Is there an association between cutaneous leishmaniasis and skin cancer? A systematic review
File(s)
Author(s)
Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo M
Acevedo-Rodriguez, J Gonzalo
Altez-Fernandez, Carlos
Ortiz-Acha, Karol
Ugarte-Gil, Cesar
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Background: Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a prevalent communicable disease in low- and middle-income countries, where non-communicable diseases like skin cancer are on the rise. However, the study of multi-morbidity or co-morbidity between communicable and non-communicable diseases is limited, and even null for some tropical or neglected diseases. Nevertheless, looking at these conditions together instead of as isolated entities in places where these illnesses exist, could show new prevention and treatment paths. We aimed to summarize and critically appraise the epidemiological evidence on the association between cutaneous leishmaniasis and skin cancer. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, we conducted a systematic review using five search engines (Embase, Medline, Global Health, Scopus and Web of Science). We sought observational studies in which the outcome was skin cancer whilst the exposure was cutaneous leishmaniasis; these conditions should have had laboratory or pathology confirmation. Results: No epidemiological investigations have studied the association between cutaneous leishmaniasis and skin cancer. Most of the evidence about the association of interest is still based on case reports and other clinical observations rather than strong epidemiological observational studies. Conclusions: Research is much needed to verify the repeatedly clinical observation that cutaneous leishmaniasis may be a risk factor for skin cancer. This evidence could inform and guide early diagnosis or prevention of skin cancer in survivors of cutaneous leishmaniasis or where cutaneous leishmaniasis is still highly prevalent. Registration: PROSPERO ID CRD42018111230; registered on 16/10/18.
Date Issued
2019-07-23
Date Acceptance
2019-07-17
Citation
Wellcome Open Research, 2019, 4 (110)
ISSN
2398-502X
Publisher
F1000Research
Journal / Book Title
Wellcome Open Research
Volume
4
Issue
110
Copyright Statement
© 2019 Carrillo-Larco RM et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Licence (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Sponsor
Wellcome Trust
Identifier
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31489382
Grant Number
214185/Z/18/Z
Subjects
Systematic review
multi-morbidity
neglected tropical diseases
neoplasms
non-communicable diseases
risk factors
syndemics
tropical medicine
Publication Status
Published
Coverage Spatial
England
Date Publish Online
2019-07-23