Geen verhoogd maligniteitsrisico bij TNF-α-blokkers. Of toch wel?

Tumour necrosis factor α (TNF) blockers were a major step forward in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In view of their immunosuppressive effects, concerns about enhancement of cancer development have arisen. So far there is no firm evidence that TNF-blockers increase the risk of solid tumours or lymphomas. However, it appears likely that TNF-blockers enhance the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer in patients with RA. Hence, it is recommended to screen patients treated with TNF-blockers periodically for skin cancer whereas routine screening for other malignancies is not useful.

Conflict of interest: M.T. Nurmohamed received funds for research projects from Roche, Abbott, Pfizer and UCB. He further received reimbursement for consultancy and lectures from Roche, Schering-Plough, BMS, UCB, Wyeth, Pfizer, MSD and Abbott. Financial support: none declared.