A study published in the January 2008 issue of the journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism, has found that the risk of malignancy is not increased in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA). The rate of malignancy did not differ from that in the general population.

The study, "Prevalence of malignancy in psoriatic arthritis", also found that those who had a "high ESR and possibly higher swollen joint count" tended to have a higher risk of developing cancer. Thus, it seemed that a high level of disease activity and higher levels of inflammation were associated with malignancy. It is the "burden of disease" that appears to be a risk factor.

It has been a point of study to determine the risks of biologic medications in possibly contributing to cancer, such as lymphoma.

Dr. Dafna D. Gladman states, "We'll continue to look for evidence of increase malignancy risks among patients treated with biologic agents."

Because those with elevated levels of inflammation appear to be a greater cancer risk, Dr. Gladman says, "…these patients need to be treated aggressively to turn off the inflammation."

You can read the study abstract by clicking here.

STAY INFORMED! Stay up-to-date on all the latest news and information regarding AS and related diseases with our news magazine, Spondylitis Plus. Your subscription comes free with SAA membership, so click here to join today!