Risk of Cancer After Initiation of Targeted Therapies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Prior Cancer: Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis
Authors' conclusion
Apart from skin cancers including melanoma, the risk of recurrent or new cancer is not increased with the initiation of bDMARDs for RA as compared with no bDMARDs.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (SpA), or psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and a history of cancer receiving bDMARDs or tsDMARDs; literature up to June 201924 observational studies
- Comparison
- bDMARDs vs no bDMARDs in RA patients with a history of cancer
- Outcome
- Risk of relapse or occurrence of new cancer
Methodological detailsCochran Q test and I2 statistic for heterogeneity
- Cochran Q test and I2 statistic for heterogeneity
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Overall risk of neoplasia
Each group vs no bDMARDsRelative risk (95% CI)P value
Any bDMARDI2 = 8%
1.09(0.92–1.32)
P = 0.31TNFiI2 = 48%
1.11(0.85–1.46)
P = 0.45RituximabI2 = 0%
0.79(0.41–1.53)
P = 0.49Further pooled results
| Outcome | RR (95% CI) | P value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Recurrence of skin cancerAny bDMARDvs No bDMARDsI2 = 0% | 1.32 (1.02–1.72) | P = 0.04 | |
| Recurrence of breast neoplasiaAny bDMARDvs No bDMARDsI2 = 0% | 1.21 (0.84–1.72) | P = 0.31 | |
| 0.512Relative risk (log scale) |
Original publication
Risk of Cancer After Initiation of Targeted Therapies in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and a Prior Cancer: Systematic Review With Meta‐Analysis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). Published 14 November 2022. doi:10.
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