ABSTRACT
Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare, aggressive neuroendocrine tumor of the skin commonly seen in the elderly on the head, neck and extremities, with a predisposition for local regional and distant spreading. A case of Merkel cell carcinoma occurred in a woman treated with immunosuppressive therapy for myasthenia gravis, is described and the possibility of a link between the immunosuppressive and/or oncogenic therapy and this tumor is suggested.
Subject(s)
Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/complications , Myasthenia Gravis/complications , Skin Neoplasms/complications , Aged , Carcinoma, Merkel Cell/pathology , Fatal Outcome , Female , Humans , Immunosuppressive Agents/adverse effects , Myasthenia Gravis/drug therapy , Skin Neoplasms/pathologyABSTRACT
Twenty eight patients with heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia were treated with mevalonic acid (an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis) for 45 days. Patients received a daily dose of 750 to 1500 mg mevalonic acid depending on plasma cholesterol levels. Results showed a significant reduction in cholesterol values whereas no significant difference was observed in HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels.