Following the review of more than 20 previously completed studies, a team of French researchers determined that tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors, brands like Humira, Enbrel and Remicade, may increase the risk of skin cancer in patients being treated for rheumatoid arthritis.
The team’s findings, which were published in this month’s online issue of Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, stated that while the use of TNF inhibitors did not appear to boost the risk for developing other cancers, they did, in fact, increase the risk for skin cancer, including melanoma.
While these findings will possibly help to alleviate any concern regarding TNF inhibitors and other forms of cancer, they still remind physicians to be vigilant when it comes to RA treatment complications, especially when patients present with any suspicious skin abnormalities during treatment.
