Preventative Options and the Future of Chemoprevention for Cutaneous Tumors

Chemoprophylaxis against nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) should be considered in high-risk populations such as those with certain genetic disorders, immunosuppressive states, chronic radiation, excessive UV exposure, or extensive personal or family history of NMSC. The methods for chemoprevention have progressed beyond traditional sunscreen into more effective strategies including DNA repair enzymes, nicotinamide, systemic retinoids, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Other therapies are still being investigated and include treatments that target premalignant lesions, capecitabine, hedgehog inhibitors, difluoromethylornithine, metformin, and nutritional factors.