Voriconazole-associated phototoxic dermatoses and skin cancer

Abstract

Voriconazole's antifungal spectrum, oral bioavailability, and proven efficacy in treatment of invasive mycoses have led to its widespread off-label use for antifungal prophylaxis. There is an increasing recognition that long-term voriconazole use is associated with accelerated sun-induced skin changes that include acute phototoxicity reactions, photoaging, actinic keratosis and esp. among immunocompromised patients, skin cancers. The mechanisms underlying these dermatologic adverse events are not clearly understood. Population-risks of long-term voriconazole use need to be prospectively investigated. This review aims to provide an in-depth assessment of published literature and highlight salient findings from retrospective studies and case series. A broad practical guideline for assessment and management of these patients is provided.

Keywords: Chronic granulomatous disease; hematopoietic cell transplantation; immunocompromised host; phototoxicity; skin phototypes; solid organ transplantation; squamous cell carcinoma; sun protection; ultraviolet radiation; voriconazole.