Sancy Leachman, MD, PhD, is an adjunct Professor in the Department of Dermatology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and a member of the Cancer Control and Population Sciences Program. She is a dermatologist using basic science research and state-of-the-art technology to combat skin cancer. Her clinical interests include skin cancers, especially melanoma, pigmentary disorders that result from abnormalities of melanocytes such as vitiligo, and genetic disorders that involve the skin such as pachyonychia congenita, Cowden syndrome, and other cutaneous cancer syndromes.Dr. Leachman examines the role of genetic predisposition and differential gene expression in the development of melanoma, with an emphasis on the familial melanoma syndrome. Through her investigations, she hopes to develop agents that will serve as diagnostic tools, prognostic indicators, or targeted agents for the prevention of melanoma. Dr. Leachman was a key figure in developing the multidisciplinary Melanoma and Cutaneous Oncology group at Huntsman Cancer Institute. The program brings together researchers and physicians with an interest in melanoma and other skin cancers in order to bring knowledge and expertise from the laboratory into the clinical realm. By applying the latest scientific technology to the problem of human cancer, Dr. Leachman and her colleagues strive to improve the medical community's ability to diagnose and treat skin cancers. She was awarded the prestigious Doris Duke Clinical Scientist Development Award in 2000 and is currently an NIH R01- and DoD-funded principle investigator.

Familial Melanoma Melanoma Vitiligo, Pigmentary Disorders