Biological Therapy and Risk of Malignancies: A Literature Review

Gilda Sandri, Valentina Cestelli, Maria Teresa Mascia

Department of Diagnostic, Clinical and Public Health Medicine University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
Rheu- matology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children and Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/jct.2013.43A056                

Abstract

Data from literature show that the overall risk of cancer does not as a result from treatment with these drugs. The only cancer for which various authors have reported an increased risk, in some cases, are skin cancers, different from melanoma and melanoma. Recent results of large observational studies and meta-analyzes indicate the absence of an increased risk of lymphoma related to therapy with anti-TNF-α. It has been reported, by some authors, that there is a possible increased risk of lung cancer, especially in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. There is limited information in literature about the effects of biologics in patients with a history of cancer. Most of the guidelines indicate that treatment with biologics can be considered with caution and only in patients free of cancer since at least 5 years. Some studies report a lower oncological risk with etanercept compared to monoclonal antibodies, especially in the case of lymphoma. However, this data has not been confirmed in other studies, and has been associated with a limited period of time after starting therapy. Information about the latest biological therapies is still poor. Therefore, there is not sufficient evidence for a preferential use of certain drugs rather than others.

Keywords

Anti-TNF-α; Skin Cancer; Lymphoma; Rheumatoid Arthritis

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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