Grant Number:	5R01CA066032-04 Interpret this number
Primary Investigator:	Titus-Ernstoff, Linda
Organization:	Dartmouth College
Project Title:	Atypical Nevi in Melanoma-a Case-Control Study
Fiscal Year:	1999

Despite substantial interest in atypical nevi as melanoma risk factors and precursors, little is known about risk factors for these lesions, or their role in melanoma etiology. Previous case-control studies that have assessed atypical nevi as melanoma risk factors were small and/or clinic based. Similarly, only a few small, clinic-based studies have examined risk factors for atypical nevi. Our primary aims are to 1) conduct a large, population-based, case-control study of nonfamilial melanoma to evaluate atypical nevi, benign nevi, sun sensitivity, and solar exposure as risk factors, and 2) conduct a large, population-based evaluation of risk factors for atypical nevi. In separate analyses, we will explore risk factors associated with melanoma subgroups based on a) presence or absence of atypical nevi, and b) tumor histologic type. As a tertiary aim, we propose a validation substudy that will evaluate whether subjects can accurately self-diagnose atypical nevi. At least 535 cases of melanoma, ascertained through the NH State Cancer Registry, will be enrolled over a five year study period. We will enroll 800 population controls identified from drivers' license lists (age 65 or less), and medicare beneficiary lists (age greater than 65). Consenting subjects will complete a telephone interview, conduct skin self-examination, and participate in a dermatologist-conducted skin examination. Based on the dermatology examination, all subjects will be classified as "with" or "without" atypical nevi. Our statistical approach will include two primary case-control analyses to evaluate 1) risk factors for melanoma, and 2) risk factors for atypical nevi. In addition, we will conduct separate case-control comparisons to explore risk factors for specific melanoma subsets. Our approach will elucidate the etiology of melanoma, and identify risk factors for atypical nevi. Finally, we will evaluate subjects' ability to self-screen for atypical nevi by comparing the results of self-examination to the results of the dermatologist examination. The ability to self-diagnose atypical nevi has important implications for melanoma prevention.




Development and validation of a melanoma risk score based on pooled data from 16 case-control studies.
Authors: Davies J.R. , Chang Y.M. , Bishop D.T. , Armstrong B.K. , Bataille V. , Bergman W. , Berwick M. , Bracci P.M. , Elwood J.M. , Ernstoff M.S. , et al. .
Source: Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention : A Publication Of The American Association For Cancer Research, Cosponsored By The American Society Of Preventive Oncology, 2015 May; 24(5), p. 817-24.
PMID: 25713022
Related Citations

Skin Self-examination And The Abcde Rule In The Early Diagnosis Of Melanoma: Is The Game Over? Reply From Author
Authors: Titus L. .
Source: The British Journal Of Dermatology, 2013 Jun; 168(6), p. 1371-2.
PMID: 23738644
Related Citations

Recent Skin Self-examination And Doctor Visits In Relation To Melanoma Risk And Tumour Depth
Authors: Titus L.J. , Clough-Gorr K. , Mackenzie T.A. , Perry A. , Spencer S.K. , Weiss J. , Abrahams-Gessel S. , Ernstoff M.S. .
Source: The British Journal Of Dermatology, 2013 Mar; 168(3), p. 571-6.
PMID: 22897437
Related Citations

Sun exposure and melanoma risk at different latitudes: a pooled analysis of 5700 cases and 7216 controls.
Authors: Chang Y.M. , Barrett J.H. , Bishop D.T. , Armstrong B.K. , Bataille V. , Bergman W. , Berwick M. , Bracci P.M. , Elwood J.M. , Ernstoff M.S. , et al. .
Source: International Journal Of Epidemiology, 2009 Jun; 38(3), p. 814-30.
PMID: 19359257
Related Citations

Exposure To Sunlamps, Tanning Beds, And Melanoma Risk
Authors: Clough-Gorr K.M. , Titus-Ernstoff L. , Perry A.E. , Spencer S.K. , Ernstoff M.S. .
Source: Cancer Causes & Control : Ccc, 2008 Sep; 19(7), p. 659-69.
PMID: 18273687
Related Citations

Factors Associated With Atypical Moles In New Hampshire, Usa
Authors: Titus-Ernstoff L. , Ding J. , Perry A.E. , Spencer S.K. , Cole B.F. , Ernstoff M.S. .
Source: Acta Dermato-venereologica, 2007; 87(1), p. 43-8.
PMID: 17225015
Related Citations

Multiple Primary Melanoma: Two-year Results From A Population-based Study
Authors: Titus-Ernstoff L. , Perry A.E. , Spencer S.K. , Gibson J. , Ding J. , Cole B. , Ernstoff M.S. .
Source: Archives Of Dermatology, 2006 Apr; 142(4), p. 433-8.
PMID: 16618861
Related Citations

Pigmentary Characteristics And Moles In Relation To Melanoma Risk
Authors: Titus-Ernstoff L. , Perry A.E. , Spencer S.K. , Gibson J.J. , Cole B.F. , Ernstoff M.S. .
Source: International Journal Of Cancer, 2005-08-10 00:00:00.0; 116(1), p. 144-9.
PMID: 15761869
Related Citations

Alteration Of Chromosome 9p21 And/or P16 In Benign And Dysplastic Nevi Suggests A Role In Early Melanoma Progression (united States)
Authors: Tran T.P. , Titus-Ernstoff L. , Perry A.E. , Ernstoff M.S. , Newsham I.F. .
Source: Cancer Causes & Control : Ccc, 2002 Sep; 13(7), p. 675-82.
PMID: 12296515
Related Citations