Topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) use increases the risk of lymphoma, but not keratinocyte carcinoma or melanoma, according to a recent study published in JAMA Dermatology.
Researchers performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate whether an association exists between TCI use and cancer risk, compared with nonactive and active comparator groups. Electronic searches were performed to identify observational studies that investigated the association between treatment with TCIs and cancer development with nonactive or active comparators. Two independent reviewers analyzed the data according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines.
Overall, no association between treatment with TCIs and cancer risk compared with nonactive comparators (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.92-1.16) was discovered. However, TCI use elevated lymphoma risk with both nonactive (RR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.39-2.49) and topical corticosteroid comparators (RR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.13-1.61).
“The findings of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest an association between TCI use and risk of lymphoma but not other cancers,” concluded the study authors. “Combined with the low absolute risk of lymphoma, the potential increased risk attributable to TCI use for any individual patient is likely very small.” –Lisa Kuhns
Reference
Lam M, Zhu JW, Tadrous M, Drucker AM. Association Between Topical Calcineurin Inhibitor Use and Risk of Cancer, Including Lymphoma, Keratinocyte Carcinoma, and Melanoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Dermatol. Published online March 31, 2021. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2021.0345
