good news: use of levodopa not associated with increased risk of melanoma; bad news: PD associated with twice the risk for melanoma than individuals without PD. (sounds like a good idea to be examined by a dermatologist at least yearly)

http://tinyurl.com/2qrpv3
National electronic library for medicines
Comment: levodopa and malignant melanoma
Date Published 30/01/2007

Reporter Jim Glare

Reporter affiliation Hospital Pharmacist
Source The Lancet


Abstract A Comment article in the current Lancet discusses the supposed association between levodopa and increased risk of malignant melanoma. The suggested association first appeared over 30 years ago, soon after levodopa was introduced; it was supported by continuing case reports, and is still mentioned in prescribing information as a possible problem with the drug. Recently published research has shown that the risk of malignant melanoma is increased in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), however the risk is present before drug treatment for PD and thus represents a relationship between PD itself and melanoma. Together with other published work, there is now clear evidence that patients with PD have about twice the risk for melanoma as the rest of the population, but that levodopa is not responsible for this. The authors therefore conclude that clinicians can prescribe levodopa to patients with PD and a history of melanoma if clinically appropriate, and do not need to suspend it if melanoma arises during treatment.
Ref. Lancet 2007; 369; 257-8

Categories BNF Category > 4: Central nervous system > 4.9 Drugs used in parkinsonism and related disorders > 4.9.1 Dopaminergic drugs used in parkinsonism