Media.Player

Melanoma chemoprevention

Detailed Technology Description

None

*Abstract

BackgroundMelanoma incidence has been increasing rapidly over the past decades. Advanced melanoma is generally refractory to available therapies, and a significant portion will develop distant metastases even with early intervention. Thus, exploration of preventive strategies for melanoma is necessary.Chemoprevention may be one such approach, which has remained relatively unexplored for melanoma. While survival rates for melanoma are excellent when discovered early, the prognosis associated with more advanced disease remains for very poor, thus efforts are warranted to identfify means of primary melanoma prevention. Given the continually rising incidence of melanoma, the ineffectiveness of UV radiation protective strategies and the prevalence of genetic pre-disposing factors, chemoprevention serves as an attractive strategy for primary prevention of melanoma.Technology DescriptionSulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower among many others. Sulforaphane is renowned for its anti-cancer properties and is easily isolated from natural sources.John Kirkwood and colleagues have identified a dosing range and mechanism of action whereby sulforaphane (SFN) can act has a chemopreventative for individuals with apredisposition to melanoma. They have also identified a mechanism of action and possible biomarkers for the progression of atypical nevi to melanoma. Formulations, dosing, and methods of diagnosis and prevention and use are available for licensing.Applications* Prevent melanoma progression* Reduce progression of atypical nevi* Reduce appearance of melanoma precursor lesionsAdvantages* Prevents development of melanoma* Natural product with no toxicity or side effects* Delivered orally and is safe and well tolerated* Effectiveness not limited to patients with specific mutations (ie B-Raf)Stage of Development* Tumor xenograft data available* Phase I study underway in patients with large numbers of atypical neviUS Provisional Patent Application filed

*Principal Investigator

Name: Jan Beumer

Department: Pharm-Pharmaceutical Science

Name: John Kirkwood, Professor of Medicine & Vice-Chairman

Department: Med-Medicine

Name: Shivendra Singh

Department: Med-Pharmacology and Chemical Biology

Country/Region

USA