Tuesday, May 6, 2014
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Eczema ‘may cut skin cancer risk’ ECZEMA sufferers may have less chance of developing skin cancer, new research suggests. Experts found the immune response triggered by the skin condition could stop tumours forming by shedding potentially cancerous cells. Genetically engineered mice lacking three skin proteins – known as ‘knock-out’ mice – were used to replicate some of the skin defects found in eczema sufferers. Researchers compared the effects of two cancer-causing chemicals with normal mice and found the number of benign tumours per mouse was six times lower in knock-out mice. Both types of mice were equally susceptible to getting cancer-causing mutations, researchers said, but an exaggerated inflammatory reaction in knock-out mice led to enhanced shedding of potentially cancerous cells from the skin. Previous studies have suggested eczema is linked with a reduced risk of skin cancer
by DaviD MErcEr
but it has been difficult to prove because symptoms vary and drugs used to treat the condition might also influence cancer. The new study, published in eLife, is the first to show that allergy caused by eczema could actually protect against skin cancer, researchers said. Professor Fiona Watt, director of the centre for stem cells and regenerative medicine at King’s College London, said: ‘We are excited by our findings as they establish a clear link between cancer susceptibility and an allergic skin condition in our experimental model. They also support the view that modifying the immune system is an important strategy in treating cancer. ‘I hope our study provides some small consolation to eczema sufferers – that this uncomfortable skin condition may actually be beneficial in some circumstances.’ Skin cancer accounts for one in three cancers globally, according to the WHO.
THE PINTS RACE: Mike Hanrahan and Rachel Ryan race each other in the third heat of the Bar Tenders Run, the traditional closing event organised by staff at the Riverfest May Bank Holiday festival in Limerick PICTURE: SEan CURTIn
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