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Remicade and Skin Cancer

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 11/20/2014 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
My daughter has just been diagnosed with crohns disease. She had an in situ melanoma this summer that was removed with clear margins. Oncologist said there is not that much good data to determine whether she is a candidate to start on remicade. Does anyone have any information on this?
Posted 11/20/2014 2:40 AM (GMT 0)
I don't really have any concrete information, but alot of the immunomodulators are photosensitive.

The main thing with most of the these meds is to make sure you stay out of the sun. The need for sunscreen is very high.
Posted 11/20/2014 4:51 AM (GMT 0)
That's a tough one. There is some data that the immunomodulators (6mp, imuran, methotrexate) can increase chances of skin cancers (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas) a bit. But there's not a lot of data about immunomodulators and melanoma. And as far as I know there's not a lot of data about biologics like Remicade and melanoma, either, but there is concern that it could increase risk.

If you decide her Crohn's warrants using Remicade, make sure she understands to avoid the sun, use sunscreen, and sun protective clothing. And, most importantly, to have frequent skin checks.
Posted 11/25/2014 4:58 PM (GMT 0)
For what it's worth, I have been on Remicade for at least ten years, and I have also been on 6mp. This past March, I was diagnosed with Squamous Cell Carcinoma. I am very fair-skinned, and I do spend some time in the sun (with sunscreen). I don't know if there was any connection netween my drugs and my SCC, but my doc said there could be. I am still taking all my CD meds (I need them), and I go to my dermatologist every three months, just to make sure if anything else appears, he can catch it early.
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