| Two drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Humira and Remicade, may increase the risk of serious infections and also in rare cases cause cancer, according to a Mayo Clinic analysis of nine studies involving the drugs.
The analysis, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, confirmed an increased risk for serious infection for patients taking TNF (tumor necrosis factor)-blocking antibodies like Humira and Remicade, and also found that cancer is a potential risk associated with the drugs.
"This study shows a strong association between treatment with TNF-blocking antibodies and the development of serious infections, such as pneumonia, and cancers," says Dr. Eric Matteson. "It's a very serious issue.
Matteson noted, however that most of the half-million patients who have been put on therapy with TNF-blocking antibodies do not have other good options.
"TNF-blocking antibodies are absolutely the best drug for many patients. They have revolutionized the way we treat rheumatoid arthritis, especially in patients who do not respond to conventional therapies," matteson said.
"But patients and health care providers must know that there is an increased risk for these complications and be alert for them," Matteson added
In their analysis, the researchers found that patients treated with TNF-blocking antibodies had 3.3 times the risk of developing cancer as those given a placebo, and 2.2 times the risk of a serious infection. Cancers were much more common in those patients treated with high doses of TNF-blocking antibodies.
Matteson strongly encouraged patients who are prescribed TNF-blocking antibodies for rheumatoid arthritis to be especially alert to symptoms of infection, to get their vaccinations, and to undergo appropriate cancer screenings.
Source: Medical Week staff, May 17, 2006 |
HOME PAGE
