Tnf alpha blockers no associated cancer risk

[my little penguin]

The researchers also performed stratified analyses based on cumulative TNF-alpha antagonist dose and time since first TNF-alpha antagonist dose, but found no association with cancer risk. Their analysis also did not find an increased risk by cancer type.

However, he added, the IBD drugs azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine have clearly been linked to cancer. "They are unequivocally linked with a higher risk of non-melanoma skin cancer and a higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma," Dr. Sandborn said.

Studies have shown that combination therapy with azathioprine and TNF-alpha antagonists is more effective than either drug given as monotherapy, he added. The question that needs to be answered, he said, is how the benefit of combination therapy compares to the increased cancer risk seen with azathioprine. "I hope the authors will continue to mine their data to further explore the relationship of the whole range of drugs we use in IBD and cancer," he said.

From:
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/826945?src=wnl_edit_tpal&uac=185734DZ

 

[Jane and Nick]

So as a layman, I read this to mean, having a child on Remicadee or other similar drugs has shown no increase in cancer risk, but having a child on AZA or 6mp alone or in conjunction with Remi and the like is courting the possibility of cancer. I knew the risks before we began AZA but I was under the impression that all the drugs carried the same risks.
I was coasting along feeling a little confident with my decision as Nick is doing really well, now I am agonising once again, about wether we made the right choice.

 

[my little penguin]

Basically yes but theses studies were done in adults not kids so it may not correlate as well.
Add in 6-mp/Aza have been used a very very long time , biologics still have a lot of unknowns .
We have found to just go with the med that currently works for the kiddo and worry about what ifs later since so many kids have trouble finding remission and a even harder time staying there .
DS has been on them all except the combo - which may still be In his near future - it just is what is- since disease not under control has a higher cancer risk as does disease duration - so being dx as a kid is not in their favor.

 

[Mehita]

Don't beat yourself up, Jane. If he's doing well right now, have fun and make the most of this time. Let him be a kid and try not to worry too much about the risks that may never even happen. :ghug:

 

[AZMOM]

Jane - definitely like Mehita and MLP said. Gotta take one step at a time. The what-ifs can make you mad. You have to do what is working for your baby and know that you will face the next challenge IF it arises. No side effects are chiseled in stone.

Hugs,

J.

 

[my little penguin]

^^^ yeah that and then some I "agreed" to add Mtx to the humira for DS today so ....
You just do what you have to do ...
Hugs

 

[vtfamily]

Just visited the GI today....Gus is still doing great with the Stelara! (Long road to this point, nothing else worked for us)

GI had some interesting med news. Looks like Tysabri spin-off ("Vido"), an anti-adhesion drug, is going to take the lead in Crohn's treatment...replacing Aza, 6MP and anti-TNFs. The best part is that it does NOT carry the TB, lymphoma or PML/JK virus risks! Keep your ears open for more news/developments with anti-adhesion meds!

It feels pretty good to know we have a viable back-up plan!

Cheryl VT