Melanotan‐associated melanoma in situ

Abstract

Injectable synthetic melanotropic peptides (often called melanotan) to enhance tanning are available over the Internet despite being unlicensed compounds with an unproven safety record. There have been reports of dysplastic naevi and melanoma associated with the use of melanotropic peptides. We report a case of melanotan-associated melanoma in situ.

SMART: An Internet study of users experiences of synthetic tanning

“…Melanotan I and II are more than 1000 times more potent than endogenous a-MSH due to resistance to enzymatic breakdown (Hadley & Dorr, 2006;Langan et al, 2010). However, Melanotan II increases pigmentation at lower cumulative doses than Melanotan I, with greater levels of side effects relating to effects on satiety and sexual stimulation (Mahiques-Santos, 2012;Mataix, 2012;Nelson, Bryant, & Aks, 2012;Ong & Bowling, 2012;Paurobally et al, 2013;Strange, 2009). See Fig.…”

“…Dysplastic changes in existing nevi, eruptive atypical melanocytic nevi or appearance of new lesions and freckles following melanotan use are common (Burian, 2013;Cardones, Rand, & Richnik, 2009;Cousen et al, 2009;Ferrandiz-Pulido, Fernandez-Figueras, Quer, & Ferrandiz, 2011;Hueso-Gabriel et al, 2012;Javed et al, 2013;Langan, Ramlogan, Jamieson, & Rhodes, 2009;Langan et al, 2010;Ong & Bowling, 2012;Paurobally et al, 2011;Reid, Fitzgerald, Fabre, & Kirby, 2013;Sivyer, 2012;Thestrup-Pedersen & Sondergaard, 2010). Cases of malignant melanomas have also been reported (Ellis, Kirkham, & Seukeran, 2009;Paurobally et al, 2011Paurobally et al, , 2013.…”

Eruptive naevi and darkening of pre-existing naevi 24 h after a single mono-dose injection of melanotan II

“…Currently, it is being tested in several clinical studies for different indications, including erythropoetic protoporphyria, polymorphic light eruption, vitiligo and skin cancer prevention in organ transplant recipients [2]. Furthermore, development of melanoma in situ and malignant melanoma after self administration of melanotan I or II has been reported [7][8][9]. Its safety and effectiveness have been evaluated in more than 620 patients.…”

“…erature [6,7], and the remaining three were reported at Japanese dermatology meetings. Our review of all six cases revealed that one side of the trunk was involved in the majority of cases; the case reported by Mabuchi et al had lesions on the left trunk and arm [7].…”

“…To confirm the endothelial origin of the tumor cells and exclude sarcomas other than angiosarcoma, immunohistochemical staining was done. ERG differentiates cutaneous angiosarcoma from histological mimics [7]. From these clinical and histopathological features, we diagnosed the tumor as spindle cell angiosarcoma.…”