Virginia Research Day 2025

Medical Student Research Clinical

23 A Retrospective Study on the Effects of Coal Tar on Melanoma Incidence

Leona Jafari 1 , Atiya Qillawala 1 , Ashley Abramson 1 , Ashley Nguyen 1 , Zaineb Saeed 1 , Ramzi Badra 1 , Stephanie Hemenway 2 , Ramu Anandakrishnan 1 , James Mahaney 1 Corresponding author: ljafari@vcom.edu

1 Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine 2 LewisGale XXX Dermatology

Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer arising from melanocytes, with incidence rates steadily increasing in the United States. It accounts for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of its risk factors. Melanoma’s development is influenced by a range of genetic and environmental factors, with ultraviolet radiation exposure well-established as a major environmental contributor. However, other potentially carcinogenic exposures, such as coal tar, have received comparatively less attention in the context of melanoma risk. Coal tar, a by-product of coal carbonization, has a longstanding history in dermatologic treatments for conditions like psoriasis,

atopic dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Despite these therapeutic applications, coal tar can pose exposure risks through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal absorption, particularly at high concentrations. Some studies have linked chronic, high-level coal tar exposure to an increased risk of skin cancer, yet the association with melanoma remains unclear. This study aims to explore the potential correlation between coal tar exposure, specifically through dermatologic applications, and the risk of developing melanoma. To this end, we conducted a retrospective study using data from the All of Us database, a secure

national resource housing medical records from over one million participants. This comprehensive database allowed us to access diverse patient data, enhancing the robustness of our analysis. We employed chi square analysis to assess the association between dermatologic coal tar exposure and melanoma incidence within the selected cohort. By investigating this potential link, our study seeks to provide new insights into melanoma risk factors, guiding safer dermatologic practices and potentially informing future public health recommendations.

IRB approval pending

147 2025 Research Recognition Day