Some IBD Drugs Boost Skin Cancer Risks, New Study Says
Drugs used to suppress the body’s immune system to treat inflammatory bowel disease may increase the risks of developing non-melanoma skin cancer, according to a new study.
Researchers led by the University of North Carolina found the cancer risks were highest among patients who took immunosuppressive mediations most recently and for longer periods of time, according to a HealthDay news report. The study focused on data from 26,403 patients with Crohn’s disease and nearly 27,000 patients with ulcerative colitis taking both immunosuppressive drugs and biologic mediations.
They found recent use of the thiopurine class of immunosuppressive drugs resulted in the greater risks of skin cancer, but some questions about the apparent link between use of the IBD drugs and non-melanoma skin cancers remains a mystery, the study’s authors said.
“The increased risk of (non-melanoma skin cancer) in patients with IBD is likely related to the immunosuppressive medications used to treat the disease, although we can’t rule out changes to the immune system itself as a result of IBD as contributing to this risk,” said study leader Dr. Millie Long, of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, according to HealthDay.
Other Studies See Link to Skin Cancers
Past studies have shown patients taking immunosuppressive drugs following organ transplants are at increased cancer risks, but the new study and other emerging research expands that apparent link to include patients taking the drugs for IBD.
Just last week, French researchers said use of azathioprine and other immunosuppressive drugs to treat inflammatory bowel disease can increase the risks of infection-related cancers. Imuran is the brand-name medication made by GlaxoSmithKline, while a handful of generic drug makers produce azathioprine.
The latest U.S.-based study finding a possible link between immunosuppressive drugs and non-melanoma skin cancers is set to be presented this week at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology, in San Diego, HealthDay reports.
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Thank you for providing this information and the links to the articles “Popular Bowel Disease Drugs Linked to Increased Cancer Risks” & “Popular Bowel Disease Drugs Linked to Increased Cancer Risks”. I take the generic azathioprine daily along with asacol because the asacol alone does not control my ulcerative colotis. It’s important to know about the increased risk of cancer so I can keep a watch out for it and in the event I ever develope cancer hopefully catch it early.
Opps this is a correction. please delete my first posting
Thank you for providing this information and the links to the articles “Bowel Disorders Boost Risk of ‘Super Bug’ Infections, Study Shows” & “Popular Bowel Disease Drugs Linked to Increased Cancer Risks”. I take the generic azathioprine daily along with asacol because the asacol alone does not control my ulcerative colotis. It’s important to know about the increased risk of cancer so I can keep a watch out for it and in the event I ever develope cancer hopefully catch it early.