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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
11:39
The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis
Published on: July 11, 2013
Is methotrexate therapy for psoriasis carcinogenic? A modified retrospective-prospective analysis
JAMA
|May 8, 1975
Summary
Methotrexate, a treatment for psoriasis, was studied for cancer risks. This research found no increased overall cancer incidence in patients, though mortality was higher with liver disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Methotrexate is a common treatment for psoriasis.
- Concerns exist regarding methotrexate's potential carcinogenic effects.
- Long-term safety data is crucial for this widely used drug.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term incidence of malignant neoplasms in patients treated with methotrexate.
- To assess the overall mortality and specific cancer risks associated with methotrexate therapy for psoriasis.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 224 patients initiated methotrexate therapy between 1960-1965.
- Follow-up data on malignancy incidence and mortality was collected for 205 patients.
- Statistical analysis was performed to compare observed rates with expected rates.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant increase in the overall incidence of internal malignancy was observed.
- Mortality rates were found to be higher in patients with pre-existing hepatic disease.
- No single type of neoplasm predominated among the observed cases.
Conclusions:
- Methotrexate therapy for psoriasis does not appear to increase the overall risk of internal malignancy.
- Physicians should remain vigilant for hepatic disease in patients undergoing methotrexate treatment.
- Further research may be warranted to explore specific risk factors and long-term outcomes.
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