New Study on TNF blockers

[GI Joe]

I thought those of you taking one of the TNF blockers (Remicade, Humira, Enbrel) might find this interesting. Here is a link to a story about a resent study on the frequency of cancer in RA patients using TNF blockers. The study found the risk of cancer was no greater for TNF blocker users and patients taking no medications. Here is the link http://news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/20091030...tpromotecancer

[crohnsproof]

thanks GI Joe.

I find this interesting that the study didn't mention Gastroentestinal patients or children and adolescents. And does this 'one' study outweigh what the FDA has previously posted and studied?

In August, this year, the FDA came out with a newfound warning on the TNF labels to warn about increased cancer in children and adolescents, when treated for juevenile rheumatoid arthritis and gastrointestinal disorders. The FDA was working with manufacturers then to look at new ways to further define the risk of cancer in kids and adolescents who use these drugs.

In 2008 an FDA completed investigation showed an increase risk of cancer after an average of 30 months. About half of the cancers were lymphomas, a type of cancer involving cells of the immune system. Some of the reported cancers were fatal.

Also, please note that the team leader, from Stockholm was quoted as saying, "given several uncertainties, continued vigilance remains prudent".

Good stuff GI Joe!

[crohnsproof]

This got me to thinking and I found another article related to this study.

This is a very informative article and speaks primarily of the Swedish study. Sounds really good until you get to the last sentence in the article.

He tells WebMD "the jury is still out" on whether they are being over prescribed.

"The majority of patients with rheumatoid arthritis do just as well with non-biologic treatments."

But again, this is good news, huh?