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Elevated cancer incidence in patients with dermatomyositis: a population based study
A Airio1, E Pukkala, H Isomäki
1Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Turku, Finland.
The Journal of Rheumatology
|July 1, 1995
Summary
Dermatomyositis (DM) is linked to a higher cancer risk, particularly in the first year post-diagnosis. Polymyositis (PM) showed no increased cancer association. DM and some cancers may share common causes.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are idiopathic inflammatory myopathies.
- The association between these conditions and cancer risk requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between polymositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) and cancer incidence in Finland.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 175 PM and 71 DM patient records diagnosed between 1969-1985.
- Follow-up until death or December 1990 using national registries.
Main Results:
- Overall cancer incidence was elevated (SIR 2.1).
- DM patients had a significantly higher cancer risk (SIR 6.5), especially within the first year (SIR 26).
- PM patients showed no increased cancer risk (SIR 1.0).
Conclusions:
- Dermatomyositis (DM) is associated with an increased risk of cancer, unlike polymositis (PM).
- The risk is particularly elevated in DM patients over 49.
- Shared etiological factors may link DM and certain cancers.