Cancer and Sleep Apnea: Cutaneous Melanoma as a Case Study.

Abstract

In recent years, a putative link between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and cancer incidence and outcomes has been advanced, and has resulted in a large number of supportive studies suggesting the validity of such assumption, as well as in a non-negligible number of negative studies that have cast doubt on the scientific merits of this association. However, among the various solid tumors explored to date, studies in both animal models and patient cohorts have indicated that OSA consistently enhances malignant melanoma aggressiveness properties. Here, we critically review the available evidence focused around melanoma and the potential validity of such evidence as far as the effects of OSA on this prevalent and highly malignant cancer. In addition, some of the major areas that remain unexplored are identified, along with formulation of suggested approaches that should not only shed light on the putative causality between OSA and melanoma, but also be applicable to other relevant cancer types.