Sancy Leachman, M.D. Ph.D.

DERMATOLOGY

Sancy Leachman, M.D., Ph.D., is a physician-scientist who chairs the Department of Dermatology at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and is the director of the Melanoma Research Program at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The inaugural recipient of the John D. Gray Endowed Chair in Melanoma Research and Chair of the Southwest Oncology Group Melanoma Prevention Working Group, she is a dermatologist using basic science research and state-of-the-art technology to combat skin cancer. Her clinical interests include skin cancers, especially melanoma, pigmentary disorders that result from abnormalities of melanocytes such as vitiligo, and genetic disorders that involve the skin such as pachyonychia congenita, Cowden syndrome, and other cutaneous cancer syndromes. In addition to seeing patients with pigmentary disorders, she sees general dermatology patients at the Center for Health & Healing, the Lake Oswego dermatology clinic and in our multidisciplinary melanoma clinic.

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12/2022

Interview with Dr. Sancy Leachman, MD

JUMP TO SECTION

(0:04 - 1:19)

Introduction

(1:20 - 4:25)

What are the risk factors for developing melanoma? The role of genes in determining the risk factors.

(4:25 - 6:38)

MCR1 and OCA2 genes variants increase vulnerability to sunburn and developing melanoma.

(6:38 - 9:30)

Learn about the difference between germline vs. somatic mutations

( 9:31 - 12:37)

BRAF mutations in melanoma and moles. Targeted therapy (BRAF and MEK inhibitors)

(12:38 - 24:27)

Genetic testing. What are the criteria for testing for germline mutation? Dr. Leachman‘s rule of 3. Melanoma and other types of cancers. CDKN2A mutation & pancreatic cancer; BAP1 & ocular melanoma and kidney cancer; BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene & melanoma. What are the penetrance genes?

(24:28 - 24:53)

What are the logistics of genetic testing?

(24:54 - 32:02)

What to do with the genetic testing information? What else can you do if you have a mutation? How does genetic testing improves compliance? Reasons to get genetic testing? How can genetic test for melanoma help to diagnose other types of cancer?

(32:02 - 36:37)

Cost of genetic testing? Will a genetic mutation prevent insurance coverage? What is the difference between standard and “luxury" insurance?

(36:39 - 37:17)

Conclusion