Biologic drugs that are used to treat arthritis do not increase the risk of cancer in patients who use the drugs, according to a report presented at EULAR, the 2011 Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism. The biologic drugs referred to in the study were the anti-TNF drugs, which include infliximab (Remicade), adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab pegol (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi) and etanercept (Enbrel). Based on data from over 13,000 patients, only 3% of patients in the study who were receiving anti-TNF drugs developed a first cancer within 9 years and overall risk was not dependent on the type of arthritis that the patient had.
The 9-year follow-up study conducted at Gentofte University Hospital, Denmark demonstrated that risk was not increased in patients treated with anti-TNF drugs when compared to patients who had never taken the drugs. Some previous studies suggested that anti-TNF drugs may increase the risk of cancer, but researchers conclude that this long-term study indicates otherwise.
Related Resources:
- The Facts of Enbrel
- The Facts of Remicade
- The Facts of Humira
- Simponi - What You Should Know
- Cimzia - What You Should Know
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“TNF is a small signalling molecule called a cytokine and is able to inhibit the development of tumours by interfering with signalling pathways. Therefore drugs targeting TNF can influence the development of tumours, although the extent of this impact remains unclear.”
I wish a study on the impact of cancer would be undertaken with these meds. I suspect that although it may not increase the % of patients experiencing cancer increases that the severity of cancer increases for that 3% who do get a cancer while on these meds.
My advice…be sure you get and continue your cancer screenings while on TNFS: pap smears, breast checks, prostrate checks, blood workups to check for CBC, thyroid screening, etc. etc. And listen to your body carefully.
Although fatigue does play a big role in these diseases, excessive fatigue can also indicate other problems. And as in all things autoimmune related, be faithful in keeping your doctor’s appointments and discuss any new symptoms with your doctor(s) and don’t let them phoo phoo your concerns. Be a proactive patient.
my doctor totaly ignores me when i tell him my symtems are gettimg worse all i get everytime is do you smoke (packed up 8yrs ago) you need to lose weight you must get more exercise i struggle walking i do fall over and need help getting up . i have methatrexate ,sulphasalazine and embrel injections,at first things improved nut since i stopped steroids it’s all slipping back . i am sure doctors hear different things to what you tell them