Melanoma susceptibility genes

摘要

The major determinant of melanoma susceptibility is skin colour; it is most common in populations with skin that is sensitive to sunlight. The dramatic rise in melanoma incidence recorded in the last century within these populations seems to have occurred as a result of increased sun exposure while on holiday [1,2] and there is good evidence that resultant sunburn is aetiologic-ally related. The cutaneous phenotypes associated with susceptibility are therefore fair or red hair, pale skin, and freckles [3], which are genetically determined. The most potent phenotypic risk factor, however, is the presence of increased numbers of melanocytic naevi [4] and twin studies have suggested that the predominant determinant of this phenotype is also genetic [5-7]. Therefore, the data suggest that although the relatively recent behavioural change towards increasing holiday sun exposure has led to an increased melanoma incidence, genetic variation is the key determinant of melanoma susceptibility.