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Biomedical subjects

Gillian M Murphy

Publications and source records attributed to Gillian M Murphy.

7 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Sunscreen use before and after transplantation and assessment of risk factors associated with skin cancer development in renal transplant recipients.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the degree of compliance with sunscreen use among renal transplant recipients before and after transplantation and to determine risk factors associated with skin carcinogenesis. DESIGN: Single-observer study with structured interview using a standardized questionnaire. Medical records and histology reports were examined for details of prior skin cancer. Cox proportional hazards regression was used for analysis of risk factors for developing skin cancer after transplantation. SETTING: Patients attending Beaumont Hospital, the national renal transplantation center in Dublin, Ireland. PATIENTS: The study population comprised 270 patients (182 male and 88 female). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Patients' use of sunscreens before and after transplantation relative to known skin cancer risk factors and subsequent skin carcinogenesis. RESULTS: Prior to transplantation, 68.5% of patients never applied sunscreen on a sunny day compared with 25.9% after transplantation. Patients 50 years or younger were more likely to always apply sunscreen both before and after transplantation (P = .01), as were female patients prior to transplantation (P = .02). Those patients who participated in an outdoor recreation were more likely to subsequently develop nonmelanoma skin cancer (P = .04), as were those older than 50 years (P<.001) and those with a history of 2 or more painful sunburns (P = .03). CONCLUSIONS: Transplant recipients are poorly compliant with the use of sunscreens both before and after transplantation. Compliance is poorest in those groups at higher risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

COX-2 expression correlates with microvessel density in non-melanoma skin cancer from renal transplant recipients and immunocompetent individuals.

Angiogenesis, the generation of a new vascular network, is regulated in part by inducers of endothelial cell migration and proliferation, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Microvessel density (MVD) measurement is widely used to quantify angiogenesis in tissue sections of tumors, including cutaneous malignancies. The increasing number of successful renal transplantations worldwide is producing a progressive increase in patients at risk for non-melanoma skin cancers, such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell carcinoma (BCC), and Bowen's disease (BD), and at significantly increased risk for metastatic SCC. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was any difference in angiogenesis between these tumor types in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) and immunocompetent individuals (ICIs) and whether angiogenesis in these tumors was related to COX-2 expression. The study measured angiogenesis and COX-2 expression in BD, SCC, BCC, and normal skin from both RTRs and ICIs. Vessel counts were performed, and COX-2 immunoexpression was assessed semiquantitatively. The MVD counts differed significantly between normal skin and all tumor types. Significant differences in MVD density were found between all SCCs and BCCs. BCCs from RTRs had significantly greater MVD at the invasive front of the tumor than BCCs from ICIs. Increased COX-2 expression correlated with increased MVD in all tumors examined. These findings indicate a difference in vascular profiles between RTRs and ICIs in BCCs and suggest a relationship between COX-2 and angiogenesis that may provide a possible treatment target for skin tumors in these 2 patient populations.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Investigation of photosensitive disorders.

Investigation of photodermatosis is based primarily on the history and clinical findings, histological, immunological and biochemical findings are variably helpful depending on the clinical picture. Formal testing for photosensitivity may be the only definitive test proving photosensitivity on occasion. This article delineates the important features which allow classification of patients which then enables appropriate treatment.

Dermatitis, Photoallergic↗
PubMed2003

Diagnosis and management of the erythropoietic porphyrias.

The erythropoietic porphyrias are erythropoietic protoporphyria, and congenital erythropietic porphyria. Diagnosis is made based on clinical manifestations, and their characteristic porphyrin profiles. There are multiple treatment options for these two porphyrias, however, aside from bone marrow transplant for CEP, none is curative.

Heme↗
PubMed2002

Photoprotection: public campaigns in Ireland and the U.K.

Public education campaigns have been carried out in numerous countries in an effort to halt the rising numbers of skin cancers induced by sun exposure. Though the campaigns undoubtedly increase public awareness of skin cancer, in many countries, such awareness is not translated into alterations in behaviour in the sun. The public continues to rely on sunscreens as the main way of reducing sun exposure. Much education still remains to be translated into behaviour which will reduce skin cancer incidence. Education campaigns need to concentrate on positive aspects with perceived rewards which will then influence behaviour favourably as few people respond to negative messages with no immediate reward.

Health Behavior↗
PubMed2002

Sunscreens: safety, efficacy and appropriate use.

Promoting sunscreen use is an integral part of prevention programmes aimed at reducing ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced skin damage and skin cancers. Protection against both UVB and UVA radiation is advocated. Most sunscreens combine chemical UV absorbing sunscreens and physical inorganic sunscreens, which reflect UV, to provide broad-spectrum protection. Newer triazole and camphor-derivative based sunscreens, also provide broad-spectrum protection and are more cosmetically acceptable than many traditional agents. Currently licensed sunscreen ingredients in common use rarely cause allergic or photoallergic reactions. Vitamin D levels are not significantly affected by regular use of a sunscreen. Sunscreen use reduces both the development of precancerous solar keratosis and the recurrence of squamous cell carcinomas. Sunscreen use early in life may be important in prevention of basal cell carcinomas. Increased melanoma risk is influenced by the behaviour patterns of regular sunscreen users, as opposed to any direct effect of sunscreens. Sun protection factor (SPF) is affected by application density, water resistance and other factors. An adequate SPF for an individual should be balanced to skin phenotype and exposure habits. The correct use of sunscreens should be combined with the avoidance of midday sun and the wearing of protective clothing and glasses, as part of an overall sun protection regimen.

Health Behavior↗