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Polymyalgia Rheumatica and its Association with Cancer.
Emily C Pfeifer1, Cynthia S Crowson2, Brittny T Major3
1Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States.
Rheumatology (Sunnyvale, Calif.)
|December 22, 2015
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) does not increase cancer risk. This study found no significant difference in malignancy rates between patients with PMR and the general population, offering reassurance for those diagnosed with this condition.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a common inflammatory condition affecting the elderly.
- Previous studies on the link between PMR and cancer have produced conflicting results.
- This research investigates the association between PMR and subsequent cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if patients diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica have an increased risk of developing cancer.
- To analyze cancer incidence in a community cohort with and without PMR.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cohort study comparing 359 PMR patients with 357 controls.
- Cancer diagnoses were reviewed for both groups.
- Cumulative incidence of malignancy was estimated and compared using statistical models, adjusting for competing risks.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in prior malignancy prevalence between PMR patients (11%) and controls (14%).
- Cumulative incidence of malignancy at 10 years was similar: 13.8% in PMR patients vs. 13.1% in controls.
- No statistically significant difference in cancer development was observed between the groups.
Conclusions:
- This population-based study indicates no elevated risk of malignancy in individuals diagnosed with polymyalgia rheumatica.
- The findings suggest that PMR itself is not associated with an increased likelihood of developing cancer.
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