Cyclosporine for Treatment of Psoriasis

To the Editor: Ellis et al. reported the successful treatment with cyclosporine of patients with plaque-type psoriasis (Jan. 31 issue). 1 Treatment with cyclosporine may lead to nephropathy and hypertension. 2 In the accompanying editorial, Lowe quite rightly mentioned that the long-term use of cyclosporine may also lead to an increased frequency of neoplasms such as lymphoma and skin cancer. 3 Our experiences with renal-transplant recipients who are taking azathioprine or cyclosporine prompt us to stress the potential skin cancer hazard of cyclosporine. 4 Cyclosporine given for psoriasis has a quick onset of effect, but relapse after it is withdrawn is almost universal. 5 , 6 It . . .