Biologics ‘don’t increase cancer risk’ in IBD patients
A small study suggests there's no need to avoid immunosuppressive therapy even for those with prior malignancy
Prior history of cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease should not preclude the prescription of biologic therapy, according to results from a retrospective study.
US researchers made the call after finding no association between the use of ustekinumab, vedolizumab and TNF inhibitors with the risk of new or recurrent cancer in this clinical setting.
They said their findings should provide reassurance to clinicians who “may hesitate to use biological agents” among those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and previous cancer.
In the multicentre study, the Cleveland Clinic Florida-led team analysed data from 341 adults with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, of whom 160 were exposed to biologics after cancer diagnosis.
