Derm News: 2007.24(8)

Eruptive latent metastatic melanomas after initiation of antitumor necrosis factor therapies

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 56(5 Suppl):S65-S67
Gregory J. Fulchiero Jr., Heather Salvaggio, Joseph J. Drabick, Kevin Staveley-O'Carroll, Elizabeth M. Billingsley, James G. Marks, Klaus F. Helm
ABSTRACT

We report two cases of late recurrence of eruptive locoregional metastatic melanoma occurring 6 and 9 years after definitive surgical treatment. Each case (stage IB and IA) occurred after initiation of the subcutaneous anti-tumor necrosis factor medications etanercept and adalimumab, respectively. We discuss the association of immune suppression and melanoma. These cases illustrate a previously unrecognized and potentially causal relationship between tumor necrosis factor-a inhibition and reactivation of latent melanoma.

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