Lymphoma‐associated skin cancer: incidence, natural history, and clinical management

Abstract

The link between immunosuppression and skin cancer has been well described. The two most common situations involving immunosuppression-associated skin cancer are solid organ transplantation and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Patients with lymphoma are more likely to have development of a secondary malignancy, with skin cancer being the most common. The most common types of skin cancer in patients with NHL/CLL include melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma. Many skin cancers demonstrate increased aggressiveness in patients with NHL/CLL and are associated with higher recurrence rates, increased regional metastasis, and death secondary to skin cancer metastases. This review delineates the current research regarding the relationship between NHL/CLL and cutaneous malignancy. Immunosuppressed patients with skin cancer should be treated promptly and aggressively to decrease recurrence and metastases. Regular skin self-examinations, dermatologic examinations, sun-protective habits, and education may prove beneficial in this high-risk patient population.

BRAF inhibitor–associated ERK activation drives development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

“…Given the increasing use of vemurafenib and dabrafenib in melanoma, and because malignant melanoma is overrepresented in the NHL population (~2.3-3.1 fold) (38,39), the progression or development of CLL in such patients must be anticipated. Although BRAFmutant melanoma and CLL can occur together, as seen in our patient, the typical patients with BRAF-mutant melanomas are …”

Spectrum of Immune-Related Conditions Associated with Risk of Keratinocyte Cancers among Elderly Adults in the United States

“…Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (including chronic lymphocytic leukemia) has been associated with KC risk in prior studies (7, 22, 23), and KC diagnosis is also associated with subsequent non-Hodgkin lymphoma risk (23, 24). This reciprocal pattern suggests a common underlying cause for both cancer types, such as a shared genetic predisposition or underlying immune dysfunction.…”

“…Most notably, solid organ transplant recipients have markedly increased risk of cutaneous SCC and BCC compared to the general population (3–5). Elevated risk of cutaneous SCC and BCC has also been identified in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected people and non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients (6, 7), and there is evidence of high skin cancer risk among bone marrow transplant recipients (8). …”

Analysis of human papillomavirus infection and leukaemic infiltrate in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia

“…Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients have a greatly increased risk of developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), which can be particularly aggressive, as reflected by increased levels of recurrence and metastasis. Consequently, cSCC is a major contributor to the mortality of CLL patients (Brewer et al , ; Velez et al , ). New Zealand (NZ) has one of the highest national rates of cSCC and we have previously reported that cSCC rates in CLL patients from a single NZ centre are three‐fold higher again.…”