Acetretin, a synthetic retinoid used for psoriasis, is sometimes given orally to reduce the risk of skin cancer.[1] Due to the risk of severe side effects it carries, acitretin is only given to people at a sufficiently high risk of skin cancer (e.g., immunocompromised transplant recipients).
Are there any other treatments for skin cancer?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
Acitretin, a synthetic retinoid typically used for psoriasis, can be administered orally to lower the risk of skin cancer, particularly in individuals who are at high risk, such as immunocompromised transplant recipients. However, its use is limited due to the potential for severe side effects.