Cancer risk with topical pimecrolimus and tacrolimus.
(1) Disturbing reports of cancers linked to topical application of tacrolimus or pimecrolimus have been published. Some involved children. Animal studies had already shown a dose-dependent increase in the incidence of lymphoma in mice and monkeys. (2) In practice, it is better to avoid topical application of these immunosuppressants, which have a negative risk-benefit balance.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000031:analogs & derivatives / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D016559:Tacrolimus