Humira after prostate cancer

[nbguy]

I was on Humira for Crohns and AS for 2 1/2 years. I got diagnosed with prostate cancer a year ago and had a radical prostatectomy. So far, it looks like the surgery was a success and my psa tests have been zero. I had been fine without Humira for the last year, but recently, I have had some minor bleeding along with some constipation. I'm afraid the Crohns symptoms are starting to come on. I had a colonoskopy about 3 weeks ago and I am meeting with the GI in a couple of days to discuss the results. Right after the colonoskopy, he told me I had no polyps, but there were ulcers and other signs that the Crohns was active. My guess is that he will recommend that I start the Humira again, but, on the Humira website, they say not to take Humira if you "have or have had cancer". They dont specify what kind of cancers. Since prostate cancer is a pretty curable cancer, I wonder if this warning still applies. I don't want to take any chances with cancer, but I don't know what will stop the new Crohns symptoms. I have no pain by the way, but this light bleeding something I dont want. Has anybody heard anything about taking Humira after having cancer? I'm 61 and have been taking Apriso for the Crohns.

 

[Mark in Seattle]

I don't know the answers to your questions, but has any dr. ever suggested that the Humira caused the prostate cancer? Not that I've ever heard of any such relationship, just wondering though.

 

[beth]

I'd talk to you GI consultant about it. IIRC prostate cancer is in general rather benign and unlike other cancers. So it may be that is an exception not the rule.

As to Humira causing cancer, yes I believe it has been implicated, just read the leaflet that comes with it or read it online. Many of the drugs we take can cause cancer, and people get cancer anyway.

 

[nbguy]

Yes, I am suspicious that Humira might have caused or sped up the development of the prostate cancer. No family history. They do mention prostate as one of the cancers that can develop. On the other hand, I think you make a very good point about prostate cancer being unlike other cancers, so it may be ok. That's what I'm hoping. I'll see what the GI says tomorrow. Thanks for those helpful replies.