Link discovered between melanoma and auto-immune disease in Australian study

The discovery of a link between the genetic risk of melanoma and auto-immune disease may lead to better treatment for people with either condition.

A link has been found between melanoma and auto-immune disease.

The discovery of a link between the genetic risk of melanoma and auto-immune disease may lead to better treatment for people with either condition, the Brisbane-based QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute has found.

“This finding doesn’t mean people with auto-immune diseases are more likely to develop melanoma but the link we have discovered is very interesting and could prove to be extremely significant,” Dr Upekha Liyanage said.

“For example, we may get to a point with further research, where a drug used to treat melanoma could also help people with auto-immune disease.”

The new study collected data from more than 400,000 people across the US and UK, with 36,000 melanoma patients involved in the research.

“Half the risk of melanoma comes from your genes,” QIMR Berghofer’s Associate Professor Matthew Law said.

“Before this research, we knew there were 54 genes associated with melanoma risk.

This study has confirmed seven more and it has identified another 12 that need further investigation.

“While the genetic link is a significant step in reducing the gap in our knowledge of melanoma and how we might treat the disease, it is vitally important for people to remember that prevention is better than cure.

“Sunscreen, hats, long-sleeved shirts, and umbrellas are an important part of the overall strategy to reduce the risk of melanomas,” Professor Law said, noting that simple protective measures were the best way to remain safe.

The findings come after another QIMR Berghofer study speculated that public health programs promoting sun protection could save upwards of 50,000 lives over the next three decades.

Skin cancer is currently the second-most common cancer in men in Australia, with melanoma accounting for more than 80 per cent of deaths associated with the disease.

The results of the recent study have been published online in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.