A paragraph describing the group
We initiated a genetic epidemiologic study of familial melanoma in Cesena, Italy in 1994, in the North Eastern area of Italy. The major goal of the study is to investigate the genetic and environmental determinants of melanoma, in families with ?2 relatives with melanoma. Multiple primary melanoma, dysplastic nevi, and pancreatic cancer cases are present in several families.
For families with no mutations in the CDKN2A gene, we search for additional susceptibility loci for melanoma. In addition, we study the contribution of modifier genes, including those involved in pigmentation, immune regulation, and DNA repair, and their interaction with environmental factors in the genesis of melanoma. Patients are evaluated at the Maurizio Bufalini Hospital of Cesena, Italy. The team currently include genetic epidemiologists, physicians, technicians, and laboratory investigators. |