A series of patients on anti-TNF therapy referred to a multidisciplinary lung cancer service
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C O'Connell1, M Hensey, A B Mongey
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Education & Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, Elm Park, Dublin 4, Ireland.
Background:
Biological therapies have significantly improved the quality of life of patients with aggressive collagen vascular diseases. Blocking TNF activity may potentially confer a higher malignant potential for patients.
Aims:
To identify patients to whom anti-TNF therapies were recently prescribed and were referred to a multidisciplinary lung cancer service.
Methods:
Retrospective review of patients over an 18-month period who were referred to a multidisciplinary lung cancer service.
Results:
Three patients who underwent recent anti-TNF therapies and presented with solid organ tumours. All had significant additional risks for cancer including smoking and family history and active connective tissue diseases with a past history of immunosuppressive therapies.
Conclusions:
Our series highlights the potential malignant risk of anti-TNF theraphy to a general medical audience.
Insights
Anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapies may increase cancer risk in patients with autoimmune diseases. This study reviewed patients referred for lung cancer, finding a potential link between anti-TNF treatments and malignancy.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Immunology
Background:
- Biological therapies, including anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents, have improved outcomes for aggressive collagen vascular diseases.
- However, blocking TNF activity might elevate the risk of developing malignancies in these patients.
Observation:
- This study identified patients recently prescribed anti-TNF therapies who were referred to a multidisciplinary lung cancer service.
- A retrospective review over 18 months examined these referrals.
Findings:
- Three patients on recent anti-TNF therapies presented with solid organ tumors.
- These patients had multiple cancer risk factors, including smoking, family history, and prior immunosuppressive treatment for connective tissue diseases.
Implications:
- The findings suggest a potential association between anti-TNF therapy and an increased risk of malignancy.
- This highlights the need for vigilance regarding cancer risk in patients receiving anti-TNF treatments, especially those with pre-existing risk factors.
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