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Levodopa therapy and the risk of malignant melanoma

J F Siple1, D C Schneider, W A Wanlass

  • 1Pharmacy Service, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, OR 97207, USA. siple.jolene@portland.va.gov

The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|August 5, 2000
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Levodopa therapy is a primary treatment for Parkinson's disease. However, concerns about its link to malignant melanoma are unlikely, based on a review of case reports.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Dermatology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Levodopa, often combined with carbidopa, is a cornerstone treatment for Parkinson's disease.
  • Since the late 1970s, prescribing information for levodopa has included a warning regarding potential activation of malignant melanoma.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the potential association between levodopa therapy and the development or worsening of malignant melanoma in Parkinson's disease patients.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE from January 1966 to September 1999 was performed.
  • The search focused on English-language articles using keywords: levodopa, melanoma, and Parkinson's disease.
  • Thirty-four case reports suggesting a causal link were identified and analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Carbidopa/levodopa remains a critical therapy for Parkinson's disease.
  • Analysis of identified case reports did not support a significant causal relationship between levodopa use and melanoma induction or exacerbation.

Conclusions:

  • The data suggests an unlikely association between levodopa treatment and the induction or exacerbation of malignant melanoma.
  • Levodopa therapy can likely continue to be used for Parkinson's disease without significant concern for melanoma risk.

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