting a nonlinear association for BCC, it may be due to the sparse data at higher alcohol intake levels. This meta-analysis found evidence that alcohol drinking is positively associated with both BCC and cSCC risk in a dose-dependent manner. These results should be interpreted with caution due to potential residual confounding. Nonetheless, because alcohol drinking is a prevalent and modifiable behaviour, it could serve as an important public health target to reduce the global health burden of NMSC.
Topics: Alcohol Drinking; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Female; Humans; Male; Risk Factors; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 28745396
DOI: 10.1111/bjd.15647 -
The Australasian Journal of Dermatology Nov 2015Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is the most common cancer occurring in people with fair skin.... (Review)
Review
Non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), is the most common cancer occurring in people with fair skin. Australia has been reported to have the highest incidence of NMSC in the world. Using a systematic search of the literature in EMBASE and Medline, we identified 21 studies that investigated the incidence or prevalence of NMSC in Australia. Studies published between 1948 and 2011 were identified and included in the analysis. There were six studies that were conducted on national level, two at state level and 13 at the regional level. Overall, the incidence of NMSC had steadily increased over calendar-years in Australia. The incidence of NMSC per 100,000 person-years was estimated to be 555 in 1985; 977 in 1990; 1109 in 1995; 1170 in 2002 and 2448 in 2011. The incidence was higher for men than women and higher for BCC than SCC. Incidence varied across the states of Australia, with the highest in Queensland. The prevalence of NMSC was estimated to be 2% in Australia in 2002. The incidence and prevalence of NMSC still need to be accurately established at both national and state levels to determine the costs and burden of the disease on the public health system in Australia.
Topics: Australia; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell; Humans; Incidence; Prevalence; Skin Neoplasms
PubMed: 25716064
DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12282 -
Archives of Dermatological Research Oct 2023Basal cell carcinosarcoma (BCCS) is a rare malignant biphasic tumor of the skin, composed of epithelial and mesenchymal components, and may be underdiagnosed. We sought... (Review)
Review
Basal cell carcinosarcoma (BCCS) is a rare malignant biphasic tumor of the skin, composed of epithelial and mesenchymal components, and may be underdiagnosed. We sought to summarize the current understanding of BCCS including its reported history, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment. We also reappraise and present our recommendations of histological interpretation for its diagnosis and treatment. A systematic review of PubMed and EMBASE, from inception of databases to December 1, 2022, identified all reported cases of basal cell carcinosarcoma. A total of 34 reports containing 54 patients with basal cell carcinosarcoma were included. The neoplasm was most commonly associated in areas of sun-exposed skin and primarily affected the elderly. Diagnosis was made on histology specimens using H&E. To address underdiagnosis, additional immunohistochemical markers have been proposed due to unreliable phenotypic appearance in this poorly differentiated neoplasm. Treatment consists of excision of the tumor, typically with Mohs surgery, and is curative in most cases. There are limited treatment options for metastatic disease. There were limitations to this study as various immunohistochemical stains used on suspected BCCS without providing an explanation as to why certain markers were included and others were excluded. Continued efforts in characterizing this complex neoplasm are critical in establishing reliable and accurate diagnostic tests and accompanying treatment options, especially in cases of metastatic disease.
Topics: Humans; Aged; Skin Neoplasms; Mohs Surgery; Carcinoma, Basal Cell; Skin; Carcinosarcoma
PubMed: 36790451
DOI: 10.1007/s00403-023-02551-3 -
Critical Reviews in Oncology/hematology Aug 2022Apigenin is being increasingly recognized as a cancer chemopreventive agent. We aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of Apigenin in in-vivo studies to know its... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Apigenin is being increasingly recognized as a cancer chemopreventive agent. We aimed to investigate the anticancer effects of Apigenin in in-vivo studies to know its present research status and how close or how far it is from the clinics.
METHODS
Several electronic databases such as PubMed, Springer, Cochrane, and ctri.gov.in were searched to fetch the relevant articles. We focused only on published animal studies that reported the anticancer effects of Apigenin against various cancers. Two reviewers independently assessed the risk of bias for each analysis, and the conflicting views were resolved later by consensus.
RESULTS
A total of 25 studies focused on the anticancer effects of Apigenin on various cancer types, including liver, prostate, pancreatic, lung, nasopharyngeal, skin, colon, colorectal, colitis-associated carcinoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, leukemia, renal cell carcinoma, Ehrlich ascites carcinoma, and breast cancer were included. Overall, Apigenin reduces tumor volume (SMD=-3.597, 95% CI: -4.502 to -2.691, p < 0.001), tumor-weight (SMD=-2.213, 95% CI: -2.897 to -1.529, p < 0.001), tumor number (SMD=-1.081, 95% CI: -1.599 to -0.563, p < 0.001) and tumor load (SMD=-1.556, 95% CI: -2.336 to -0.776, p < 0.001). Further, it has no significant effect on the animal's body-weight (SMD=-0.345, 95% CI: -0.832 to 0.143, p = 0.165). Apigenin exerts anti-tumor effects mainly by inducing apoptosis/cell-cycle arrest.
CONCLUSIONS
Our analysis suggests that Apigenin has potential anticancer effects against various cancers. However, the poor symmetry of the funnel plot suggested publication bias. Thus, it warrants further research to evaluate the potential of Apigenin alone or as an adjuvant for cancer treatment.
Topics: Animals; Apigenin; Breast Neoplasms; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Humans; Male; Models, Animal; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
PubMed: 35752426
DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2022.103751