How should I approach the management of dermatomyositis in a patient with associated malignancy?

The management of dermatomyositis in a patient with an associated malignancy requires a dual approach, focusing on both the myositis and the underlying cancer (Selva-O'Callaghan et al., 2022). A crucial aspect of this management is the identification and treatment of the associated malignancy, as addressing the cancer can often lead to an improvement in the dermatomyositis symptoms (Selva-O'Callaghan et al., 2022). Therefore, general principles for the recognition and referral of suspected cancer should be followed to ensure timely diagnosis of the underlying malignancy ⁶. If metastatic malignant disease is present, its management should adhere to established guidelines ⁴. Alongside cancer treatment, immunosuppressive therapies are typically employed to manage the symptoms of dermatomyositis itself (Selva-O'Callaghan et al., 2022).