Increased Risk of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer in Patients with Atopic Dermatitis

Strategic Insights -

Research findings published in the October 2025 edition of Dermatology and Therapy have highlighted the elevated risk of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) compared to those without the condition. The study, conducted by AbbVie Inc., analyzed US claims data from 2017 to 2023 and found that patients with AD had a higher NMSC incidence rate and relative risk than non-AD matched controls. The research concluded that patients with AD, particularly those with moderate-to-severe disease, are at greater risk of developing NMSC.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study evaluated NMSC incidence and risk in patients with AD and RA compared to a non-AD matched control cohort.
  • Patients with AD had a higher NMSC incidence rate (2.12 cases/100 person-years) than non-AD matched controls (1.74 cases/100 person-years).
  • The relative NMSC risk was 1.32 times higher in patients with AD than in non-AD matched controls.
  • NMSC incidence and relative risk were similar between patients with AD and RA.
  • Patients with AD were at greater risk of NMSC if they had a history of NMSC, other malignancies, or organ transplantation.
  • The study's findings suggest that patients with AD, particularly those with moderate-to-severe disease, should be closely monitored for signs of NMSC.
  • The research was conducted by a team of experts from AbbVie Inc., including Emma Yue, Mark Lebwohl, Whitney S. Krueger, Brian Berman, Christopher G. Bunick, Todd Schlesinger, and Ayman Grada.

Statistics:

  • 391,753 patients with AD were included in the analysis.
  • 97,445 patients with RA were included in the analysis.
  • 381,221 non-AD matched controls were included in the analysis.
  • The study found a 2.12% NMSC incidence rate in patients with AD (95% CI: 2.10-2.15).
  • The study found a 1.74% NMSC incidence rate in non-AD matched controls (95% CI: 1.72-1.77).
  • The relative NMSC risk was 1.32 times higher in patients with AD than in non-AD matched controls (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.30-1.35).

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Research Data from AbbVie Inc. Update Understanding of Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A United States Population-Based Study). Cancer Weekly. October 28, 2025; p 76.
  • Dermatology and Therapy. Risk of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Atopic Dermatitis: A United States Population-Based Study. 2025.
  • AbbVie Inc. North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, IL, 60064, United States.