Photodermatol Photoimmunol Pho

Photosensitizing drugs tied to increased skin cancer risk in women

April 4, 2025

Study details: The aim of this prospective population-based study was to assess the association between commonly prescribed photosensitizing drugs and the risk of developing skin cancer in women. The cohort included comprehensive data on phenotypic traits, sun exposure, pharmaceutical treatments, and skin cancer occurrence, analyzed using multivariable Cox regression.

Results: The study found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) significantly increased the risk of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and cutaneous malignant melanoma (cM), with estrogen driving the risk. Loop diuretics were associated with increased cSCC risk, and thiazides were associated with higher risks of BCC and cM.

Clinical impact: Clinicians should advise female patients prescribed estrogen, thiazides, or loop diuretics to limit their sun exposure due to the increased risk of skin cancer associated with these medications. This study underscores the importance of considering photosensitizing properties when prescribing these drugs to mitigate skin cancer risk.

Source:

Christensen GB, et al. (2025, March). Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. Photosensitizing Drugs and Risk of Skin Cancer in Women-A Prospective Population-Based Study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40102189/