In recent years, considerable progress has been made in understanding the origins and clinical management of large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN). New results from genetics, cell biology, epidemiology, and therapeutic research are flanked by enormous efforts made by patient initiatives around the world, spearheaded by groups in the U.S. and European countries. There is enormous potential for synergy between all of these players. The 2011 International Expert Meeting in T?bingen, Germany enabled the exchange of the most up-to-date, sometimes unpublished information from basic biology and clinical medicine among outstanding researchers in the field. This 2013 International Expert Meeting in Marseille, France will foster and enable the coordination of novel, interdisciplinary and international collaborations among participants. The leadership of major U.S. and European LCMN advocacy groups will attend the conference, to further refine the international initiatives established in 2011. These outcomes will continue making important contributions to the improvement of diagnosis and treatment for patients with this disfiguring and potentially life-threatening disease.

Public Health Relevance

Public Health Relevance Large CMN, depending on size, occur in 1:20.000 to 1:500.000 live births. Affected patients and their families are confronted with the risk of malignant degeneration and with considerable psychosocial problems due the cosmetic disfigurement. From a scientific point of view, the condition bears important implications as a biological model for the genetics and pathobiology of pigment cell diseases, most importantly malignant melanoma.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Conference (R13)
Project #
1R13AR065376-01
Application #
8597737
Study Section
Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases Special Grants Review Committee (AMS)
Program Officer
Tseng, Hung H
Project Start
2013-09-01
Project End
2014-08-31
Budget Start
2013-09-01
Budget End
2014-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2013
Total Cost
$30,000
Indirect Cost
Name
Nevus Outreach, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
054847020
City
Bartlesville
State
OK
Country
United States
Zip Code
74003
Chen, Lucy L; Jaimes, Natalia; Barker, Christopher A et al. (2013) Desmoplastic melanoma: a review. J Am Acad Dermatol 68:825-33