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Macklin PS, Fisher R, Stonard C, Matin RN, Ieremia E. Skin-Limited, Methotrexate-Associated Epstein-Barr Virus-Positive Mucocutaneous Ulcer-A Mimicker of High-Grade Lymphoma. A Report of 4 Cases and Review of the Literature. Am J Dermatopathol 2023; 45:519-531. [PMID: 37462204 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (IA-LPDs) constitute a diverse range of conditions including posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders, other iatrogenic IA-LPDs, and lymphoproliferative disorders associated with an underlying primary immune disorder or HIV infection. IA-LPDs are clinically and pathologically heterogeneous, and there is a lack of standardization of diagnostic terminology. They can represent a potential serious diagnostic pitfall because the histological features of clinically indolent proliferations may mimic those of high-grade lymphoma. However, correct identification of these entities is essential given that complete remission may occur upon reversal of the underlying cause of immunosuppression without the need for systemic therapy. IA-LPDs presenting in the skin are rare but well documented. One form of iatrogenic IA-LPD, methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorder (MTX-LPD), can present with cutaneous nodules, plaques, or ulcers. Predominantly, MTX-LPD develops in the context of long-term treatment of autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, dermatomyositis, and Sjögren syndrome, and may be associated with underlying Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. We present 4 cases of cutaneous EBV-positive B-cell MTX-LPD and describe their clinical and morphological findings. Comparison of our histological findings to the diagnostic criteria for EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) revealed significant overlap, highlighting the intersection between MTX-LPD and EBVMCU. Withdrawal of methotrexate resulted in healing of all lesions at a mean time of 2 months. In summary, close clinicopathological correlation is vital to identify MTX-LPD presenting as cutaneous EBVMCU given that the initial treatment strategy is that of withdrawal of methotrexate without the need for immediate systemic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip S Macklin
- Doctor, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Fisher
- Doctor, Department of Dermatology, Royal Berkshire, NHS Foundation Trust, Reading, Berkshire, United Kingdom; and
| | - Christopher Stonard
- Doctor, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Rubeta N Matin
- Doctor, Department of Dermatology, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Ieremia
- Doctor, Department of Cellular Pathology, Oxford University Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom
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Satou A, Banno S, Kohno K, Takahara T, Takahashi E, Nobata H, Iwagaitsu S, Watanabe D, Hanamura I, Takami A, Ito Y, Nakamura S, Tsuzuki T. Primary cutaneous methotrexate-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders other than EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer: clinical, pathological, and immunophenotypic features. Pathology 2021; 53:595-601. [PMID: 33618861 DOI: 10.1016/j.pathol.2020.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX)-associated B-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (B-LPD) may first present in the skin. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is now a well known disease listed in the 2017 World Health Organization classification. However, primary cutaneous MTX-associated B-LPD (pcMTX B-LPD), other than EBVMCU, appear to be underestimated, and their distinctiveness remains unproven. This study aimed to document the clinicopathological characteristics of nine patients with pcMTX B-LPD that were not EBVMCU to extend our understanding of this peculiar disease. The cohort included three males and six females, with a median age of 74 years (range 54-83 years). All patients were treated with MTX for RA. Of nine patients, four presented with a solitary lesion, and five had multiple lesions. Histologically, five cases showed a polymorphic pattern, and four showed a monomorphic pattern. Immunohistochemically, four cases showed positive EBER staining, and one showed positive CD5 staining. In eight cases, once pcMTX B-LPD was diagnosed, methotrexate was immediately withdrawn. All eight of these patients experienced spontaneous regression and achieved complete remission (CR), without relapse. The patient with CD5 positivity received cytotoxic chemotherapy as the initial treatment. This patient achieved a CR after the initial treatment, but eventually experienced disease relapse resulting in death. We also revealed that pcMTX B-LPD and MTX-associated EBVMCU exhibited similar biological behaviours. We concluded that most pcMTX B-LPD cases could be cured by stopping MTX treatment. We also highlighted the fact that pcMTX B-LPD and MTX-EBVMCU had overlapping features. This finding suggested that pcMTX B-LPD and MTX-EBVMCU might share an underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Satou
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan.
| | - Shogo Banno
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Kei Kohno
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan; Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume, Japan
| | - Taishi Takahara
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Emiko Takahashi
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Hironobu Nobata
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Shiho Iwagaitsu
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Daisuke Watanabe
- Department of Dermatology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Ichiro Hanamura
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Akiyoshi Takami
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Yasuhiko Ito
- Division of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
| | - Shigeo Nakamura
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Toyonori Tsuzuki
- Department of Surgical Pathology, Aichi Medical University Hospital, Nagakute, Japan
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Tokuhira M, Tamaru JI, Kizaki M. Clinical management for other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. J Clin Exp Hematop 2019; 59:72-92. [PMID: 31257348 PMCID: PMC6661962 DOI: 10.3960/jslrt.19007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Other iatrogenic immunodeficiency-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (OIIA-LPD), a category of immunodeficiency-associated LPD according to the World Health Organization classification, is associated with immunosuppressive drugs (ISDs). Several factors, including autoimmune disease (AID) activity, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection, ISD usage, and aging, influence the development of OIIA-LPD, resulting in complicated clinical courses and outcomes. Most OIIA-LPD develops in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using methotrexate (MTX-LPD). The management of MTX-LPD is based on the clinical course, i.e., with/without regression, with/without relapse/regrowth event (RRE), LPD subtype, and ISDs for AIDs after LPD development. There are three clinical courses after ISD withdrawal: regressive LPD without relapse/regrowth (R-G), regressive LPD with RRE (R/R-G), and persistent LPD (P-G). The majority of EBV+ diffuse large B-cell lymphomas are classified in R-G, whereas classic Hodgkin lymphoma is generally classified in R/R-G. Polymorphic LPD (P-LPD) in MTX-LPD develops with heterogeneous pathological features similar to monomorphic LPD. Chemotherapy for MTX-LPD is selected according to that for de novo LPD, although the strategy for aggressive P-LPD and non-specific LPD is not well established. The absolute lymphocyte count in the peripheral blood has been suggested as a candidate marker for MTX-LPD development and RRE. Several clinical issues, including correct diagnosis among overlapping clinicopathological features in MTX-LPD and clinical management of LPD by ISDs other than MTX, require further investigation.
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Alexander H, Patton T, Jabbar-Lopez ZK, Manca A, Flohr C. Novel systemic therapies in atopic dermatitis: what do we need to fulfil the promise of a treatment revolution? F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 30774935 PMCID: PMC6357995 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.17039.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) who do not adequately respond to topical therapy and phototherapy often need systemic immunomodulatory treatment to control their symptoms. Conventional systemic agents, such as ciclosporin, azathioprine, and methotrexate, have been used for decades, but there are concerns about their safety profile. There are now many novel systemic agents emerging through clinical trials, which may have great potential in the treatment of AD. Despite this, there are very few data comparing the performance of these drugs against each other. The purpose of this article is to review the current systemic therapies in AD and present an indirect comparison of systemic AD treatments using effectiveness and safety data from published randomised controlled trials, highlighting important remaining gaps in knowledge. Although the latest developments in systemic AD treatments are exciting and dearly needed, further work is required before the promise of a therapeutic revolution becomes reality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Alexander
- Unit for Population-Based Dermatology Research, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas Patton
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Zarif K Jabbar-Lopez
- Unit for Population-Based Dermatology Research, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Andrea Manca
- Centre for Health Economics, University of York, York, UK
| | - Carsten Flohr
- Unit for Population-Based Dermatology Research, St John's Institute of Dermatology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
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Warrington S, Gary CC, Thibault E, Hetzler LT. Methotrexate-induced cutaneous B-cell lymphoma masquerading as facial cellulitis. OTOLARYNGOLOGY CASE REPORTS 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xocr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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McKelvie P, Yixing Lai F, Verma A, Bazargan A. Methotrexate-associated EBV-positive CD20-negative diffuse large B-cell lymphoma localized to skin presenting as multiple chronic lower leg ulcers. Leuk Lymphoma 2015; 57:456-460. [PMID: 26110881 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2015.1049165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Penelope McKelvie
- a Department of Anatomical Pathology , St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , VIC , Australia
| | - Francis Yixing Lai
- b Department of Dermatology , St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , VIC , Australia
| | - Amit Verma
- b Department of Dermatology , St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , VIC , Australia
| | - Ali Bazargan
- c Department of Haematology , St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne , Fitzroy , VIC , Australia
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Abstract
This article reviews methotrexate and the more potent, related compound, pralatrexate, for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas, including mycosis fungoides, Sézary syndrome, and CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Although these folate antagonists are traditionally viewed as antiproliferative cell cycle inhibitors, it is recognized that they inhibit DNA methylation, providing a rationale for their use as epigenetic regulators and cell proliferation inhibitors. The underlying mechanisms are outlined, key supporting data presented, followed by brief mention of recent mathematical modeling supporting the general superiority of combination therapy. Several novel examples involving folate antagonists are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary S Wood
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center, 7th Floor, One South Park, Madison, WI 53715, USA.
| | - Jianqiang Wu
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin and VA Medical Center, 7th Floor, One South Park, Madison, WI 53715, USA
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Yamakawa N, Fujimoto M, Kawabata D, Terao C, Nishikori M, Nakashima R, Imura Y, Yukawa N, Yoshifuji H, Ohmura K, Fujii T, Kitano T, Kondo T, Yurugi K, Miura Y, Maekawa T, Saji H, Takaori-Kondo A, Matsuda F, Haga H, Mimori T. A clinical, pathological, and genetic characterization of methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders. J Rheumatol 2013; 41:293-9. [PMID: 24334644 DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.130270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Methotrexate-associated lymphoproliferative disorders (MTX-LPD) often regress spontaneously during MTX withdrawal, but the prognostic factors remain unclear. The aim of our study was to clarify the clinical, histological, and genetic factors that predict outcomes in patients with MTX-LPD. METHODS Patients with MTX-LPD diagnosed between 2000 and 2012 were analyzed retrospectively regarding their clinical course, site of biopsy, histological typing, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in situ hybridization and immunostaining, and HLA type. RESULTS Twenty-one patients, including 20 with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 1 with polymyositis, were analyzed. The mean dose of MTX was 6.1 mg/week and the mean duration of treatment was 71.1 months. Clinically, 5 patients were diagnosed with EBV-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) and had polymorphic histological findings. The proportion of those patients successfully treated solely by withdrawal of MTX was significantly greater than that of those without EBVMCU (75% vs 7.7%, p = 0.015). The HLA-B15:11 haplotype was more frequent in patients with EBV+ RA with MTX-LPD than in healthy Japanese controls (p = 0.0079, Bonferroni's method). EBV latency classification and HLA typing were not associated with the prognosis of MTX-LPD in our cohort. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate that patients in the EBVMCU, a specific clinical subgroup of MTX-LPD, had a better clinical outcome when MTX was withdrawn than did other patients with MTX-LPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Yamakawa
- From the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, the Department of Diagnostic Pathology, the Center for Genomic Medicine, and the Department of Hematology and Oncology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine; the Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Kyoto University Hospital; the HLA Foundation Laboratory, Kyoto, Japan
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10
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Adverse effects of methotrexate in three psoriatic arthritis patients. Rheumatol Int 2012; 34:571-4. [DOI: 10.1007/s00296-012-2649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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The risk of cancer in patients with psoriasis: a population-based cohort study in Taiwan. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011; 65:84-91. [PMID: 21458106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2010.04.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Revised: 04/16/2010] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND An association between psoriasis and malignancy has been explored. However, no studies have been reported regarding cancer risk in Asian psoriasis populations. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the risk of cancer development in association with psoriasis. The effects of age at diagnosis, treatment modalities, and observation time were also evaluated. METHODS Data for this retrospective population-based cohort study were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). This study included 3,686 patients with first-time diagnosis of psoriasis between 1996 and 2000. Another 200,000 patients without psoriasis served as the comparison group. All enrolled subjects were followed-up until the end of 2007. Cumulative incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) of cancer development were determined. RESULTS Among the 3,686 psoriasis patients, 116 had incident cancers. The 7-year cumulative incidence of cancer among psoriasis patients was 4.8%. The adjusted HR for developing a cancer in association with psoriasis was 1.66 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38-2.00). Cancer risk was higher in male patients than in female patients (adjusted HR 1.86 vs.1.14, respectively). Certain cancers were significantly associated with psoriasis, including those of the urinary bladder and skin, followed by oropharynx/larynx, liver/gallbladder, and colon/rectum. Patients with psoriasis had an increased adjusted HR for cancer that varied by age. Younger patients with psoriasis tended to have the greatest risk of cancer. Finally, systemic phototherapy and oral medication did not significantly increase the risk of cancer. Phototherapy with UVB appeared to reduce the risk of cancer in psoriasis (adjusted HR, 0.52; 95% CI, 0.29-0.95; P = .03). LIMITATIONS NHIRD did not contain information regarding severity of psoriasis, status of smoking, alcohol use, family history of cancer, or diet. Misclassification of disease cannot be ruled out in a registry-based database. CONCLUSIONS Psoriasis carries an elevated risk of malignancies, especially in younger and in male patients. This effect is independent of systemic treatment for psoriasis. Finally, phototherapy with UVB did not increase, but rather reduced, the risk of cancer in psoriasis.
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Owen CE, Callen JP, Bahrami S. Cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder complicating infectious mononucleosis in an immunosuppressed patient. Pediatr Dermatol 2011; 28:149-55. [PMID: 20497356 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-1470.2010.01087.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Infectious mononucleosis is the syndrome produced by primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus during adolescence or early adulthood. In immunosuppressed individuals, depressed T-cell function allows the Epstein-Barr virus-driven B-cell proliferation to continue unabated, potentially leading to a lymphoproliferative disorder. A 15-year-old girl with a history of ulcerative colitis treated with 6-mercaptopurine and mesalamine presented with the acute onset of a rapidly enlarging, ulcerative nodule on her left lower eyelid 4 weeks following recovery from infectious mononucleosis. The biopsy revealed an Epstein-Barr virus-positive lymphoproliferative disorder. Systemic disease was absent. Following discontinuation of 6-mercaptopurine, the patient was treated with two courses of intravenous cyclophosphamide. The lesion resolved completely and she remains disease free at 14 months following diagnosis. We report a solitary cutaneous lesion of an immunosuppression-related lymphoproliferative disorder (IR-LPD) occurring as a complication of infectious mononucleosis, and review the pathogenesis and reported cases of Epstein-Barr virus-related immunosuppression-related lymphoproliferative disorder arising in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease. It is important for dermatologists and dermatopathologists to be aware of the occurrence of IR-LPD in patients being treated for inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease. Given the role of primary infection with Epstein-Barr virus in the development of IR-LPD, consideration may be given to assessing Epstein-Barr virus status prior to initiating immunosuppressive therapy in young patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy England Owen
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40202, USA.
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Abstract
Cutaneous lymphoid infiltrates may pose some of the most difficult diagnostic problems in dermatopathology. Immunocytochemistry is often employed in an effort to determine whether an infiltrate is neoplastic or, in the case of clearly malignant infiltrates, to provide a specific diagnosis. The rarity of these disorders and the variant immunocytochemical profiles they may present further thwart understanding and sometimes prevent an accurate diagnosis. In this review the common immunocytochemical profiles of various cutaneous lymphomas are presented and potential pitfalls and problems considered. Immunocytochemistry is not a diagnostic test but, as in other areas of histopathology, is a highly valuable tool that requires critical interpretation within a context: so applied, it is an indispensable part of the pathologist's arsenal in evaluating lymphoid infiltrates and defining different lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alistair Robson
- Department of Dermatopathology, St John's Institute of Dermatology, St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK.
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Shimura C, Satoh T, Takayama K, Yokozeki H. Methotrexate-related lymphoproliferative disorder with extensive vascular involvement in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 61:126-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2008] [Revised: 10/24/2008] [Accepted: 10/29/2008] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Menter A, Korman NJ, Elmets CA, Feldman SR, Gelfand JM, Gordon KB, Gottlieb AB, Koo JYM, Lebwohl M, Lim HW, Van Voorhees AS, Beutner KR, Bhushan R. Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: section 4. Guidelines of care for the management and treatment of psoriasis with traditional systemic agents. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 61:451-85. [PMID: 19493586 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2009.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 355] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2009] [Revised: 03/23/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory, multisystem disease with predominantly skin and joint manifestations affecting approximately 2% of the population. In this fourth of 6 sections of the guidelines of care for psoriasis, we discuss the use of traditional systemic medications for the treatment of patients with psoriasis. Treatment should be tailored to meet individual patients' needs. We will discuss in detail the efficacy and safety, and offer recommendations for the use of the 3 most commonly used, and approved, traditional systemic agents: methotrexate, cyclosporine, and acitretin. We will also briefly discuss the available data for the use of azathioprine, fumaric acid esters, hydroxyurea, leflunomide, mycophenolate mofetil, sulfasalazine, tacrolimus, and 6-thioguanine in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Menter
- Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Kalb RE, Strober B, Weinstein G, Lebwohl M. Methotrexate and psoriasis: 2009 National Psoriasis Foundation Consensus Conference. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 60:824-37. [PMID: 19389524 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.11.906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 199] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2008] [Revised: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/19/2008] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methotrexate remains a valuable option for the treatment of psoriasis. This report will summarize studies regarding the use of methotrexate since the last guidelines were published in 1998. OBJECTIVE A task force of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board was convened to evaluate treatment options. Our aim was to achieve a consensus on new updated guidelines for the use of methotrexate in the treatment of psoriasis. METHODS Reports in the literature were reviewed regarding methotrexate therapy. RESULTS A consensus was achieved on use of methotrexate in psoriasis including specific recommendations on dosing and monitoring. The consensus received unanimous approval from members of the Medical Board of the National Psoriasis Foundation. LIMITATIONS There are few evidence-based studies on the treatment of psoriasis with methotrexate. Many of the reviewed reports are for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSIONS Methotrexate is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of psoriasis. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring will significantly decrease the risks of side effects. In patients without risk factors for hepatic fibrosis, liver biopsies may not be indicated or the frequency of liver biopsies may be markedly reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Kalb
- Department of Dermatology: State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Medicine and Biomedical Science, Buffalo, New York, USA
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Patel RV, Clark LN, Lebwohl M, Weinberg JM. Treatments for psoriasis and the risk of malignancy. J Am Acad Dermatol 2009; 60:1001-17. [PMID: 19344980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2008.12.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2008] [Revised: 12/12/2008] [Accepted: 12/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are multiple therapeutic options for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis. The process of choosing among potential treatment options requires both the physician and the patient to weigh the benefits of individual modalities against their potential risks. Traditional systemic therapies for psoriasis, including methotrexate (MTX) and cyclosporine (CsA), have a well-documented array of toxicities, particularly end-organ toxicities. Over the past several years, the use of biologic therapies for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis has been a major clinical and research focus. With the advent of these novel immunosuppressive therapies, one of the central safety issues surrounding these agents is their potential to increase the risk of malignancy. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to review the risk of malignancy associated with therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis, including phototherapy, traditional systemic therapies, and biologic therapies. We reviewed the existing body of literature in order to define the known incidence of malignancy associated with psoralen and ultraviolet A (PUVA), narrowband and broadband ultraviolet B (UVB), MTX, CsA, mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), and biologic therapies, including alefacept, efalizumab, infliximab, etanercept, adalimumab, and ustekinumab. RESULTS PUVA, when given long term, is associated with increased risks of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and malignant melanoma. Reviews of studies on UVB, both narrowband and broadband, do not indicate any increased risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer or melanoma. The traditional systemic psoriasis therapies-MTX, CsA, and MMF-may be associated with an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders during treatment, demonstrated in clinical trials in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and documented in case reports concerning psoriasis patients. The risk of malignancy with biologic therapy is still unclear. However, the majority of studies examining this carcinogenic risk suggest that tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors may cause a slightly increased risk of cancer, including nonmelanoma skin cancer and hematologic malignancies. LIMITATIONS The majority of studies cited in this review lack the power and randomization of large clinical trials, as well as the long-term follow-up periods which would further substantiate the hypothetical link between these antipsoriatic treatment regimens and the potential for malignancy. Because of the substantial lack of clinical data, the majority of studies evaluated focus on the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, which is a systemic inflammatory disorder comparable to psoriasis. Additionally, the increased risk of malignancy associated with psoriasis itself is a confounding factor. CONCLUSION Many of the therapies for moderate to severe psoriasis, including PUVA, traditional systemic therapies, and some biologic therapies, may increase the risk of malignancy. Appropriate patient counseling and selection, as well as clinical follow-up, are necessary to maximize safety with these agents. Further long-term study is necessary to more precisely quantify the risks associated with biologic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita V Patel
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
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Biswas A, van Pittius DG. Cutaneous CD30+ pseudolymphoma: report of a case highlighting the importance of attention to basic cytomorphological details and clinico-pathological correlation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mpdhp.2009.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Pastor-Nieto M, Kilmurray L, López-Chumillas A, O’Valle F, García-del Moral R, Puig A, Bautista P. Úlceras orales como manifestación clínica de proceso linfoproliferativo asociado a metotrexato en una paciente con artritis reumatoide. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s0001-7310(09)70233-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Yamamoto T. Cutaneous manifestations associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatol Int 2009; 29:979-88. [PMID: 19242695 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-009-0881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2008] [Accepted: 02/09/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis presents various cutaneous manifestations, either specific or nonspecific skin features, which are induced by the activation of inflammatory cells (neutrophils, lymphocytes, macrophages), vasculopathy, vasculitis, acral deformity, drugs, and so on. These include (1) specific findings, (2) findings due to vascular impairment, (3) findings due to immune dysfunction, (4) characteristic neutrophilic conditions, and (5) miscellaneous conditions. On the other hand, some of the specific manifestations show common histopathological features such as palisading granulomas with necrobiosis. It is important to recognize the common and/or uncommon skin conditions of RA for all clinicians associated with RA therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Yamamoto
- Department of Dermatology, Fukushima Medical University, Hikarigaoka 1, Fukushima, 960-1295, Japan.
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Methotrexate-Associated Lymphoproliferative Disorder Presenting As Oral Ulcers in a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis. ACTAS DERMO-SIFILIOGRAFICAS 2009. [DOI: 10.1016/s1578-2190(09)70031-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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