Is Anti-TNF Therapy Safe to Use in People with a History of Malignancy?
Lust M., Travis S.
Malignancies have been described in patients receiving anti-TNF therapy although the risk appears to be small. These agents are generally avoided in patients with a history of malignant disease because of the concern that inhibiting TNF may lead to a recurrence or progression of malignancy. To date, no study has specifically asked whether TNF blockade increases the risk of recurrent cancer in patients with previous malignancy. This chapter provides a summary of the associations between anti-TNF therapy and malignancy and offers practical advice when considering these therapies in patients with a history of malignant or premalignant disease. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Ltd..