Rome, Apr 03: A large-scale national study in Italy has revealed that patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs) face a significantly higher risk of developing cancer, particularly in the early stages of their condition. The findings, published in Cancers, highlight the critical role of chronic inflammation and the potential protective impact of anti-inflammatory therapies over time.
The five-year study, conducted on more than 356,000 patients, is the first nationwide epidemiological analysis in Italy to examine the link between IMIDs and cancer risk. The research was carried out in collaboration with the Sbarro Health Research Organization, led by Antonio Giordano, professor at the University of Siena.
IMIDs include conditions such as psoriasis, systemic sclerosis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, connective tissue diseases, and inflammatory arthritis. According to the study, patients with these conditions have a 32% higher risk of cancer compared to the general population, with the risk peaking during the first year after diagnosis before gradually declining.
“This national study is fundamental because it clearly quantifies the increased cancer risk in patients with IMIDs,” said Daniela Marotto, head of Rheumatology at the Local Health Authority of Gallura. “The elevated risk in early stages suggests that chronic inflammation, rather than treatments, is a key factor in cancer development.”
Further analysis by researchers, including Barbara Giordani and Giovanni Baglio of AGENAS, indicates that persistent inflammation may drive tumor development. However, the introduction of anti-inflammatory therapies appears to reduce this risk over time, suggesting a potential protective effect.
Among the cancers most commonly associated with IMIDs are lung cancer, hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, bladder cancer, and melanoma. Patients with diffuse connective tissue diseases were found to have a higher overall risk compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis.
“Our results support the hypothesis that inflammation is a determining factor in cancer risk,” added Giordano. “The reduction in risk over time indicates that disease-related mechanisms, rather than drug exposure, play a central role.”
The study underscores the importance of enhanced cancer surveillance strategies, particularly within the first year following IMID diagnosis. Researchers also emphasize the need for early, targeted therapeutic interventions and the development of predictive biomarkers to better assess cancer risk.
These findings contribute to the growing field of onco-rheumatology, which explores the complex relationship between autoimmune diseases, inflammation, and cancer—offering new avenues for prevention, early diagnosis, and improved patient care.
