Article information
Abstract
In this review the controversy regarding the association between topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus and the development of tumors is unfolded. After reviewing the literature we conclude that, currently, there is no scientific evidence of an increased incidence of skin cancer, lymphomas or systemic immunosuppression in those patients that use or have used topical calcineurin inhibitors. Published studies lack adequate number of patients and/or the follow-up time is short enough to conclude that topical use of calcineurin inhibitors might be associated with the reported cases of skin cancer and lymphoma. Nevertheless the possibility of long term cutaneous and/or systemic side effects cannot be excluded.
Key words:
pimecrolimus
tacrolimus
nonmelanoma skin cancer
melanoma
lymphoma
posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease
experimental studies
Resumen
En esta revisión se expone la controversia que existe acerca de la relación que hay entre el pimecrolimus y tacrolimus tópicos y la aparición de tumores. Después de revisar la literatura médica se concluye que actualmente no existe evidencia científica de un incremento de cáncer de piel ni de linfomas ni del desarrollo de una inmunosupresión sistémica en aquellos pacientes que han utilizado o están utilizando los inhibidores tópicos de la calcineurina. Los estudios publicados carecen de suficiente número de pacientes y/o el periodo de seguimiento es corto como para concluir que el uso tópico de los inhibidores de la calcineurina puede asociarse a los casos notificados de cáncer de piel y linfoma. Sin embargo, no se puede excluir la posibilidad de que aparezcan efectos secundarios cutáneos y/o sistémicos a largo plazo.
Palabras clave:
pimecrolimus
tacrolimus
cáncer de piel no melanoma
melanoma
linfoma
enfermedad linfoproliferativa postrasplante
estudios experimentales
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