About

Douglas Grossman, MD, PhD, is a professor involved in research at the University of Utah Health's Huntsman Cancer Institute, focusing on melanoma and apoptosis regulation. His work encompasses understanding the molecular interactions that regulate apoptosis in melanocytic cells, with a particular emphasis on melanoma development and potential therapeutic strategies. Throughout his career, he has contributed to elucidating the roles of various proteins and genetic factors involved in melanoma progression and apoptosis, advancing the understanding of melanoma biology and potential treatments.

Research topics

• Medicine
• Internal medicine
• Cancer research
• Oncology
• Computer Science
• Biology
• Virology
• Gastroenterology
• Surgery
• Immunology
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Selected publications

• Associations between Perceived Costs and Rewards of Sun Protection and Sun Safety Practices among Rural and Urban High School Students

  Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers & Prevention · 2026-04-21

  articleOpen access

  BACKGROUND: Adolescents frequently engage in behaviors that increase ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, elevating their lifetime risk for skin cancer. This study examined cross-sectional associations between high school students' perceptions of the costs of UVR protection, the rewards of tanning, and their engagement in UVR-protective behaviors to identify targets for intervention. METHODS: Data were drawn from N = 2,105 students (46% male; 77% White; and 33.4% rural) at baseline who enrolled in the Sun-safe Habits Intervention and Education cluster-randomized trial conducted in Utah high schools from 2021 to 2023. Students completed self-reports of skin cancer prevention knowledge, time spent outdoors, perceived costs of UVR protection, perceived rewards of tanning, and UVR-protective behaviors. Analyses included bivariate tests and multivariable regression, adjusted for demographics and knowledge. RESULTS: Students who perceived higher costs of UVR protection (r = -0.34; P <0 .001) and greater rewards of tanning (r = -0.28; P <0 .001) engaged in fewer UVR-protective behaviors. In an adjusted model, lower sun-safe behavior was independently predicted by lower knowledge of UVR safety (B = 0.21; P <0 .01), higher perceived protection cost (B = -0.32; P <0 .001), and greater tanning reward (B = -0.19; P <0 .001). CONCLUSIONS: Perceived costs of UVR protection and appearance-based rewards of tanning are key attributes of adolescent UVR exposure. School-based skin cancer prevention should incorporate appearance-focused and tailored strategies (such as UV photography or photoaging feedback) to promote sustainable sun safety behaviors. IMPACT: Addressing both cognitive and motivational barriers to UVR protection during adolescence could strengthen early prevention efforts and reduce future skin cancer burden.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Abstract LB392: Associations between perceived costs and rewards of sun protection and sun safety practices among high school students

  Cancer Research · 2026-04-17

  article

  Abstract Objectives: Adolescents frequently engage in behaviors that increase ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure, elevating their lifetime risk for skin cancer. This study examined cross-sectional associations between high school students’ perceptions of the costs of UVR protection, the rewards of tanning, and their engagement in UVR-protective behaviors to identify targets for intervention. Methods: Data were drawn from N=2,105 students (46% male; 77% white; 33.4% rural) at baseline who enrolled in the Sun-safe Habits Intervention and Education (SHINE) cluster-randomized trial conducted in Utah high schools from 2021-2023. Students completed self-reports of skin cancer prevention knowledge, time spent outdoors, perceived costs of UVR protection, perceived rewards of tanning, and UVR-protective behaviors. Analyses included bivariate tests and multivariable regression, adjusted for demographics and knowledge. Results: Students who perceived higher costs of UVR protection (r=-0.34, p&amp;lt;.001) and greater rewards of tanning (r=-0.28, p&amp;lt;.001) engaged in fewer UVR-protective behaviors. In an adjusted model, lower sun-safe behavior was independently predicted by lower knowledge of UVR safety (B=0.21, p&amp;lt;.01), higher perceived protection cost (B=-0.32, p&amp;lt;.001), and greater tanning reward (B=-0.19, p&amp;lt;.001). Conclusions: Perceived costs of UVR protection and appearance-based rewards of tanning are key attributes of adolescent UVR exposure. School-based skin cancer prevention should incorporate appearance-focused and tailored strategies (such as UV photography or photoaging feedback) to promote sustainable sun safety behaviors. Citation Format: Omar U. Anwar, Yelena P. Wu, Tammy Stump, Marcelo M. Sleiman, Muriel R. Statman, Jennifer L. Hay, David B. Buller, Jakob D. Jensen, Douglas Grossman, Jincheng Shen, Benjamin Haaland, Kenneth P. Tercyak. Associations between perceived costs and rewards of sun protection and sun safety practices among high school students [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 2 (Late-Breaking, Clinical Trial, and Invited Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(8_Suppl):Abstract nr LB392.

  PublisherDOI

• Data from Assessing &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; Variants in Lentigo Maligna Melanoma within the Utah Population

  2025-07-28

  preprintOpen access

  &lt;div&gt;Abstract&lt;p&gt;Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) arise from chronically sun-damaged skin. LM/LMM incidence continues to increase, particularly in Utah, where melanoma rates are twice the national average. The melanocortin-1 receptor (&lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt;) has been studied in melanocyte pigmentation and DNA repair but has yet to be thoroughly investigated in LM/LMM. We investigated allele and genotype frequencies of germline &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; variants among 175 Utah patients diagnosed with LM/LMM and 402 Utah reference individuals. The comparative analysis demonstrated an increased frequency of the D294H allele (0.046; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.0042) and a decreased frequency of the V60L allele (0.074; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.034) in patients with LM/LMM. The LM/LMM group demonstrated a higher OR compared with the Utah reference group associated with R151C homozygosity compared with heterozygous R151C [OR = 5.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98–32; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.052] and R151C homozygosity compared with wild type (OR = 5.7; 95% CI, 1.1–30; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.042). D294H heterozygosity was strongly associated with LM/LMM (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3–11; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.014). Conversely, V60L heterozygosity was less strongly associated with LM/LMM (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26–1.1; &lt;i&gt;P&lt;/i&gt; = 0.072). Stratified analyses showed no significant differences in age or gender across the key &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; variants studied. These data highlight significant differences in &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; allele frequencies in patients with LM/LMM, demonstrating that D294H is associated with increased LM/LMM risk, whereas the V60L variant is inversely associated with risk. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of specific high-risk &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; variants in patients with LM/LMM in Utah.&lt;/p&gt;Significance:&lt;p&gt;Our study is the first comprehensive analysis of &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; germline variants in patients with LM/LMM in Utah, a region with an exceptionally high melanoma incidence. We draw new risk associations in LM/LMM, identifying an increased risk with the D294H and R151C variants. We also describe a novel inverse association for V60L, warranting further investigation. This study contributes to improved targeted risk stratification and an increased understanding of an understudied melanoma subtype.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;/div&gt;

  PublisherDOI

• A BRN2:MYC transcriptional axis regulates interconversion between therapy-resistant and tumorigenic phenotypes in melanoma

  Cell Reports · 2025-12-01

  articleOpen access

  Metastatic spread and therapeutic resistance are the principal causes of cancer mortality. For melanoma, these processes rely on the capacity of cells to switch between transcriptional states. Although targeting transcriptional states pharmacologically is promising, the mechanisms by which melanoma cells switch between states-and how these processes differ from melanocytes-remain poorly understood. Here, we isolate distinct melanoma states with unique phenotypes: a MYC-driven state, essential for tumor initiation yet sensitive to BRAF inhibition, and a dedifferentiated, invasive BRN2-high state enriched in therapy-resistant cells but not directly tumorigenic. Transitions between phenotypes occur through intermediate, more differentiated states. Unexpectedly, the BRN2-high state is also present in melanocytes, whereas the MYC state is exclusive to melanoma. Melanoma cells also exhibit an increased frequency of transitions across states. These findings highlight that accelerated phenotypic switching, rather than mere state diversity, is a defining feature of melanoma progression.

  PublisherDOI

• Table 1 from Assessing &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; Variants in Lentigo Maligna Melanoma within the Utah Population

  2025-07-28

  preprintOpen access

  &lt;p&gt;Key demographic characteristics of patients with LM/LMM in the study (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 175)&lt;/p&gt;

  PublisherDOI

• Assessing <i>MC1R</i> Variants in Lentigo Maligna Melanoma within the Utah Population

  Cancer Research Communications · 2025-07-01

  articleOpen access

  Lentigo maligna (LM) and lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) arise from chronically sun-damaged skin. LM/LMM incidence continues to increase, particularly in Utah, where melanoma rates are twice the national average. The melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) has been studied in melanocyte pigmentation and DNA repair but has yet to be thoroughly investigated in LM/LMM. We investigated allele and genotype frequencies of germline MC1R variants among 175 Utah patients diagnosed with LM/LMM and 402 Utah reference individuals. The comparative analysis demonstrated an increased frequency of the D294H allele (0.046; P = 0.0042) and a decreased frequency of the V60L allele (0.074; P = 0.034) in patients with LM/LMM. The LM/LMM group demonstrated a higher OR compared with the Utah reference group associated with R151C homozygosity compared with heterozygous R151C [OR = 5.6; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.98-32; P = 0.052] and R151C homozygosity compared with wild type (OR = 5.7; 95% CI, 1.1-30; P = 0.042). D294H heterozygosity was strongly associated with LM/LMM (OR = 3.8; 95% CI, 1.3-11; P = 0.014). Conversely, V60L heterozygosity was less strongly associated with LM/LMM (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.26-1.1; P = 0.072). Stratified analyses showed no significant differences in age or gender across the key MC1R variants studied. These data highlight significant differences in MC1R allele frequencies in patients with LM/LMM, demonstrating that D294H is associated with increased LM/LMM risk, whereas the V60L variant is inversely associated with risk. This study provides the first comprehensive analysis of specific high-risk MC1R variants in patients with LM/LMM in Utah. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study is the first comprehensive analysis of MC1R germline variants in patients with LM/LMM in Utah, a region with an exceptionally high melanoma incidence. We draw new risk associations in LM/LMM, identifying an increased risk with the D294H and R151C variants. We also describe a novel inverse association for V60L, warranting further investigation. This study contributes to improved targeted risk stratification and an increased understanding of an understudied melanoma subtype.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Supplementary Table 2 from Assessing &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; Variants in Lentigo Maligna Melanoma within the Utah Population

  2025-07-28

  supplementary-materialsOpen access

  &lt;p&gt;Table of the Utah reference group data&lt;/p&gt;

  PublisherDOI

• Tattooing and risk of melanoma: a population-based case-control study in Utah

  medRxiv · 2025-03-21 · 1 citations

  preprintOpen access

  Abstract Background Tattooing can deliver carcinogens directly into the skin and cause immunologic responses, yet the relationship between tattooing and melanoma risk is unknown. Methods In a population-based case-control study with 1,167 melanoma cases (566 in situ; 601 invasive) and 5,835 frequency-matched controls, we examined tattooing and melanoma risk using multivariable logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results While ever receiving a tattoo was not strongly associated with melanoma risk, heavier tattooing exposure was associated with decreased risk. Melanoma risk was decreased among individuals who had received four or more tattoo sessions (OR 0·44 [95% CI 0·27–0·67]) and individuals who had three or more large tattoos (OR 0·26 [95% CI 0·10–0·54) compared with those who were never tattooed. Invasive melanoma risk was decreased among individuals who received their first tattoo before age 20 (OR 0·48 [95% CI 0·29–0·82]) compared with never tattooed individuals. These patterns were stronger among men than women. Conversely, individuals who had only received one tattoo session had a higher risk of melanoma (OR 1·53 [95% CI 1·16–2·00) compared with individuals who were never tattooed, particularly for in situ melanoma (OR 1·85 [95% CI 1·31–2·63). Conclusions Our findings suggest a complex relationship between tattooing and melanoma risk. There was evidence of reduced melanoma risk with more tattoo exposure, but also increased risk among those who were only tattooed once. The potential causes of these seemingly contradictory associations could include a variety of factors including sun exposure-related behaviors or immune responses to timing and quantities of tattooing. These findings justify further investigation.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Sun protection, sunburn, tanning, and family factors among melanoma survivors and their minor children

  Journal of Health Psychology · 2025-10-09

  article

  Use of recommended sun protection strategies among minor children of melanoma survivors is suboptimal and as a result, these children receive excess ultraviolet radiation exposure that further increases their melanoma risk. Among a sample of 368 melanoma survivor-child dyads, the relationship between family-focused factors and child sun protection and related outcomes was examined, as well as the relations of family factors with individual sun-protective behaviors. The findings indicated that sun protection, tanning, and sunburn were positively associated between survivors and their children. Certain family-focused factors including parental perceived risk for the child to develop melanoma later in life and problem-solving skills were associated with child melanoma risk and protection outcomes. These factors could be important intervention targets to improve sun protection behavior use and skin cancer risk behavior avoidance among children with a familial risk for melanoma. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04201223).

  PublisherDOI

• Figure 2 from Assessing &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; Variants in Lentigo Maligna Melanoma within the Utah Population

  2025-07-28

  preprintOpen access

  &lt;p&gt;Specific &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; genotypes confer an increased risk of developing LM/LMM. The heatmaps display the percentage frequencies of &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; genotypes within two cohorts: (&lt;b&gt;A&lt;/b&gt;) Mohs LM/LMM cohort and (&lt;b&gt;B&lt;/b&gt;) the Utah reference group. The heatmaps are color-coded to reflect genotype percentages, with red indicating higher frequencies and green indicating lower frequencies. This comparison highlights the differential distribution of &lt;i&gt;MC1R&lt;/i&gt; genotypes between patients with LM/LMM and the Utah reference group. * denotes samples for which we calculated an OR compared with WT or heterozygous/homozygous genotypes.&lt;/p&gt;

  PublisherDOI

Recent grants

• NIH Grant R03CA125761

  NIH · $147k · 2008

• NIH Grant R01AR050102

  NIH · $1.3M · 2010

• NIH Grant R01CA166710

  NIH · $1.6M · 2018

• NIH Grant K08AR048618

  NIH · $504k · 2005

• NIH Grant R21AR056797

  NIH · $371k · 2012

Frequent coauthors

• Kenneth M. Boucher

  110 shared

• Sancy A. Leachman

  Oregon Health & Science University

  103 shared

• Scott R. Florell

  95 shared

• Yelena P. Wu

  University of Utah

  94 shared

• Tong Liu

  92 shared

• Susan M. Swetter

  54 shared

• Hafeez Rahman

  University of Utah

  50 shared

• Glen M. Bowen

  University of Utah

  47 shared

Labs

• Grossman LabPI

  Not provided

Education

• Ph.D.

  Baylor College of Medicine

• M.D.

  Baylor College of Medicine

  1994

• B.A.

  Yale University

• M.D.

  Yale University School of Medicine

  1998

• Other

  Yale-New Haven Hospital

• Other, Cancer Biology

  Yale