Glucocorticoids and Skin Cancer Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Karagas M R, Cushing G L Jr, Greenberg E R, Mott L A, Spencer S K, Nierenberg D W
Primary Institution: Dartmouth Medical School
Hypothesis
Do patients taking glucocorticoids have an increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancers?
Conclusion
The study suggests that oral glucocorticoids may increase the risk of non-melanoma skin cancers, particularly squamous cell carcinoma, in patients who are not organ transplant recipients.
Supporting Evidence
- The risk of squamous cell carcinoma was increased among users of oral glucocorticoids.
- The risk of basal cell carcinoma was modestly elevated among glucocorticoid users.
- Inhaled steroids were not associated with an increased risk of either type of skin cancer.
Takeaway
People who take certain medications called glucocorticoids might have a higher chance of getting skin cancer.
Methodology
A population-based case-control study comparing glucocorticoid use in skin cancer cases and matched controls.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 592 basal cell carcinoma cases, 281 squamous cell carcinoma cases, and 532 matched controls, with no history of organ transplantation.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.27, 4.18 for SCC; 95% CI = 0.90, 2.47 for BCC
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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