Short summary

Vitiligo is a chronic idiopathic depigmentation disorder, affecting approximately 1% of the population with a largely unknown etiology. The disorder is characterized by a loss of epidermal melanocytes, which suggests protective patterns against malignant melanoma.

Rationale

In smaller cohorts of malignant melanoma patients, hypopigmentation has proven as a favorable prognostic sign. While the etiology of vitiligo is unknown, it may arise from an autoimmune response, indicating anti-melanoma immunity. Therefore vitiligo may be a protective factor against malignant melanoma.

We are conducting the largest cohort on patients diagnosed with vitiligo, emphasizing the malignant melanoma incidence and survival prognosis. This study will aid in the general understanding of both vitiligo and malignant melanoma along with their potential mutual exclusive susceptibility. 

Description of the cohort

All patients diagnosed with vitiligo from January 1st 1977 to 31st December 2015 followed until death, migration or end of study period for a diagnosis of malignant melanoma.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital

• Medical student Mads G Jørgensen
• Navid M Toyserkani, MD
• Jens A Sørensen, MD, PhD

Department of Dermatology, Gentofte Hospital

• Alexander Egeberg, MD, PhD

Publications associated with the project

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666328720300080#cebib0010