New Primary and Secondary Prevention Measures for Cutaneous Melanoma: A Systematic Review
Maria Palau–del–Valle, Elena Bendala–Tufanisco, María Amparo López–RuizABSTRACT
Background
Cutaneous melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer, with increasing incidence and mortality rates. Therefore, primary and secondary prevention are of utmost importance.
Claims
The objective is to evaluate new recent evidence on primary and secondary prevention strategies for cutaneous melanoma.
Methods
Search of PubMed, Web of Science and EBSCOhost databases retrieved studies from February 2020 to January 2026, on prevention at both primary and secondary levels and that followed the PICO criteria selection process in the PRISMA method for a systematic review. Different assessment tools were used to evaluate methodological quality.
Results
A total of 404 citations were analysed, of which 24 studies met the inclusion criteria: 3 addressed primary prevention and 21 secondary prevention. Primary prevention found a possible chemopreventive agent and the possibility of a genetic control of the mechanisms of nevi fluctuation in life associated with height. The secondary prevention studies evaluated population‐based screening strategies and emerging diagnostic tools, artificial intelligence (AI)‐assisted tools included, and found a new wearable microneedle biosensor for in situ tyrosinase activity detection as a new approach for early cutaneous melanoma detection. It is clearly a limited primary prevention publication that shows poor new evidence for conclusions.
Conclusions
Two new primary prevention approaches were identified, but both require further research before clinical implementation: aspirin as a potential chemoprotective agent and a possible genetic association between height and age‐related nevus regression. Both require further study. Emerging diagnostic technologies, including AI‐assisted tools and wearable biosensors for in situ tyrosinase detection, demonstrated high sensitivity but variable specificity, requiring further validation before routine clinical use. Population‐based screening, patient education and risk‐stratified surveillance improved early melanoma detection, particularly among high‐risk populations. Most studies achieved moderate to high methodological quality, but diagnostic accuracy studies revealed some issues showing that require relevant improvements in diagnostic accuracy and standardization. The use of biomarkers is a promising new tool for early diagnosis.