Fear of skin cancer on aza/imuran

[eleanor_rigby]

Hi all,

I don't want this post to upset/scare anyone. I am aware with Crohn's we must balance the risks/benefits and my primary goal is to keep my Crohn's in check.
I just wonder if anyone has researched this issue thoroughly and can offer me any reassurance?

It seems to me that any anecdotal stories I have read of people being on Imuran/azathioprine for several years seems to develop skin cancer.

This study in particular concerns me: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2426755/

It basically says that when azathioprine interacts with UVA light it forms a novel photoproduct which can't be repaired. It also said that patients appeared to be abnormally sensitive to UVA light at a dose, equivalent to one to two minutes of exposure around noon in England during a typical summer's day.

I am concerned because these patients in this study were taking azathioprine at 1-2 mg/kg, which is the same as me.

I do wear sunscreen and fortunately live in rainy Britain, but is that enough? What are the odds of skin cancer for the future? I read for transplant patients, 60% - 90% will be affected after 20 years. Is that true for us as well?

I think what concerns me the most though is that if we stop this drug, our risk of skin cancer remains (unlike the risk of lymphoma which disappears after we stop the drug). It seems our DNA is permanently changed from taking this drug.

 

[jthommo]

Hi Eleanor

I've been on aza for about six years, under the blazing Australian sun. I just take the usual precautions that everyone does (or should) - sunscreen, a hat, long sleeves if over 40C. No problems so far, touch wood.

Cheers, Thommo

 

[Julia S]

Hi, Thommo. Can you (whilst wearing sunscreen) stay out under the sun without problems? Eg: spend a day at the beach in normal swimwear?

 

[hcrum87hc]

I'm a 29 y/o male, and I've been on Imuran and Humira for a little over 2 years. That's not really super long term. My GI has stressed that I need to take care of my skin and stay out of the sun. Whenever I"m going to be outside for a good amount of time, I like to wear the long sleeve sweat-wicking shirts and a wide brim hat to keep the sun off my face and neck. I'll then put sunscreen on any exposed body parts and enjoy my time outside. I usually do a good job of not getting burnt. We'll see what happens in the future, but I'm not going to live my life under a rock due to a low possibility of skin cancer.

 

[mom5272]

I've been on 6mp (immunosuppressive therapy) for 15+ years and am having a ton of skin issues-warts, keratosis, premature aging. I've read that skin issues sometimes leading to cancer can be a side effect from long term use. Very frustrating!

 

[jazzygirl52]

Didn't know that side effect. I already am worried about skin cancers as I have very fair skin and my dad and his mother had skin cancers.. his mom melanoma.

 

[karj]

A friend of mine suggested getting a skin map done. I have just started 6mp and he suggested to do it, he is on Imuran, he got one done when he started because he says then you have a base and can monitor any skin changes. So I booked mine for February. Something to think about.