MANY BIOLOGICS USED TO TREAT PSORIASIS INCREASE THE RISK OF SKIN CANCER

In an article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, individuals “with psoriasis who were treated with biologics had an increased incidence of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.” The risk increased by over 42% in those exposed to the TNF-alpha biololics, which include:

infliximab[7] (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), and golimumab (Simponi), or with a circulating receptor fusion protein such as etanercept (Enbrel) which may also affect skin cancer risk.

Thalidomide (Immunoprin) and its derivatives lenalidomide (Revlimid) and pomalidomide (Pomalyst, Imnovid) are also active against TNF and may affect skin cancer rates.

Xanthine derivatives[8] (e.g. pentoxifylline)[9] and bupropion.[10] Bupropion is the active ingredient in the smoking cessation aid Zyban and the antidepressants Wellbutrin and Aplenzin and may have an effect on skin cancer rates.

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist

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