Best of JAMA 2025: Episode 9:Nicotinamide for Skin Cancer Chemoprevention

This extensive medical study investigates whether taking nicotinamide, a form of vitamin B3, can effectively serve as a preventative measure against skin cancer for both the general public and high-risk transplant patients. By analyzing health records from over 30,000 veterans, researchers discovered that a daily supplement significantly lowered the overall risk of developing further malignancies, particularly squamous cell carcinoma. The data suggests that the treatment is most powerful when started immediately after a first diagnosis, as the protective benefits appear to diminish if the intervention is delayed until after multiple cancers have occurred. Ultimately, the findings highlight nicotinamide as a promising tool for long-term skin protection, though its effectiveness varies depending on a patient's specific medical history.Å