Frequency of occurrenceof tumor-associated localized scleroderma

Abstract

Background. Tumor-associated localized scleroderma is observed among patients with localized scleroderma. It is assumed that the development of this condition may be facilitated by both the inflammatory processes in scleroderma and oncological processes in the body. However, cases of localized scleroderma developing following radiation therapy are more frequently reported. Additionally, the onset of the disease has been noted in patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors.

Objective. To study the prevalence of localized scleroderma associated with oncology, which will allow detecting and predicting the disease at an early stage.

Materials and methods. A retrospective study of 94 cases (99% women and 1% men) admitted within 3 months of diagnosis of localized scleroderma was conducted. The diagnosis was confirmed histologically. The systemic nature of the disease is excluded by a dermatologist. The age of the patients ranged from 52 to 76 years, with an average age of 66 years. The data were analyzed to identify tumor associations. Results. It was found that 8.5% of cases of localized scleroderma were tumor-associated. Among those examined, breast cancer was the most common (50%). In 25% of cases, localized scleroderma developed following radiation therapy. In 12.5% of cases, the onset of localized scleroderma coincided with the intake of anticancer drugs. The time interval between the clinical onset of localized scleroderma and cancer ranged from 1 month to 5 years, with an average of 2.1 years.

Conclusion. The presence of an oncological association in even a small number of patients indicates potential health risks. Further research is needed to better understand the association between localized scleroderma and oncological diseases, to determine the frequency of tumor associations and their clinical significance.