Skin cancers associated with autoimmune conditions among elderly adults

British Journal of Cancer 103, 112-114 (29 June 2010) | doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605733

Background:

Immunosuppression is a risk factor for certain skin cancers. Autoimmune conditions can involve the skin, and may involve immunosuppressive therapies.

Methods:

We conducted a population-based case–control study among elderly US adults using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare-linked data of 44 613 skin cancer cases and 178 452 frequency-matched controls. Medicare claims identified autoimmune conditions. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) compared prevalence in cases and controls.

Results:

The most frequent autoimmune condition was rheumatoid arthritis (2.29%), which was associated with slightly increased risk of Merkel cell carcinoma (N=1977; OR (95%CI): 1.39 (1.10–1.74)). Risk of cutaneous non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (N=2652) was increased with psoriasis (OR (95%CI): 3.20 (2.62–3.92)). Risk of Kaposi's sarcoma (N=773) was elevated with ulcerative colitis (OR (95%CI): 2.76 (1.42–5.39)), and risk of other sarcomas (N=1324) was elevated with Graves disease (2.62 (1.30–5.31)).

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that immune disturbances in the skin, arising from autoimmune conditions or their treatment, promote development of skin cancer.