Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 8, 2026

Author Spotlight: A Focus on Standardized Salivary Gland Ultrasound Protocol in Connective Tissue Disease Research
Published on: October 13, 2023
Malignancies in systemic lupus erythematosus: a 2015 update
Gillian C Goobie1, Sasha Bernatsky, Rosalind Ramsey-Goldman
1aDepartment of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, Foothills Campus, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta bDepartment of Medicine and of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada cDivision of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA dDivision of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Purpose Of Review:
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have altered incidences of certain malignancies as compared with the general population. This review summarizes the recent literature on risk of malignancy in SLE and proposed mechanisms for these altered susceptibilities.
Recent Findings:
Recent studies have confirmed previous data showing an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung, liver, vulvar/vaginal, and thyroid malignancies, whereas demonstrating a decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer. Lymphomagenesis in SLE has been linked to increased activity of multiple inflammatory cytokines as well as possible viral diseases. The decreased rates of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate, are speculated to be related to the presence of lupus autoantibodies and downregulation of certain proteins in SLE. This knowledge has been utilized to investigate new therapeutic modalities for these malignancies.
Summary:
Recent data confirm previously reported altered malignancy rates in SLE. Most striking in recent years are publications further elucidating mechanisms underlying cancer development in SLE, and subsequent investigations of potential therapeutics modulating these pathways.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Secondary Lymphoid Organs
The spleen is a vital organ in the lymphatic system, nestled in the upper left side of the abdomen. It is composed of two primary regions: the red pulp and the white pulp, each having distinct functions. The red pulp performs a significant role in blood filtration. It efficiently purges the blood of old or damaged red blood cells and...
Primary Lymphoid Organs
The red bone marrow is a soft, spongy tissue nestled in the interior of long bones such as the humerus and femur. It is the site...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...

