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Thiopurine use ups risk of skin cancer for ulcerative colitis patients


 

AT THE ACG ANNUAL MEETING

In stratified analyses, the incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer during thiopurine use increased with patient age from younger than 40 years to 40-65 years to older than 65 years (0.6, 9.1, and 12.2 per 1,000 person-years); was greater among patients living in high-UV zones versus low- or medium-UV zones (10.3 vs. 6.0 per 1,000 person-years); and increased with number of VA visits annually from fewer than six, to 6-12, and then more than 12 (1.2, 9.4, and 12.3 per 1,000 person-years).

Finally, the rate rose with the cumulative duration of exposure to thiopurines. It increased steadily during the first 2 years of use, stabilized through the fourth year of use, and rose sharply in the fifth year of use to 13.6 per 1,000 person-years.

Dr. Abbas disclosed no relevant conflicts of interest.

*Correction 12/10/13: A previous version of this article incorrectly reported Dr. Ali Abbas' university affiliation. This version has been updated.

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