Effect of Immunomodulators and Biologic Agents on Malignancy in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Immunosuppressive agents and biological agents are widely used for therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, these therapies may be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. There is evidence that exposure of the therapeutic agents such as thiopurine and anti-tumor necrosis factor for IBD is associated with an increased risk of lymphoproliferative disorders, skin cancers, or uterine cervical cancers. This article reviews the malignancies associated with the use of immunosuppressive agents and biological agents in IBD.

Keywords

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Malignancy
• Azathioprine
• 6-Mercaptopurine
• Tumor necrosis factor-alpha