Steroid-responsive inclusion body myositis associated with endometrial cancer

Inclusion body myositis (IBM) is an uncommon chronic inflammatory myopathy. Although the association between other myopathies and cancer has been well established, the relationship between IBM and neoplasia is not completely understood. Unlike polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM), IBM rarely responds to immunosuppressive treatment and the response is seldom long-lasting. We describe a case of IBM associated with endometrial carcinoma that also demonstrated a unique response to steroids alone which persisted despite cancer relapse. The factors that are associated with a response of IBM to steroids are discussed. An atypical, steroid-responsive form of the disease is delineated.