Eruptive latent metastatic melanomas after initiation of antitumor necrosis factor therapies.

Fulchiero, Gregory J; Salvaggio, Heather; Drabick, Joseph J; Staveley-O'Carroll, Kevin; Billingsley, Elizabeth M; Marks, James G; Helm, Klaus F · J Am Acad Dermatol · 2007

case_report · Level V

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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-alpha inhibition and reactivation of latent melanoma.

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