[Long term treatment of psoriasis with TNF-alpha antagonists. Occurrence of malignant melanoma]

Hautarzt. 2009 Aug;60(8):655-7. doi: 10.1007/s00105-008-1695-8.
[Article in German]

Abstract

A 51-year-old white man developed de novo a cutaneous malignant melanoma (Stage Ia) after a 30-month treatment period with TNF-alpha-antagonists, consecutively using infliximab, adalimumab and etanercept because of a recalcitrant moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. The patient previously had been treated fumarates for 4 years, cyclosporine A for 2 months and methotrexate for 5 weeks. He also received cycles of cream PUVA and UVB before and then between systemic medications. A possible causal connection between development of melanoma and immunosuppressive treatment is discussed in the light of recent literature. The termination of TNF-alpha-antagonist therapy following development of melanoma is recommended.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Dermatologic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Melanoma / chemically induced*
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / prevention & control
  • Middle Aged
  • Psoriasis / drug therapy*
  • Skin Neoplasms / chemically induced*
  • Skin Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Skin Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • Dermatologic Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha