Pruritul cronic – un semn paraneoplazic? | [Chronic pruritus – a paraneoplastic sign?]

Abstract

Pruritus represents a frequent and significant source of morbidity in patients with malignancy. The itch can be sometimes associated with an underlying malignancy, most commonly lymphoma or leukemia. Itch in the oncological patients may be divided into three categories: pruritus preceding or directly associated with malignancy, pruritus indirectly associated with malignancy, or pruritus associated with the treatment of malignancy. Sometimes, pruritus may be secondary to malignant invasion causing hepatic or renal dysfunction. Pruritus associated with malignancy is often difficult to treat and common antipruritic therapies are most often ineffective. In this article we aim to review the causes of itch in oncological patients, to briefly present the latest findings of the molecular mechanisms of the pruritus associated with malignancies, and to review currently available therapeutic options.