Cancer and Itch

Itch represents a common and significant source of morbidity in the oncological setting.
Itch sometimes can be associated with an underlying malignancy, most commonly leukemia
or lymphoma. Alternatively, itch may present secondary to malignant invasion causing
hepatic or renal dysfunction. Finally, itch may be related to therapeutic regimens for the
underlying malignancy. This article seeks to review the clinical scenarios in which itch
affects the oncological patient, to briefly present the latest understanding of the molecular
and cellular mechanisms of malignancy-related itch, and to review currently available
therapeutic options.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:107-112 © 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.

Itch represents a common and significant source of morbidity in the oncological setting.
Itch sometimes can be associated with an underlying malignancy, most commonly leukemia
or lymphoma. Alternatively, itch may present secondary to malignant invasion causing
hepatic or renal dysfunction. Finally, itch may be related to therapeutic regimens for the
underlying malignancy. This article seeks to review the clinical scenarios in which itch
affects the oncological patient, to briefly present the latest understanding of the molecular
and cellular mechanisms of malignancy-related itch, and to review currently available
therapeutic options.
Semin Cutan Med Surg 30:107-112 © 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.

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