RMD Open

No uptick in cancer recurrence among RA patients using biologic drugs

April 29, 2025

Study details: This nationwide registry-based cohort study included Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and one of six specific solid cancers in remission (breast, colorectal, melanoma, bladder, endometrial, and lung). Patients initiated treatment with either a biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (bDMARD) or a conventional synthetic DMARD (csDMARD). Patients were categorized into three bDMARD exposure groups: any bDMARD, tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFIs), and rituximab.

Results: Among 720 unique patients with RA and a solid cancer in remission, 170 were treated with any bDMARD, 81 with TNFi, 99 with rituximab, and 651 with csDMARDs. The study found no statistically significant increased hazard ratios (HRs) for cancer recurrence with any type of bDMARD (HR, 0.92; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.38 to 1.73), TNFi (HR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.21 to 3.16), or rituximab (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.32 to 2.11). Additionally, no increased HRs were observed for breast cancer recurrence specifically.

Clinical impact: Findings suggest that biologic drugs can be safely used in RA patients with a history of solid cancer in remission, without increasing the risk of cancer recurrence. This should provide reassurance for clinicians who care for these patients.

Source:

Westermann R, et al. (2025, April 20). RMD Open. Cancer recurrence risk with bDMARD treatment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and a history of cancer: a nationwide Danish register-based cohort study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40254339/