Malignant melanoma and levodopa: is there a relationship? Two new cases and a review of the literature.

Abstract

The incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) is rising. Besides UV radiation, other factors may contribute to this. We describe two patients in whom MM developed during treatment with levodopa. Levodopa has been implicated as an agent that could enhance the development of MM. However, review of the literature does not provide evidence of a definite relationship between treatment with levodopa and the development of MM. Despite this, it is suggested that patients treated with levodopa, particularly those with a history of MM, be observed carefully for changes in or development of new pigmented lesions.