Giant cell arteritis-polymyalgia rheumatica spectrum disease (GPSD): Relation with neoplasms and possible role as a...

To determine the incidence rate of neoplasms among the GPSD population and compare it with the Spanish general population, as well as to identify its role as a paraneoplastic syndrome in terms of temporal criteria.

An observational, single-center, longitudinal study on GPSD patients (2015-2023) was conducted. Demographic, clinical variables and neoplasms found after GPSD diagnosis (excluding metastatic events or recurrences and non-melanoma skin cancer) were collected. In order to adjust by age and sex, we performed an indirect standardization method and calculated the standardized neoplasm ratio (SNR) and standardized incidence ratio (SIR).

Among 334 patients, 16 (4.8%) developed neoplasms, with 11 diagnosed within the first two years (7 within the first year). The SNR was 4.03 (CI 95% 1.53-6.53) in women and 2.37 (CI 95% 0.47-4.27) in men. Considering the neoplasms diagnosed in the two first years, the SNR were 2.42 (CI 95% 0.484-4.356) in women and 2.11 (CI 95% 0.258-3.868) in men.

We observed a high incidence rate of neoplasms in our women GPSD patients. While no statistical significance was reached in men or in cases beyond two years post-diagnosis, a tendency toward higher rates was noted. These findings emphasize the need for further research on the potential oncologic implications of GPSD.