Cutaneous melanoma in patients treated with tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a retrospective series of 15 patients

Abstract

Our case series does not reveal a distinct profile of melanoma in the patients exposed to TNF inhibitors. Additional prospective trials including larger number of patient are needed to demonstrate the possible link between biological therapy with TNF inhibitors and development of melanoma.

Melanoma occurrence under long-term etanercept treatment for psoriasis: a case report

“…In addition, one must also consider the recent suggestion of a paradoxical protective role of sun exposure [14,15]. It has been postulated that chronic anti-TNF treatment, affecting immune surveillance and collateral interferon inhibition could impair defenses against melanoma cell proliferation [2,6]. Surprisingly, melanoma reports are few with respect to anti-TNF drugs worldwide [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

“…It has been postulated that chronic anti-TNF treatment, affecting immune surveillance and collateral interferon inhibition could impair defenses against melanoma cell proliferation [2,6]. Surprisingly, melanoma reports are few with respect to anti-TNF drugs worldwide [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. A French study suggests that a critical point is observation timing; 47.6 months is the mean period from beginning treatment to melanoma occurrence in their experience [6].…”

“…Although an increased risk for non-melanoma skin cancer has been associated with all immunosuppressive treatments, melanoma cases are regarded as incidental [1]. Conversely, case reports suggest a risk for the entire class of anti-TNF drugs [2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. In psoriasis patients, a recent meta-analysis excludes an increased risk of melanoma related to the natural course of the disease [9], but also no increased risk for melanoma was observed during anti-TNF randomized controlled studies [10,11].…”

Cutaneous Adverse Reactions during Anti-Tnf Alpha Treatment for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: The Experience of the Dermatology Clinic of Cagliari

“…Special consideration should be reserved to melanoma, as concern about the possible occurrence of primary lesions, as well as more aggressive course and activation of dormant lesions are controversial issues [22,23,37]. Two recent studies reported a significant degree of association, confirming the need for further studies in order to establish the actual existence of a risk [36,38].…”

“…More rarely, lupus erythematosus [24,25], acneiform eruption [26], sarcoidosis [27], anular granuloma [28], interstitial granulomatous dermatitis [29], lichenoid eruptions [30], erythema multiforme [31], leucocytoclasic vasculitis [32], purpura [33], dermatomyositis [34], eruptive benign lesions [35], and melanoma [36][37][38] are reported. In the present paper, we have focused on cutaneous adverse reactions to anti-TNFα agents and their proper management, comparing our data and results with those reported in the international literature.…”