Long-Term Biologic Use May Not Raise Melanoma Risk

Source: The Rheumatologist, May 2020

NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Patients treated with biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and psoriasis don’t appear to be at increased risk of melanoma, according to the results of a systematic review and meta-analysis.

However, because the study found trends toward increased melanoma rates with long-term therapy, “a clinically meaningful increase in risk cannot be ruled out,” Shamarke Esse of the University of Manchester, U.K., tells Reuters Health by email.

“Our study is of relevance to dermatologists, rheumatologists and gastroenterologists considering biologic therapy for patients currently on conventional systemic therapy, and researchers interested in the topic,” he says.

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