Research In Mice Indicates Potential Benefits of Vitamin A for Malignant Melanoma

EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 20, 1997

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RESEARCH IN MICE INDICATES POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF VITAMIN A FOR MALIGNANT MELANOMA

SAN FRANCISCO (September 20, 1997) ñSupplemental vitamin A may provide therapeutic benefits in the treatment of malignant melanoma, according to a study to be presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS), September 20-24 in San Francisco, Calf. Vitamin A, which possesses both wound healing and anti-tumor actions, causes the body to encapsulate tumors which can then be removed surgically. This study of three groups of mice was designed to determine the effect of vitamin A on the presence and size of tumors.

"This pilot study needs to be validated in a larger population. The results, however, provide hope that an effective treatment for malignant melanoma might be closer," said Richard J. Zienowicz, M.D., assistant professor of plastic surgery, Brown University and one of the clinical investigators. "While there are many questions to be answered before this therapy can be recommended for human use, this research could proceed more rapidly because we are not dealing with an investigational drug."

In the control group, which received more than an adequate allowance of vitamin A, all of the mice developed tumors and only 60 percent survived. The second group was fed a diet supplemented with 150,000 IU of vitamin A beginning on the day of inoculation and continuing for the remainder of the study. Of this group, all the mice survived, only 40 percent developed tumors, and tumor size was approximately half that of tumors in the control group. The third group of mice received the diet supplemented with 150,000 IU of vitamin A for 10 days prior to inoculation and for the remainder of the study. In this group, all of the mice survived and none developed tumors.

While this animal study provides promising new information on the potential of vitamin A for malignant melanoma, further study is necessary to determine if these same benefits would apply to humans, the appropriate amount of vitamin A and any side effects or contraindications.

The American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons represents 97 percent of all physicians certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). By choosing an ASPRS member plastic surgeon who is certified by the ABPS, patients can be assured that the physician has graduated from an accredited medical school and completed at least five years of additional residency, usually three years in general surgery and two years of plastic surgery. To be certified by the ABPS, a physician must also practice plastic surgery for two years and pass comprehensive written and oral examinations. Consumers may call Plastic Surgery Information Service at 1-800-635-0635 or access the ASPRS website at www.plasticsurgery.org for informational brochures and names of qualified plastic surgeons in their areas.

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