Inhibitory potency of tacrolimus ointment on skin tumor induction in a mouse model of an initiation-promotion skin tumor.

Tacrolimus is a macrolide immunosuppressive agent, and tacrolimus ointment has been used as therapy for atopic dermatitis worldwide. Given that the immunosuppressive action of tacrolimus raises at least the theoretical potential for an increased risk of skin cancer, accurate assessment of the risk of developing skin cancer by tacrolimus ointment is necessary. The objective of the present study is to investigate the skin tumorigenic potential of commercially available tacrolimus ointment.

Immunosuppression with a combination of the leflunomide analog, FK778, and microemulsified cyclosporine for renal transplantation in mongrel dogs.

Background: The leflunomide analog, FK778, is a selective pyrimidine synthesis inhibitor. In rodent models, FK778 is efficacious in the prevention of allograft and xenograft rejection, and a combination of FK778 and cyclosporine has synergistic immunosuppressive efficacy.

Methods: Heterotopic renal transplantation was performed in 20 dogs.