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Melanoma associated with long-term voriconazole therapy: a new manifestation of chronic photosensitivity
Daniel D Miller1, Edward W Cowen, Josephine C Nguyen
1Department of Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, 1701 Divisadero St., San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
Background:
Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal agent approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for serious fungal infections, including with Aspergillus, Fusarium, Pseudallescheria, and Scedosporium species. In initial clinical trials, approximately 2% of patients developed cutaneous reactions, including photosensitivity, cheilitis, and xerosis. Subsequent reports have implicated voriconazole as a cause of severe photosensitivity and accelerated photoaging, pseudoporphyria cutanea tarda, and aggressive squamous cell carcinoma.
Observation:
We report 5 melanoma in situ lesions in the setting of extreme photosensitivity associated with long-term voriconazole therapy.
Conclusions:
We recommend surveillance for skin cancer formation in all patients who require long-term voriconazole treatment, particularly those who manifest signs or symptoms of photosensitivity or chronic photodamage. Further study of the mechanism underlying voriconazole photosensitivity and oncogenesis is warranted.
Insights
Long-term voriconazole therapy can cause severe photosensitivity, increasing the risk of skin cancer. Patients on this antifungal medication require regular skin surveillance for early detection of potential issues.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Voriconazole is a critical antifungal medication for serious infections.
- Cutaneous reactions, including photosensitivity, are known side effects.
- Previous reports link voriconazole to severe photosensitivity and skin cancers.
Observation:
- This study details five cases of melanoma in situ.
- These cases occurred in patients with extreme photosensitivity.
- The photosensitivity was associated with long-term voriconazole treatment.
Findings:
- Voriconazole therapy is associated with significant photosensitivity.
- This photosensitivity may increase the risk of developing skin cancers.
- Melanoma in situ was observed in patients undergoing long-term voriconazole treatment.
Implications:
- Patients on long-term voriconazole require vigilant skin cancer surveillance.
- Monitoring for photosensitivity and photodamage is crucial.
- Further research into voriconazole's photosensitivity and oncogenic mechanisms is needed.
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