British scientists are starting to unlock the genetic secrets of the skin cancer that killed reggae star Bob Marley, it was announced yesterday.
Marley died from a kind of melanoma, known as acral melanoma, which affects the palms of the hand, the soles of the feet and the skin under the nails.
The disease is not caused by exposure to the sun – and the latest genetic study confirms that it involves genetic damage that is very different to other kinds of skin cancer.
The researchers hope their work will help identify the causes of the cancer – together with new treatments.
Marley died in 1981 at the age of 36.
The Manchester University researchers have reported their findings in the journal Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research.
Researcher Professor Richard Marais said: "Acral skin cancer is different because the gene faults that drive it aren’t caused by ultra-violet damage.
"Pinpointing these faults is a major step towards understanding what causes this unique form of cancer, and how it can best be treated."
Furney S. et al. The mutational burden of acral melanoma revealed by whole genome sequencing and comparative analysis. Pigment Cell & Melanoma Research 18 August 2014; doi: 10.1111/pcmr.12279
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