Levodopa, melanoma, and Parkinson's disease.
Previous reports and the Physicians' Desk Reference caution against the use of levodopa in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients with melanoma. A critical review of the literature reveals only anecdotal evidence to support a link between levodopa and melanoma. In fact, levodopa has an antitumor effect on melanoma. We report nine patients with PD and melanoma who were treated with levodopa/carbidopa (L/C). Current evidence suggests that L/C can be used safely in PD patients with a history of melanoma.
Weiner
W J
WJ
University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, FL 33136.
Singer
C
C
Sanchez-Ramos
J R
JR
Goldenberg
J N
JN
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000978:Antiparkinson Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000075202:Contraindications; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007980:Levodopa / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000150:complications*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000139:chemically induced*; D010300:Parkinson Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*
D000978:Antiparkinson Agents; D007980:Levodopa