Dr. Lee Wheless, Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, joins Janelle for a fascinating conversation about how data science, research, and clinical care intersect to improve skin cancer prevention and treatment.
A board-certified dermatologist, epidemiologist, and data scientist, Dr. Wheless has spent years studying skin cancer in high-risk populations, particularly among organ transplant recipients. His research uses massive datasets to uncover why some people develop recurring cancers while others do not, and how early intervention could make all the difference.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical or health advice. This podcast does not substitute medical treatment. Always consult a doctor or dermatologist regarding medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment
In this episode of That’s Derm Good, Dr. Lee Wheless breaks down the science behind nicotinamide (also known as niacinamide), a form of Vitamin B3 that’s showing promising results in reducing the risk of new skin cancers in patients with a prior history of them. He explains how this simple, over-the-counter supplement can support DNA repair and potentially slow down the process of sun damage that leads to cancer formation.
But Dr. Wheless is also quick to point out that supplements aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Listeners will learn why timing matters, how starting nicotinamide earlier after diagnosis yields stronger benefits, and why proper consultation with a dermatologist is key before starting any new regimen. He also offers insights into his work with transplant patients, whose weakened immune systems make them particularly vulnerable to aggressive skin cancers, and how preventive care, sunscreen use, and regular follow-ups can dramatically improve outcomes.
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The conversation goes deeper into precision medicine, discussing how future clinical trials could help determine which patients benefit most from preventive supplements, and how technology like skin imaging may soon play a role in personalized treatment strategies. It’s a thoughtful, evidence-based episode that reminds us how research and real-world care work hand in hand to protect the skin we’re in.
This episode is produced by Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.