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Parkinson Disease and Melanoma: Confirming and Reexamining an Association

Lauren A Dalvin1, Gena M Damento2, Barbara P Yawn3

  • 1Department of Ophthalmology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.

Mayo Clinic Proceedings
|July 10, 2017
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

People with Parkinson disease (PD) have a significantly higher risk of prior melanoma. Melanoma patients also show an increased risk of developing PD, suggesting a strong association.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Dermatology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder.
  • Melanoma is a type of skin cancer.
  • The relationship between PD and melanoma requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between melanoma and Parkinson disease (PD).

Main Methods:

  • Phase I utilized Rochester Epidemiology Project records to assess preexisting melanoma in PD patients versus controls using logistic regression.
  • Phase II evaluated the risk of developing PD in melanoma patients versus controls using Cox proportional hazards models and Kaplan-Meier analysis.
  • The risk of death from metastatic melanoma in patients with and without PD was also assessed.

Main Results:

  • Patients with PD had a 3.8-fold increased likelihood of preexisting melanoma.
  • Melanoma patients demonstrated a 4.2-fold increased risk of developing PD.
  • A 35-year cumulative risk of PD in melanoma patients was 11.8% compared to 2.6% in controls.
  • Patients with melanoma without PD had a 10.5-fold increased relative risk of death from metastatic melanoma.

Conclusions:

  • A significant association exists between melanoma and Parkinson disease.
  • Physicians should consider counseling melanoma patients on PD risk.
  • Cutaneous and ocular melanoma surveillance may be beneficial for PD patients.

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