In a nutshell
This study examined the risk of cervical cancer in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-inhibitors. The study concluded that women with RA treated with TNF-inhibitors are at increased risk of cervical cancer.
Some background
RA is a chronic autoimmune disease (when the immune system attacks healthy tissue) that can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the joints. Many RA treatments, including TNF-inhibitors such as adalimumab (Humira), work by reducing the immune response. However, these treatments can also reduce the ability of the body to fight viruses and bacteria.
Some cancers, such as cervical cancer, are caused by viruses. It is not clear whether RA treatments, such as TNF-inhibitors, increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Methods & findings
The current study assessed the risk of cervical cancer in women treated with TNF-inhibitors. This study examined a medical record database including approximately 345,000 women. 9629 women were treated with TNF-inhibitors. 34,984 women had RA but were treated with other medications. The remaining 300,331 women did not have RA. Records were examined for 13 years. The study looked for abnormal non-cancerous cells on the cervix, abnormal cancerous cells on the cervix, and invasive cervical cancer (cancer that had spread deeply into and beyond the cervix).
Women with RA who were not treated with TNF-inhibitors had a 53% increase in the risk of non-cancerous abnormal cells, and a 39% increase in risk of cancerous cells, but did not have an increased risk of invasive cervical cancer compared with the general population.
Women treated with TNF-inhibitors had a 36% increased risk of cancerous cells and had two times the risk of invasive cervical cancer compared with women not treated with TNF-inhibitors.
The bottom line
The study concluded that women with RA have an increased risk of abnormal cervical cells. Women treated with TNF-inhibitors have an increased risk of cervical cancer.
The fine print
The study had challenges due to the number of drugs used to treat RA and their potential impact on the risk of cervical cancer.
What’s next?
Discuss with your doctor how regularly you should have a cervical screening.
Published By :
Annals of the rheumatic diseases
Date :
Jan 11, 2016
