Is there an association between anti-TNF monoclonal antibody therapy in rheumatoid arthritis and risk of malignancy and serious infection? Commentary on the meta-analysis by Bongartz et al.
A recent meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials reported by Bongartz and coworkers raised concerns about an increased rate of malignancy and serious infection in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor monoclonal antibodies. This commentary discusses some of the methodological issues in their analysis and urges caution in interpreting the results.
Dixon
Will
W
Epidemiology Unit, University of Manchester Medical School, Manchester, UK. will.dixon@manchester.ac.uk
Silman
Alan
A
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007239:Infections / Q000453:epidemiology*; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha