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Author Spotlight: Enhancing Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Through HR-pQCT Imaging Analysis
Published on: October 6, 2023
Intertoe Squamous Cell Carcinoma Developed in a Patient with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Etanercept Therapy
Efstathios Rallis1, Vasiliki-Kalliopi Bournia2, Constantinos Verros3
1Department of Dermatology, Veterans Administration Hospital (NIMTS), Monis Petraki 10-12, 11521 Athens, Greece.
This case report details a rare interdigital squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in a rheumatoid arthritis patient undergoing long-term anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) therapy. The findings suggest a potential link between chronic anti-TNF-α treatment and this specific skin cancer.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Oncology
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used for inflammatory diseases.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most frequent skin cancer, typically on sun-exposed skin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of interdigital SCC in a patient treated with anti-TNF-α therapy.
- To explore a potential association between chronic anti-TNF-α use and SCC development.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a 75-year-old female rheumatoid arthritis patient.
- Review of patient history including 5-year etanercept and methotrexate treatment.
Main Results:
- The patient developed an interdigital SCC on her right foot.
- This represents the first reported instance of interdigital SCC in a patient using anti-TNF-α agents.
Conclusions:
- The rare location of SCC may indicate a link to chronic anti-TNF-α treatment.
- Further research is warranted to investigate this potential association.
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