title: Do anti-TNF-α drugs increase cancer risk in rheumatoid arthritis patients?
abstract: Concern has been raised about an increased risk of lymphoma and skin cancers in patients with rheumatoid arthritis due to administration of anti-TNF-α drugs. Meta-analysis of observational data from registries as well as from randomized controlled trials has failed to show a significant increase in the risk of lymphoma when the sample size has been sufficiently large; skin cancer risk may represent a valid concern. Issues relating to interpretation of these data are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, Health Sciences Center Rm. 3H1E, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada. clarkd@mcmcaster.ca
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Clark
mesh_terms: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012306:Risk; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*
chemical_list: D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha