Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
Risk of Lymphoma in Patients With Asthma Treated With Dupilumab Compared With Other Biologic Agents: A Retrospective
Kuang-Ming Liao1, Sheng Chi Huang2, Chia-Yu Kuo2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Chi Mei Hospital, Chiali, Taiwan; Department of Nursing, Min-Hwei Junior College of Health Care Management, Tainan, Taiwan.
Background:
Dupilumab, an IL-4 receptor α antagonist, has transformed the treatment of severe asthma, but has been linked to reports of lymphoma, particularly cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Whether lymphoma risk differs between dupilumab and other asthma biologics remains unclear.
Research Question:
What is the comparative incidence of lymphoma among adult patients with asthma treated with dupilumab vs omalizumab, mepolizumab, or benralizumab?
Study Design And Methods:
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using the TriNetX global federated health research network. Adults with asthma initiating dupilumab, omalizumab, mepolizumab, or benralizumab treatment between 2015 and 2025 were identified. Propensity score matching balanced baseline demographic and clinical characteristics. The primary outcome was lymphoma incidence. Secondary outcomes included lung, breast, and prostate cancers. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models.
Results:
After matching, 10,841 patients receiving dupilumab were compared with 10,841 patients receiving omalizumab, 8,088 patients receiving mepolizumab, and 7,330 patients receiving benralizumab. Over up to 5 years of follow-up, lymphoma incidence rates per 1,000 person-years were 1.5 vs 0.8 (HR, 1.25; 95% CI, 0.78-2.00) for dupilumab vs omalizumab, 1.5 vs 1.5 (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.53-1.56) vs mepolizumab, and 1.5 vs 1.7 (HR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.47-1.51) vs benralizumab. No significant differences were observed for breast, lung, or prostate cancer.
Interpretation:
Our results show that no statistically significant differences in lymphoma incidence were observed between dupilumab and other biologics. These findings provide comparative reassurance regarding lymphoma risk with dupilumab over up to 5 years of follow-up.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.