IBD Treatments Linked to Skin Cancer

(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Immunosuppressive medications used to treat patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are now linked to increasing a patient's risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC).

Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found the incidence rate ratio of NMSC is higher in patients with IBD compared to their matched controls (incidence rate ratio: 1.64). They also found increased risk associated with recent use of any immunosuppressive medication (odds ratio 3.28), and recent use of thiopurine class medications also increased risk of the cancer (adjusted odds ratio 2.07).

“The increased risk of NMSC in patients with IBD is likely related to the immunosuppressive medications used to treat the disease," lead study author Millie Long, M.D., was quoted as saying. “Our study demonstrates that patients with IBD on immunosupression may also be at risk for NMSC. As a result, our long-term management plans for IBD patients should stress the daily user of broad-spectrum sunscreen and increased awareness of NMSC to help to prevent complications."

SOURCE: Presented at the American College of Gastroenterology's 74th Annual Scientific Meeting, San Diego, October 26, 2009

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