Certainly people take prescription medications to improve their health. However, a recent review of available scientific evidence suggests two popular medications may actually increase the risk of developing cancer. In an article appearing in the May 17th, 2006 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, patients with rheumatoid arthritis who were taking the frequently advertised drug, Humira (infliximab), or Remicade (adalimumab) were found to be subject to a three-fold higher risk of developing lung, breast, skin and gastrointestinal cancers. Furthermore, these medications also increase the risk of developing serious infections like pneumonia, which require antibiotic therapy and/or hospitalization. Humira and Remicade exert their effects by acting as antibodies against tumor necrosis factor (TNF) which is thought to play a critical role in immune defenses and controlling cancer growth.
Researchers conducted a meta-analysis study, pooling the results of nine trials meeting the inclusion criteria, including 3493 patients who received anti-TNF antibody treatment and 1512 patients who received placebo. Patients taking higher doses of these medications had the highest risk of developing cancer. Overall, 29 cancers were noted in the medication group, while only 3 cancers were found in the patients taking placebo. Even though this increased risk exists, Dr. John Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, told the Associated Press that the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. While physicians may still recommend these medications, patients should be wary and weigh the increased risk of cancer and serious infections against symptomatic relief.
Posted by Dr. Jennifer Stagg on September 29, 2006 11:56 AM
