Characterizing the Links Between Systemic Sclerosis and Breast Cancer

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Oncology
• Autoimmune Diseases

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease impacting multiple organs.
• Breast cancer (BC) affects a similar demographic, raising questions about potential links.
• Understanding comorbidities in SSc is crucial for patient management and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and characterize the association between Systemic sclerosis and Breast cancer.
• To identify clinical markers, medical histories, and treatments linking SSc and BC.
• To advance the understanding of SSc management in the context of BC comorbidities.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed in PubMed using relevant keywords and MeSH terms.
• Inclusion criteria focused on English-language retrospective analyses of SSc patients with or without BC.
• Data extraction included antibody measurements, demographics, family history, social behaviors, and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

• Thirteen articles were identified, analyzing SSc patients with or without BC.
• Systemic sclerosis showed a link to antibodies commonly associated with cancer.
• Antinuclear antibodies, anti-centromere antibodies, and anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATA) in SSc patients correlated with BC, with ATA being most common.

Conclusions:

• The presence of specific autoantibodies in SSc patients is correlated with an increased risk of Breast cancer.
• Family history, alcohol, and smoking history are associated with adverse outcomes in BC patients with SSc.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the SSc-BC link and its implications for treatment and prevention.