Targeted therapies for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis in the context of malignancy: SPIN ‐ FRT recommendations
- 10 August 2026
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology
Abstract
Background: The expanding use of biologic and oral targeted therapies has transformed the management of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. These agents are increasingly prescribed to patients with current malignancy, a history of malignancy or an increased cancer risk, populations typically excluded from clinical trials. In the absence of robust long‐term safety data, clinicians often rely on real‐world evidence to inform treatment decisions. Objectives: To review the evidence regarding malignancy risk associated with biologic and oral targeted therapies used in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis and to provide expert consensus recommendations for patients with current malignancy, previous malignancy or increased risk of malignancy. Methods: We describe the physiological roles of key immune pathways targeted in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, as well as in cancer immunosurveillance, tumour progression and immune escape. We then summarize evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the risk of de novo malignancy, followed by a synthesis of real‐world data addressing cancer recurrence and progression in patients treated with biologic and oral targeted therapies. Results: Available evidence suggests that the overall malignancy risk associated with most biologic and oral targeted therapies used in psoriasis and atopic dermatitis is low, although differences between therapeutic classes may exist. Real‐world data remain limited for several therapeutic classes and in patients with active or previous malignancy. Conclusions: Based on the available evidence, we present consensus‐based recommendations developed by a multidisciplinary expert panel convened by the Skin Inflammation & Psoriasis International Network–Fondation René Touraine (SPIN‐FRT). These recommendations aim to support treatment decisions by balancing disease control with potential cancer‐related risks while highlighting key evidence gaps.Keywords
This publication has 124 references indexed in Scilit:
- Comparative Cancer Risk in Patients With Psoriasis Treated With Adalimumab, Secukinumab, or UstekinumabJAMA Dermatology, 2025
- Paradoxical Enhancement of Cancer Immunotherapy With JAK InhibitorsJAMA Dermatology, 2025
- Ixekizumab and Malignant NeoplasmsJAMA Dermatology, 2025
- Risk of new or recurrent cancer during treatment with biologics in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases and previous cancer: a meta-analysisClinical and Experimental Medicine, 2025
- Risankizumab in Oncologic Patients With Psoriasis: A Case SeriesJEADV Clinical Practice, 2024
- Cancer risks in patients with psoriasis administered biologics therapy: a nationwide population-based studyJournal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology, 2023
- Overview of use, efficacy, and safety of dupilumab in complex patients: a retrospective, case-series study from a large, urban academic centerArchives of Dermatological Research, 2022
- Adverse Effects of Low‐Dose Methotrexate in a Randomized Double‐Blind Placebo‐Controlled Trial: Adjudicated Hematologic and Skin Cancer Outcomes in the Cardiovascular Inflammation Reduction TrialACR Open Rheumatology, 2020
- Prevalence, Incidence, and Risk of Cancer in Patients With Psoriasis and Psoriatic ArthritisJAMA Dermatology, 2020
- Noncutaneous and Cutaneous Cancer Risk in Patients With Atopic DermatitisJAMA Dermatology, 2020