Parkinson's disease, levodopa-use and the risk of melanoma

Since the early 1970s, the literature has suggested an association between Parkinson's Disease (PD) and/or levodopa-use and an increased risk for the development of malignant melanoma. In some countries, this possible association has even led to a warning in the drug insert leaflet of the possible risk. Recently, five studies have been published that have investigated both associations and three conclusions can be drawn. Firstly, there appears to be an increased risk in the development of melanomas in patients with PD. Secondly, this increased risk is already present before the PD is diagnosed. Finally, it is unlikely that levodopa plays any role in this phenomenon. It is not known which factors are responsible for this increase in the development of melanomas in PD patients and this needs further investigation. We recommend the removal of the warning from the drug insert leaflet, since this can lead to unnecessary fear on the part of the patients and physician resistance to prescribing this medication.