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Methotrexate Therapy in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Does it increase risk of a second nonmelanoma skin cancer?
Methotrexate use is associated with an increased risk of a second nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), according to a study of 6,841 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and 2,788 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Researchers found:
• Incidence rate of an NMSC per 1,000 person-years was 58.2 among patients with RA and 58.9 among patients with IBS.
• Among patients with RA, methotrexate used with other medications had a hazard ratio of 1.60 for increased risk of a second NMSC.
• Adjusted for other medications, risk of NMSC increased with 1 year or more of methotrexate use.
• Addition of anti-TNF drugs was significantly associated with risk of NMSC.
• Abatacept and rituximab were not associated with increased NMSC risk.
Citation: Scott FI, Mamtani R, Brensinger CM, et al. Risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer associated with the use of immunosuppressant and biologic agents in patients with a history of autoimmune disease and nonmelanoma skin cancer. [Published online ahead of print October 28, 2015]. JAMA Dermatol. doi: 10.1001jamadermatol.2015.3029.