Rheumatic disease and malignancy

Abstract

Background: A number of rheumatic disorders are associated with an increased risk for various malignancies. The reasons for this risk are not well defined. Furthermore, pharmacologic therapy of rheumatic diseases may increase the risk of malignant disease.
Objective: The aim of this literature review is to address the various rheumatic diseases and their pharmacologic therapy that are associated with an increased risk of malignancy.
Data source: The literature review uses medical science based literature published locally and internationally on the risk of malignancy in patients with rheumatological diseases and the use of antirheumatic medications.
Conclusion: Individual rheumatic diseases are associated with increased risk of particular malignancies. A number of the pharmacologic therapies used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases may increase the risk of malignancy. In these patients who are at risk for cancer related to their autoimmune disease, age- and sex-appropriate screening should be performed, and additional screening may be added based upon the risk factors of an individual patient.

Key words: Rheumatic diseases, Cancer, Antirheumatic medication, Malignancy, Screening