PMID-40210573 – Melanotan II Nasal Spray: Oral Mucosal Melanoma
Alsabbagh R et al. "Oral mucosal melanoma associated with melanotan II nasal spray use," International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 2025.
Quick Reference
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| PMID | 40210573 |
| DOI | — |
| Year | 2025 |
| Journal | International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery |
| Study Type | Case Report |
| Evidence Level | IV |
| Sample | n=1 (22-year-old woman) |
| Peptide(s) Studied | Melanotan II |
Key Findings
- A 22-year-old woman developed oral mucosal melanoma after using Melanotan-II via nasal spray
- Mucosal melanoma is exceptionally rare in young adults (typical age >60 years), making this presentation highly unusual
- The nasal spray route results in direct contact of MT-II with oropharyngeal mucosa, providing a plausible local exposure mechanism
- Oral mucosal melanoma is biologically distinct from cutaneous melanoma and carries a worse prognosis
- This case suggests that the route of administration may influence melanoma risk — mucosal contact areas may be particularly susceptible
- Supports the hypothesis that MT-II promotes melanocyte proliferation and potential malignant transformation at sites of direct peptide exposure
Study Design
Detailed case report including clinical presentation, imaging, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular profiling of the mucosal melanoma. Temporal relationship with MT-II nasal spray use documented.
Limitations
- Single case report; causation cannot be established
- Patient's genetic susceptibility to melanoma not fully characterized
- Unregulated MT-II product — purity, dose, and actual content unknown
- Oral mucosal melanoma may be coincidental given its spontaneous occurrence (though rare in this age group)
- No controlled comparison with intranasal MT-II users without melanoma
Clinical Relevance
This is a particularly concerning case report due to the unusual presentation (oral mucosal melanoma in a 22-year-old) and the plausible route-specific mechanism (nasal spray → oropharyngeal mucosal contact). While causation is not proven, this case should be discussed with patients considering intranasal MT-II. If MT-II is used, subcutaneous injection may carry lower mucosal melanoma risk than intranasal administration. Any oral or nasal pigmentation changes in melanotropic peptide users should prompt urgent specialist referral.
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#research #case-report #evidence-level-IV #cancer