Metastatic melanoma in a 53-year-old male with relapsed chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The association of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and melanoma have been studied in the last years. The immunosuppression caused by the treatment of CLL seems to be the major factor of increasing patients’ susceptibility to the development and spread of skin cancer. CASE REPORT: This case report describes a 53-year-old male patient, in CLL treatment since 2018, already submitted to many cycles of chemotherapy with fludarabine. History of an exeresis of epithelioid nodular melanoma of the scalp in 2019, which was removed with a clear margin. One year later, he presented with a poor general condition with hospitalization indication. Additional investigation revealed metastatic lesions in lungs, liver, kidneys, stomach, central nervous system, and lymph nodes. Histopathologic analysis positive for melanoma. The possibility of treatment was discarded by the Oncology team, which suggested palliative care. DISCUSSION: One of the most discussed mechanisms to explain this cancer association is the immunosuppression developed during the treatment of CLL, increasing patients’ susceptibility to the development and spread of melanoma. In addition, the use of fludarabine, a chemotherapy commonly used in relapsed CLL, is known to deplete T-helper cells and has been described as a cofactor of this process. The association of leukemia and cutaneous melanoma has been reported in the last years, yet there is no surveillance protocol.

Keywords

• skin cancer
• melanoma
• chronic lymphocytic leukemia
• oncology