Bowel disease drug ups cancer risk

Two new studies published in the journal Gastroenterology, linked the medications that weaken body's immune reactions and development of malignant tumors in skin. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to two chronic diseases known as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease that cause inflammation of the bowels, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Optimal treatment of IBD depends on what form it consists of, but immunosuppressant drugs have a notable role in controlling symptoms in some patients. A study by researchers at the University Hospital of Nancy showed that IBD patients who had used a class of immunosuppressants called thiopurines are at a higher risk of developing common forms of non-melanoma skin cancer including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). “The increased risk of skin cancer that we found in our study was observed in all patients, even before the age of 50 years,” said lead author Dr. Laurent Peyrin-Biroulet. “As expected, this risk increased with age. All patients with irritable bowel disease currently receiving or having previously received thiopurines should protect their skin from UV radiation and receive regular dermatologic screening, regardless of their age.” Another survey led by Dr. Harminder Singh, however, showed that certain IBD patients may have potentially higher risk of skin cancer with immunosuppressants also involved in raising the odds. The study found that men with a form of IBD called Crohn's disease may have a baseline increased risk of BCC, and the use of thiopurines increases the risk of SCC. “All individuals should be protecting themselves against skin cancer,” suggested Singh of the University of Manitoba. “But, it is especially important that physicians stress the need to be extra vigilant about skin care with their irritable bowel disease patients, especially among those exposed to immunosuppressants such as thiopurines.” Researchers said the small risk should not lead IBD patients to stop thiopurines and leave their IBD treatment and control.