Nevi (moles) are important precursors and risk markers for melanoma. Current knowledge, derived largely from cross-sectional studies, indicates that adolescence is a critical period for the appearance and evolution f nevi. There is further compelling evidence that nevus phenotype is largely genetically determined with a significant modifying effect of sun exposure. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate specific genetic and environmental factors as risk factors for nevus development and growth in early adolescence. A secondary aim is to document the clinical and dermoscopic evolution of individual nevi in this age group. We will apply a combined cross-sectional and longitudinal study design to the cohort of all consenting 5th graders in the Framingham, Massachusetts school system (estimated n=735) to address three aims.
Aim #1 utilizes a cross-sectional study of the 5th grade students to test the hypothesis that germline melanocortin receptor (MC1 R) variants, intense childhood sun exposure, and lack of sun protection in childhood are associated with increased numbers of nevi and large nevi in early adolescence.
Aim #2 applies a longitudinal study design in the same student population followed through 8th grade to test the hypothesis that MC1R variants, ongoing intense sun exposure, and ongoing lack of sun protection are associated with increased numbers and increased size of nevi during adolescence.
Aim #3 utilizes digital photography and dermoscopy, a recently developed imaging technique, to document the clinical and subsurface appearance and evolution of common nevi in the cohort under study. We will use parent and child surveys conducted at baseline and repeated annually to ascertain sun sensitivity, childhood sun exposure and current sun exposure. We will conduct examinations of the skin of the back including high resolution overview photography and close up digital photography and digital dermoscopy of four index nevi at baseline (5th grade) and repeated in 8th grade to document pigmentary phenotype, the prevalence of nevi by size, the incidence of new and changed nevi, and the clinical and dermoscopic features of individual nevi. Mouthwash derived DNA collected at the baseline examination will be used for MC1R genotyping. The insights into nevus risk factors and evolution gleaned from this study will have significant implications for reduction of melanoma mortality through improved risk stratification and more informed prevention.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
1R01AR049342-01A1
Application #
6731015
Study Section
Epidemiology and Disease Control Subcommittee 2 (EDC)
Program Officer
Moshell, Alan N
Project Start
2003-09-26
Project End
2008-08-31
Budget Start
2003-09-26
Budget End
2004-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$604,934
Indirect Cost
Name
Sloan-Kettering Institute for Cancer Research
Department
Type
DUNS #
064931884
City
New York
State
NY
Country
United States
Zip Code
10065
Xu, Haoming; Marchetti, Michael A; Dusza, Stephen W et al. (2017) Factors in Early Adolescence Associated With a Mole-Prone Phenotype in Late Adolescence. JAMA Dermatol 153:990-998
Gordon, Mallorie; Rodríguez, Vivian M; Shuk, Elyse et al. (2016) Teen Daughters and Their Mothers in Conversation: Identifying Opportunities for Enhancing Awareness of Risky Tanning Behaviors. J Adolesc Health 58:579-81
Chung, E; Marchetti, M A; Scope, A et al. (2016) Towards three-dimensional temporal monitoring of naevi: a comparison of methodologies for assessing longitudinal changes in skin surface area around naevi. Br J Dermatol 175:1376-1378
Scope, Alon; Marchetti, Michael A; Marghoob, Ashfaq A et al. (2016) The study of nevi in children: Principles learned and implications for melanoma diagnosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 75:813-823
Fonseca, M; Marchetti, M A; Chung, E et al. (2015) Cross-sectional analysis of the dermoscopic patterns and structures of melanocytic naevi on the back and legs of adolescents. Br J Dermatol 173:1486-1493
Orlow, I; Satagopan, J M; Berwick, M et al. (2015) Genetic factors associated with naevus count and dermoscopic patterns: preliminary results from the Study of Nevi in Children (SONIC). Br J Dermatol 172:1081-9
Oliveria, Susan A; Selvam, Nandini; Mehregan, Darius et al. (2015) Biopsies of nevi in children and adolescents in the United States, 2009 through 2013. JAMA Dermatol 151:447-8
Satagopan, Jaya M; Oliveria, Susan A; Arora, Arshi et al. (2015) Sunburn, sun exposure, and sun sensitivity in the Study of Nevi in Children. Ann Epidemiol 25:839-43
Bajaj, Shirin; Dusza, Stephen W; Marchetti, Michael A et al. (2015) Growth-Curve Modeling of Nevi With a Peripheral Globular Pattern. JAMA Dermatol 151:1338-1345
Scope, Alon; Marghoob, Ashfaq A; Dusza, Stephen W et al. (2014) Change in dermoscopic pattern of naevi in children: a commentary. Acta Derm Venereol 94:120-2

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