[Merkel cell carcinoma during treatment with TNF-alpha inhibitors: coincidence or warning?].

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Increasing numbers of patients are being treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors. Two patients in our outpatient clinic developed Merkel cell carcinoma during treatment with TNF alpha inhibitors. Since this is a very rare malignancy, this is a remarkable observation.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

A 70-year-old male with rheumatoid arthritis had been treated with etanercept for two years when he discovered a nodule on his elbow that started growing rapidly. It was diagnosed as Merkel cell carcinoma. Despite treatment, the patient died 2 years later.

CONCLUSION:

Merkel cell carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with a clinically benign aspect. Patients treated with TNF-alpha inhibitors possibly have an increased risk of developing this malignancy.

• Authors: Suzanne P Linn-Rasker, G A van Albada-Kuipers, Stefan V Dubois, Karlijn Janssen, Petra G M A Zweers
• Journal: Nederlands tijdschrift voor geneeskunde (Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd) Vol. 156 Issue 22 Pg. A4464 ( 2012) ISSN: 1876-8784 [Electronic] Netherlands
• Vernacular Title: Merkelcel-carcinoom bij gebruik van TNF-α-blokkers. Toeval of waarschuwing?
• PMID: 22647228 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
• Antirheumatic Agents
• Immunoglobulin G
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
• Adalimumab
• Etanercept

Topics

• Adalimumab
• Aged
• Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Antirheumatic Agents (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (drug therapy)
• Carcinoma, Merkel Cell (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Etanercept
• Female
• Humans
• Immunoglobulin G (adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Receptors, Tumor Necrosis Factor (therapeutic use)
• Skin Neoplasms (diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (antagonists & inhibitors)