Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors Prescribed for Atopic Dermatitis May Increase Lymphoma Risk
A systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Dermatology identified a potential link between topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) and an increased risk for lymphoma. However, the association did not extend to other forms of cancer, and the absolute risk for lymphoma among users of TCIs remained low. TCIs are used frequently as a second-line treatment for patients with atopic dermatitis following first-line topical corticosteroids. In 2006, the US Food and Drug Administration added a black box warning for potential increased cancer risk among patients using TCIs.