Advanced Therapies for Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Risk of Skin Cancer: What's New?

Introduction: The introduction of biologic therapies and small molecule drugs has revolutionized the management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), providing targeted control of inflammation. However, concerns remain regarding their long-term safety profiles, particularly in relation to cancer risk. Chronic inflammation and immunosuppressive therapies contribute to malignancy risk, including skin cancers, such as melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). This review examines the evidence on skin cancer risks associated with these therapies, focusing on specific drug classes and their mechanisms. Results: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have shown conflicting evidence regarding melanoma risk, with some studies reporting a modest increase and others finding no significant association. Anti-integrin agents, such as vedolizumab, and interleukin (IL)-12/23 inhibitors, including ustekinumab, have demonstrated favorable safety profiles with minimal skin cancer risks. Selective IL-23 inhibitors and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor modulators have limited long-term data, but early findings indicate a low incidence of skin malignancies. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors do not show an increased risk of skin cancers in IBD. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that skin cancer risk in IBD patients treated with biologics and small molecule drugs varies by drug class. TNF inhibitors and JAK inhibitors are associated with higher risks, while other therapies show lower malignancy risks. Regular skin cancer screening and protective measures remain critical, particularly for patients with additional risk factors. Further long-term studies are essential to refine safety profiles and inform clinical practice in this evolving therapeutic landscape.