Chemoprevention of skin cancer and photoaging

Skin cancer and photoaging are thought to be the result of ultraviolet radiation exposure. "Chemoprevention" refers to the prevention of photoaging and skin cancer through the use of pharmacologic agents that inhibit or reverse the process of photoaging or carcinogenesis. As both carcinogenesis and photoaging are multi-step processes, tumor development may be halted at several prospective points of intervention. A wealth of research aimed at chemoprevention is emerging. In this article, a variety of potential chemopreventive agents are discussed, including vitamins, diet, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and topical agents. Although further studies are warranted to identify and determine the safety and efficacy of new chemotherapeutic agents, it is expected that both systemic and topical agents may soon be available that effectively prevent photoaging and skin cancer development.