Researchers of a study aimed to determine if ultraviolet (UV) treatment, known to increase skin cancer risk due to excessive sun exposure, posed a similar threat in patients with psoriasis and eczema when used therapeutically. The study involved 3,506 patients treated with broadband-ultraviolet-B (UVB), narrowband-UVB, and/or combined ultraviolet A and broadband-UVB (UVAB) phototherapy, excluding treatments with psoralens. Over the course of the study, 79 patients were diagnosed with skin cancers, including melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and basal cell carcinoma.

The findings revealed no significant difference in the age-standardized incidence rate of skin cancer between the patients undergoing phototherapy and those in the general population. Furthermore, the study found no increased risk of skin cancer in patients treated with immunosuppressive medications compared with those who were not. The authors concluded that UV phototherapy, including treatments with narrowband-UVB, broadband-UVB, and UVAB, can be considered a relatively safe treatment option for patients with psoriasis and eczema.

Reference: Capaldo G. Phototherapy treatment for psoriasis, eczema not linked to increased skin cancer risk. Healio. Published December 19, 2023. Accessed February 23, 2024. https://www.healio.com/news/dermatology/20231219/phototherapy-treatment-for-psoriasis-eczema-not-linked-to-increased-skin-cancer-risk?utm_source=selligent&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=news