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Written By: Editorial Team | Updated : May 7, 2014 5:09 PM IST
Even an uncomfortable skin allergy has a good side to it. If we believe researchers, eczema caused by defects in the skin could reduce the risk of developing skin cancer. According to a study, the immune response triggered by eczema could help prevent tumour formation by shedding potentially cancerous cells from the skin.
'We are excited as it establishes a clear link between cancer susceptibility and an allergic skin condition in our experimental model. It means that modifying the body's immune system is an important strategy in treating cancer,' said professor Fiona Watt, director of Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at King's College London. (Read: Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer)
Eczema can result from the loss of structural proteins in the outermost layers of the skin, leading to a defective skin barrier. During the study, the researchers compared the effects of two cancer-causing chemicals in normal mice and mice with the barrier defect (the 'knock-out' mice). The number of benign tumours per mouse was six times lower in 'knock-out' mice than in normal mice. (Read: 10 facts about skin cancer you probably didn't know about)
The findings suggest that defects in the epidermal barrier protected the genetically engineered mice against benign tumour formation. Researchers found that both types of mice were equally susceptible to acquiring cancer-causing mutations. However, an exaggerated inflammatory reaction in 'knock-out' mice led to enhanced shedding of potentially cancerous cells from the skin. (Read: Is the sun tanning craze responsible for skin cancer in women?)
This cancer-protective mechanism bears similarities to that which protects skin from environmental assaults such as bacteria. 'I hope our study provides some small consolation to eczema sufferers - that this uncomfortable skin condition may actually be beneficial in some circumstances,' Watt added. This opens up new avenues for exploration while providing some comfort for those suffering from eczema, noted Mike Turner, head of infection and immunobiology at the Wellcome Trust. (Read: A mobile app for skin cancer screening)
The study, first to show that allergy caused by the skin defects could actually protect against skin cancer, was published in the journal eLife.
What is skin cancer?
Skin cancer originates in the tissues of the skin. There are several types of skin cancer depending on the type of skin cell they arise from. They are broadly divided into two main types non-melanoma and melanoma. Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the most common types of non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal cell carcinoma forms in the lowest layer of the epidermis of skin whereas squamous cell carcinoma forms in squamous cells at the surface of the skin. Melanoma originates in skin pigment producing cells called melanocytes.
The main cause of skin cancer is exposure to the ultraviolet radiation from sun. Moles are the most dangerous precipitate factor. Irregular diet, smoking, chronic infection and inflammation, arsenic exposure, etc. can also contribute as risk factors. Inks used in tattoos, especially blue ink, may contain toxic elements like cobalt and aluminium which increase the risk of skin cancer. Indoor tanning beds can significantly increases chances of skin cancer.
A biopsy is the only way to diagnose the condition. The earlier the diagnosis, the better is the chances of survival. Some of the latest methods which help screen or detect skin cancers early are ultra-precision hyper-spectral camera and mobile phone application ClipOCam-Derma. Most forms of non-melanoma skin cancer can be easily treated because they grow slowly. But if not treated, some non-melanoma skin cancers can become large or spread inside the body. A melanoma cancer, if caught early, can be cured with relatively minor surgery. Some of the latest advances in treatment are targeted molecular therapy with drug Dz13,chromatin derived from rattlesnake venom and MEK inhibitors. (Read: Who cares about skin cancer? We're more worried about wrinkles!)
With inputs from IANS
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