Guest guest Posted November 20, 2004 Report Share Posted November 20, 2004 Skin Cancer Cream Ivanhoe Broadcast News BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Some groups of people are at higher risk of skin cancer than others. Those who have had kidney transplants are one example. Now, a new skin cream may offer extra protection, not just for these patients, but for all of us. Despite a kidney transplant, sixth-grader Vallie Hardaman keeps step with her classmates. But before she joins them on the playground, she has to put on sunscreen. Anti-rejection drugs have weakened Vallie's immune system and put her at higher risk for skin cancer. After one year on the drugs, her risk for skin cancer has increased by 7 percent. After 20 years, it will have increased by 70 percent. Dermatologist Craig Elmets, M.D., of the University of Alabama at Birmingham, says, "This is why we especially want to find something that can prevent skin cancer in these patients." Dr. Elmets is testing a cream called Dimericine. He hopes it will repair sun-damaged DNA, which can cause mutations and ultimately skin cancer. He says if the cream works for transplant patients, it could work for everyone. "It would be nice if people could use this and provide additional ways of protecting against skin cancer, because sunscreens, although they're effective, certainly are not complete." Dr. Elmets says the experimental cream will not replace sunscreen. But since Vallie's mom, Gunter, won't always be standing guard, it does add an extra line of defense. "You've done all the hard work until this point, you want things to be easier, so this is one of those things that will make it easier," says. Today, that added protection eases Vallie's mind. And in the future, it could ease all of ours. Right now, the study is limited to kidney transplant patients who are at high risk of skin cancer. If the cream is successful in this group, Dr. Elmets says we could see a clinical trial of this cream that includes all groups of people. If you would like more information, please contact: Hank BlackOffice of Media RelationsThe University of Alabama at BirminghamAB 13201530 3rd Ave. SouthBirmingham, AL 35294hblack@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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