Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Non-melanoma skin cancer and MPNs
image001.png
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Research shows a link between skin cancers and MPNs. Diligent screening is crucial for those living with essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and myelofibrosis (MF).
Skin cancers, particularly non-melanomas, offer an example of how quickly and impactfully research can move to action that saves lives.
A recently published study in the journal Blood (Alex Rampatos et.al) followed 90 MPN patients who developed non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) while receiving ruxolitinib therapy, across 18 treatment centers in the United Kingdom. What was learned can have an immediate, potentially life-saving effect on skin cancer prevention and outcomes.
In this specific study, NMSCs were the primary cause of death in 34.3% of patients, which exceeded the percentage of deaths due to myelofibrosis (MF) progression. It is still unclear exactly why these skin cancers are more insistent in people with MPNs; only additional research will drive us deeper into the answers. The authors suggest it may be related, at least in part, to ruxolitinib’s immunosuppressive activity.
In conclusion, Alex Rampatos et al stated, “Our study highlights the aggressive nature of NMSCs in ruxolitinib-treated patients with MPN[s], the importance of counseling patients about the risk of skin cancer before starting ruxolitinib, and a requirement for close dermatological monitoring on treatment.”
Written by
Gipsy123
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
I was on Rux previous to Momelotinib, I’ve just had a “lesion” removed. When I showed it to the haematologist he dismissed it as a cyst, practice nurse at GP said it was an infected spot, eventually saw a GP who said it needed removing asap! Which was done last week.
Dermatologist and GP said it was probably due to medication. Haematologist still in denial! It was the same a few years ago when Hydroxy caused non healing ulcers on my feet. Haematology said it wasn’t medication, dermatologist said it was and insisted it was changed, it was to Anagrelide and the ulcers cleared up.
The standard of care your getting seems a bit alarming, it’s common for Hydroxy to cause ulcers on legs and feet, it’s great you have Guys to call on when needed though.
Thank you for posting this. I was on Rux for PMF for about 10 years and had several basal and squamous cell carcinomas removed from my face. I recently changed to Fedratinib as Rux was no longer working but had a very nasty large lesion removed from my face last year. I now see a dermatologist every 4 months for a check. Regular checks are very important for any of us with sun damaged skin and an MPN. Hilary
for anyone I think it’s a good idea to have skin checked at least yearly, even more important for those with MPN and especially if on Hydroxy or Rux.
What Rux does or doesn’t do re skin cancers is a bit of a puzzle as far as I am concerned. I’ve read the papers highlighting the concerns. In my case I am on Rux high dose for PV, I started 2017, prior to Rux I did UVB phototherapy daily for about 10 years, I have fair skin and my mother died from melanoma. Yet my skin is perfect, I get it checked every 6 months by a private dermatologist, I’ve had maybe two or so minor sun damages frozen in last 10 years. I see a well respected MPN expert at Mount Sinai, I asked him if Rux caused skin cancers, his answer about a year ago was no, this surprised me, he reckons the cause is previous sun damage or previous hydroxy use. I don’t know who is right, certainly most go on Rux after hydroxy. Maybe it’s the effect of previous sun plus hydroxy plus Rux, I don’t know yet, I am not sure anyone does for sure yet.
Since diagnosis in 2010 I never sunbathe, on holiday, hat umbrella, long sleeves, avoid high UV times of day, factor 50, I have a UV meter to check it when on holiday. I havnt been on Hydroxy.
My derm says most skin cancers are fixable if caught early, so that’s the answer there, check, check and check your skin by a good derm.
Hi, how do I get an annual skin check in the uk? When I had a potential melanoma it took 4 weeks for a GP appointment and then at least 3 weeks to be seen by a dermatologist. 6 weeks for an urgent pathology report once it was removed! Luckily it was not malignant just needed removal.
Check your own skin, and then wave the research article at yr Gp. Once you are in a hospital system they’ll recall you now and then. No, the notion of an annual blood test or annual skin check hasn’t happened yet in the UK health services.
As most people know I am. Derm PA. I am in support of skin cancer screens.😊. I think pending on sun exposure, age, medications, and family history can determine how often. But seeing dermatology is always a good idea.❤️
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Really??: Pruritus May Mark Severe Symptomology in Myeloproliferative Neoplasms"- From "Hematology Advisor"- Some surprising findings...
COVID-19 Outbreak: Advice for Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPNs) 30th March 2020
This is not good enough !!!
