DMARD treatment and skin cancer Recognition, state of knowledge and prevention

Background and objective Epithelial tumors differ in cellular origin, risk factors, incidence, and treatment. This article discusses the extent to which the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) is associated with an increased risk for the development of skin tumors and for which substances the risk may be increased. In addition, some practical dermatological recommendations for rheumatologists are presented.Methods The most frequent tumors of the skin are classified according to their cellular origin into malignant melanoma (MM) and so-called keratinocyte cancer (KC). The clinical presentation of these tumors differs and also the risk for the development of these epithelial skin tumors under DMARD treatment varies depending on the drug and tumor entity. As rheumatologists frequently see these patients for follow-up, it is essential to know the clinical findings as well as the corresponding risk factors of the specific tumor entities.Results A generally valid and reliable estimation of the risk for the development of epithelial skin tumors under DMARD treatment can only be formulated in the form of tendencies at the present time due to the lack of data. The relevant literature shows that regular intensive dermatological screening is recommended.Conclusion Patients undergoing immunosuppressive or immune-modulating treatment should be instructed in self-inspection of the skin, receive regular dermatological check-ups and be instructed in strict UV protection methods. Lesions that do not heal or recurrently bleed should be referred for a punch biopsy to rule out or diagnose an epithelial skin tumor, as should atypical inflammatory lesions that do not heal with the use of topical glucocorticoids. An interdisciplinary approach in patient management is the key to success in ensuring the maximum quality of life with the lowest possible risk of developing epithelial skin tumors for these patients.