Prescription Medications

Psoriasis Therapy Ups Tumor Virus

New Finding: There is an increased prevalence of the humanpapillomavirus (HPV) in hairs plucked from patients with psoriasis treated withPUVA. HPV is tumorigenic (it causes the formation of tumors).

Comments: This is an important new findingbecause psoriasis is common and PUVA is a key treatment for it. Theidea is that PUVA promotes skin cancer by increasing HPV in the skin.PUVA may do this by stimulating the replication of the virus or byimmune suppression, or both.

Barbara K. Hecht,Ph.D.
Frederick Hecht, M.D.
Medical Editors, MedicineNet.com

Psoriasis

• Psoriasis
• Psoriatic Arthritis

PUVA Treatment

• PUVA
• PUVA Increases Melanoma Risk

Skin Cancers

• Melanoma
• Skin Cancer (Nonmelanoma)  

Human papillomavirus (HPV)

• Human papillomavirus (HPV)