Increased risk of hepatobiliary cancers after hospitalization for autoimmune disease

Exploring genetic associations of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis with extraintestinal cancers in European and East Asian populations

Background

Previous studies have reported associations of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) with the risks of extraintestinal cancers, but the causality remains unclear.

Methods

Using genetic variations robustly associated with CD and UC extracted from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as instrumental variables. Nine types of extraintestinal cancers of European and Asian populations were selected as outcomes. We used the inverse variance weighted method as the primary approach for two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis. Sensitivity analyses were carried out to evaluate the reliability of our findings.

Results

In the European population, we found that CD showed a potential causal relationship with pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.1042; 95% CI: 1.0087-1.2088; P=0.0318). Meanwhile, both CD (outliers excluded: OR: 1.0208; 95% CI: 1.0079-1.0339; P=0.0015) and UC (outliers excluded: OR: 1.0220; 95% CI: 1.0051-1.0393; P=0.0108) were associated with a slight increase in breast cancer risk. Additionally, UC exhibited a potential causal effect on cervical cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 1.1091; 95% CI: 1.0286-1.1960; P=0.0071). In the East Asian population, CD had significant causal effects on pancreatic cancer (OR: 1.1876; 95% CI: 1.0741-1.3132; P=0.0008) and breast cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 0.9452; 95% CI: 0.9096-0.9822; P=0.0040). For UC, it exhibited significant causal associations with gastric cancer (OR: 1.1240; 95% CI: 1.0624-1.1891; P=4.7359×10-5), bile duct cancer (OR: 1.3107; 95% CI: 1.0983-1.5641; P=0.0027), hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 1.2365; 95% CI: 1.1235-1.3608; P=1.4007×10-5) and cervical cancer (OR: 1.3941; 95% CI: 1.1708-1.6599; P=0.0002), as well as a potential causal effect on lung cancer (outliers excluded: OR: 1.1313; 95% CI: 1.0280-1.2449; P=0.0116).

Conclusions

Our study provided evidence that genetically predicted CD may be a risk factor for pancreatic and breast cancers in the European population, and for pancreatic cancer in the East Asian population. Regarding UC, it may be a risk factor for cervical and breast cancers in Europeans, and for gastric, bile duct, hepatocellular, lung, and cervical cancers in East Asians. Therefore, patients with CD and UC need to emphasize screening and prevention of site-specific extraintestinal cancers.

The 2023 Impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Canada: Cancer and IBD

Cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Intestinal cancers may arise as a complication of IBD itself, while extra-intestinal cancers may arise due to some of the immunosuppressive therapies used to treat IBD. Colorectal cancer (CRC) and small bowel cancer risks remain elevated among persons with IBD as compared to age-and sex-matched members of the general population, and the lifetime risk of these cancers is strongly correlated to cumulative intestinal inflammatory burden. However, the cumulative risk of cancer, even among those with IBD is still low. Some studies suggest that IBD-CRC incidence has declined over the years, possibly owing to improved treatment standards and improved detection and management of early neoplastic lesions. Across studies of extra-intestinal cancers, there are generally higher incidences of melanoma, hepatobiliary cancer, and lung cancer and no higher incidences of breast cancer or prostate cancer, with equivocal risk of cervical cancer, among persons with IBD. While the relative risks of some extra-intestinal cancers are increased with treatment, the absolute risks of these cancers remain low and the decision to forego treatment in light of these risks should be carefully weighed against the increased risks of intestinal cancers and other disease-related complications with undertreated inflammatory disease. Quality improvement efforts should focus on optimized surveillance of cancers for which surveillance strategies exist (colorectal cancer, hepatobiliary cancer, cervical cancers, and skin cancers) and the development of cost-effective surveillance strategies for less common cancers associated with IBD.

Personal comorbidities and their subsequent risks for liver, gallbladder and bile duct cancers

Many environmental risk factors for hepatobiliary cancers are known but whether they are associated with specific cancer types is unclear. We present here a novel approach of assessing standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of previously diagnosed comorbidities for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), gallbladder cancer (GBC), cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and ampullary cancer. The 13 comorbidities included alcohol and nonalcohol related liver disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, gallstone disease, viral and other kinds of hepatitis, infection of bile ducts, hepatic and other autoimmune diseases, obesity and diabetes. Patients were identified from the Swedish Inpatient Register from 1987 to 2018, and their cancers were followed from 1997 onwards. SIRs for HCC were 80 to 100 in men and women diagnosed with hepatitis C virus and they were also >10 in patients diagnosed with hepatitis B virus, other kind of hepatitis, hepatic autoimmune disease and nonalcohol related liver disease. Many of these risks, as well as alcohol related liver disease, were either specific to HCC or were shared with intrahepatic CCA. For GBC, CCA and ampullary cancer infection of bile ducts was the main risk factor. Gallstone disease, nonhepatic autoimmune diseases and diabetes were associated with all hepatobiliary cancers. The limitations of the study include inability to cover some rare risk factors and limited follow-up time. Many of the considered comorbidities are characterized by chronic inflammation and/or overt immune disturbance in autoimmune diseases. The results suggest that local chronic inflammation and a related immune disturbance is the carcinogenic trigger for all these cancers.

Autoimmune diseases as comorbidities for liver, gallbladder, and biliary duct cancers in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune diseases are associated with many cancers but there is a lack of population-based studies with different autoimmune diseases that have a long follow-up. This is also true of hepatobiliary cancers, which include hepatocellular cancer (HCC) and rarer entities of gallbladder cancer (GBC), intra- and extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA and eCCA), and ampullary cancer.

METHODS

Diagnostic data on 43 autoimmune diseases were collected from the Swedish Inpatient Register from 1987 to 2018, and cancer data were derived from the national cancer registry from 1997 onward. Relative risks were expressed as standardized incidence ratios (SIRs).

RESULTS

In a population of 13.6 million, 1.1 million autoimmune diseases were diagnosed and subsequent hepatobiliary cancer was diagnosed in 3191 patients (17.2% of cancers). SIRs for HCC were 2.73 (men) and 2.86 (women), 3.74/1.96 for iCCA, 2.65/1.37 for GBC, 2.38/1.64 for eCCA, and 1.80/1.85 for ampullary cancer. Significant associations between autoimmune disease and HCC were observed for 13 autoimmune diseases, with the highest risks being for autoimmune hepatitis (48.92/73.53, men/women) and primary biliary cirrhosis (38.03/54.48). GBC was increased after six autoimmune diseases, with high SIRs for ulcerative colitis (12.22/3.24) and men with Crohn disease (9.16). These autoimmune diseases were also associated with a high risk of iCCA, which had seven other associations, and eCCA, which had five other associations. Ampullary cancer occurrence was increased after four autoimmune diseases.

CONCLUSION

An autoimmune disease is a common precursor condition for hepatobiliary cancers. This calls for careful control of autoimmune disease symptoms in each patient and encouragement to practice a healthy lifestyle.

Autoimmune conditions and pancreatic cancer risk in older American adults

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly fatal, and its incidence is increasing in the United States. Population-based registry studies suggest associations between a few autoimmune conditions and PC risk, albeit based on a relatively small number of cases. We conducted a population-based, nested case-control study to examine the associations between autoimmune conditions and PC risk within the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER)-Medicare population. Incident primary malignant PC cases (n = 80 074) were adults ≥66 years and diagnosed between 1992 and 2015. Controls (n = 320 296) were alive at the time cases were diagnosed and frequency-matched to cases (4:1 ratio) by age, sex, and year of diagnosis. We used multivariable-adjusted, unconditional logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for 45 autoimmune conditions identified from Medicare claims. Eight autoimmune conditions including ankylosing spondylitis (OR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.14-1.84), Graves' disease (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.03-1.34), localized scleroderma (OR = 1.27; 95% CI: 1.06-1.52), pernicious anemia (OR = 1.08; 95% CI: 1.02-1.14), primary sclerosing cholangitis (OR = 1.37; 95% CI: 1.18-1.59), pure red cell aplasia (OR = 1.31; 95% CI: 1.16-1.47), type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.11; 95% CI: 1.07-1.15), and ulcerative colitis (OR = 1.18; 95% CI: 1.07-1.31) were associated with increased PC risk (false discovery rate-adjusted P values <.10). In subtype analyses, these conditions were associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, whereas only ulcerative colitis was associated with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Our results support the hypothesis that autoimmune conditions may play a role in PC development.

Mutational signatures and processes in hepatobiliary cancers

The evolutionary history of hepatobiliary cancers is embedded in their genomes. By analysing their catalogue of somatic mutations and the DNA sequence context in which they occur, it is possible to infer the mechanisms underpinning tumorigenesis. These mutational signatures reflect the exogenous and endogenous origins of genetic damage as well as the capacity of hepatobiliary cells to repair and replicate DNA. Genomic analysis of thousands of patients with hepatobiliary cancers has highlighted the diversity of mutagenic processes active in these malignancies, highlighting a prominent source of the inter-cancer-type, inter-patient, intertumour and intratumoural heterogeneity that is observed clinically. However, a substantial proportion of mutational signatures detected in hepatocellular carcinoma and biliary tract cancer remain of unknown cause, emphasizing the important contribution of processes yet to be identified. Exploiting mutational signatures to retrospectively understand hepatobiliary carcinogenesis could advance preventative management of these aggressive tumours as well as potentially predict treatment response and guide the development of therapies targeting tumour evolution.

Familial Risks for Liver, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers and for Their Risk Factors in Sweden, a Low-Incidence Country

Simple Summary

Familial risk of cancer implies that two or more family members are diagnosed with the same cancer. This may be due to the genes or environmental factors that family members share. Familial risk for liver and gallbladder cancer is about 2.7 which means that when one family member is diagnosed with these cancers other family members have 2.7 times higher risk of being diagnosed with the same cancers compared to families were no member is yet diagnosed with these cancers. Risk between spouses is entirely due to shared environmental factors and for liver cancer there is a small risk. The most important way to prevent these cancers is to avoid their risk factors, alcohol, smoking and overweight, and to seek medical care for diabetes and liver infections.

Abstract

We used the Swedish Cancer Registry data to address familial risks for concordant (same) and discordant (different) hepatobiliary cancers, including their associations with any other cancers and with known risk factors. Risks were also assessed between spouses. The analysis covered Swedish families and their cancers between years 1958 and 2018. Adjusted familial risks were expressed as standardized incidence ratios (SIRs). Familial SIRs for concordant hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were 2.60, and for gallbladder cancer they were at the same level (2.76). Familial risk was also found for intrahepatic bile duct cancer and for female extrahepatic bile duct cancer. HCC was associated with lung and cervical cancers; extrahepatic bile duct and ampullary cancers were associated with colon and pancreatic cancers, suggesting Lynch syndrome. Among spouses, hepatobiliary cancer was associated with HCC, stomach, pancreatic, cervical and upper aerodigestive tract cancers. Among risk factors, family members diagnosed with alcohol-related disease showed association with HCC. The observed familial risks for hepatobiliary cancers were relatively high, and considering the poor prognosis of these cancers, prevention is of the utmost importance and should focus on moderation of alcohol consumption, vaccination/treatment of hepatitis viral infections and avoidance of overweight and other risk factors of type 2 diabetes.

Primary Sjögren's syndrome is associated with increased risk of malignancies besides lymphoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome(pSS) have increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, whether pSS patients have increased risk of other malignancies is unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the association between pSS and the risk of malignancy, with a focus on hematological malignancies besides lymphoma and solid tumors through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHOD

We searched PubMed and EMBASE by March 21st 2021. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) pSS was the exposure of interest; (2) newly developed malignancies were the outcome of interest; (3) standardized incidence ratio or relative risk with 95% confidence interval or essential data to calculate them were reported. (4) Study design was cohort study. Patient with other connective diseases were excluded. Quality assessment was conducted according to Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cohort study. Random or fixed effect models were used to calculate the pooled SIR according to heterogeneity measured by I².

RESULTS

A total of 1003 articles were found by a comprehensive search in PubMed and EMBASE. Twenty-eight articles were eligible. Four of them were from the same database, the one with longest observational span was chosen. Therefore, twenty-five articles were included for final analysis, which involved more than 47,607 pSS patients with the follow-up of more than 452,468 person-year. We found that pSS was significantly associated with increased risks of overall malignancy(pooled SIR 2.17, 95%1.57-3.00), hematological malignancy(pooled SIR 11.55, 95%CI 4.32-30.90) including NHL(pooled SIR 13.71, 95%CI 8.83-21.29), Hodgkin lymphoma(pooled SIR 8.84, 95%CI 5.00-15.61), multiple myeloma(pooled SIR 8.27, 95%CI 3.08-22.24), leukemia(pooled SIR 2.56, 95%CI 1.78-3.69) and solid tumors(pooled SIR 1.39, 95%CI 0.90-2.13) including lung cancer(pooled SIR 1.55, 95%CI 1.29-1.85), thyroid cancer(pooled SIR 2.05, 95%CI 1.20-3.48), non-melanoma skin cancer(pooled SIR 1.71, 95%CI 1.08-2.72), kidney/urinary tract cancer(pooled SIR 1.36, 95%CI 1.02; 1.81), liver cancer(pooled SIR 1.70, 95%CI 1.13-2.57) and prostate cancer(pooled SIR 1.50, 95%CI 1.02-2.22).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis showed that pSS patients had increased risk of overall cancer, which not only contributed by NHL, but also by other hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

Malassezia in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Accomplice of Evoking Tumorigenesis

Accumulating evidence indicates that patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have a significantly higher risk of developing different cancers, while the exact mechanism involved is not yet fully understood. Malassezia is a lipid-dependent opportunistic yeast, which colonizes on mammalian skin and internal organs. Also, dysbiosis in fungal communities accompanied by high level of Malassezia are fairly common in inflammatory diseases such as IBD and various cancers. In cancer patients, higher levels of Malassezia are associated with worse prognosis. Once it is ablated in tumor-bearing mice, their prognostic conditions will be improved. Moreover, Malassezia manifests multiple proinflammatory biological properties, such as destruction of epithelial barrier, enrichment of inflammatory factors, and degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM), all of which have been reported to contribute to tumor initiation and malignant progression. Based on these facts, we hypothesize that high levels of Malassezia together with mycobiome dysbiosis in patients with IBD, would aggravate the microecological imbalance, worsen the inflammatory response, and further promote tumorigenesis and deterioration. Herein, we will discuss the detrimental properties of Malassezia and explore the key role of this fungus in the correlation between IBD and cancer, in order to take early surveillance and intervention to minimize the cancer risk in individuals with IBD.

Environmental and Lifestyle Risk Factors in the Carcinogenesis of Gallbladder Cancer

Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive neoplasm that in an early stage is generally asymptomatic and, in most cases, is diagnosed in advanced stages with a very low life expectancy because there is no curative treatment. Therefore, understanding the early carcinogenic mechanisms of this pathology is crucial to proposing preventive strategies for this cancer. The main risk factor is the presence of gallstones, which are associated with some environmental factors such as a sedentary lifestyle and a high-fat diet. Other risk factors such as autoimmune disorders and bacterial, parasitic and fungal infections have also been described. All these factors can generate a long-term inflammatory state characterized by the persistent activation of the immune system, the frequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the constant production of reactive oxygen species that result in a chronic damage/repair cycle, subsequently inducing the loss of the normal architecture of the gallbladder mucosa that leads to the development of GBC. This review addresses how the different risk factors could promote a chronic inflammatory state essential to the development of gallbladder carcinogenesis, which will make it possible to define some strategies such as anti-inflammatory drugs or public health proposals in the prevention of GBC.

Cancer and Autoimmune Diseases: A Tale of Two Immunological Opposites?

The present article compares, side-by-side, cancer and autoimmune diseases in terms of innate and adaptive immune cells involvement, MHC Class I and Class II expression, TGFβ effect, immune modulating drugs effect and the effect of reactive oxygen species. The change in the inflammatory immune reaction during the progress of cancer and the effect of this change on the comorbidity of autoimmune diseases and cancer are discussed. The similar inflammatory properties of autoimmune diseases and early cancer, and the contrasting inflammatory properties of autoimmune diseases and advanced cancer elucidate the increased incidence of many types of cancer in patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases and the decreased cancer-specific mortality of these patients. Stage-dependent effects of reactive oxygen-species on tumor proliferation are an additional probable cause for these epidemiological observations. The relationship: {standardized incidence ratio (SIR)} > {cancer-specific hazard ratio (HR)} for cancer patients with a history of autoimmune diseases is substantiated and rationalized.

The Cancer Risk Profile of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

ABSTRACT

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have a well-established increased risk for cancer. Research from the past 2 decades has identified the specific malignancies that afflict SLE patients at disproportionate rates. Systemic lupus erythematosus patients are at heightened risk for several hematologic malignancies as well as for certain solid tumors, including lung, thyroid, and hepatobiliary cancers. They are at decreased risk for several cancers as well, including prostate and melanoma. Improved understanding of the unique cancer risk profile of SLE patients has led some professional societies to recommend specialized cancer screening and prevention measures for these patients and has enabled clinicians to better serve the SLE patient population.

The Complex Network between Inflammation and Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Simple Summary

Colorectal cancer is one of the most diffuse malignant pathologies, and many factors are involved in its genesis. Among these factors, inflammation plays an important role. Many molecules are involved in inflammation processes and are linked in different pathways, either in the sense of pro-tumorigenesis or anti-tumorigenic action. This review was conducted with the aim to review in a single paper the majority of actual knowledge in the literature and to comprehend inflammation patterns for better clinical and surgical management of patients.

Abstract

Background: colorectal cancer (CRC) has a multifactorial etiology which comprises microbiota, genetic predisposition, diet, environmental factors, and last but not least, a substantial contribution by inflammation. The aim of this study is to conduct a systematic review of the literature regarding the strong link between inflammation and colorectal cancer. Methods: A systematic review of the literature on PubMed (Medline), Scopus, Cochrane and EMBase databases was performed, following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Each paper was reviewed by two groups of researchers in a single-blind format by using a pre-planned Microsoft^© Excel^® grid. Results: Using automated research filters, 14,566 studies were included, but 1% was found significant by the reviewers. Seventy pathways of inflammation were described in the sequence of inflammation-carcinogenesis, and anti-tumorigenic molecules were also found. Conclusion: several studies suggest a strong role of inflammation in the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer through different pathways: this may have a diagnostic and clinical role and also therapeutic purpose in preventing carcinogenesis by treating inflammation. In vitro tests support this theory, even if many other clinical trials are necessary. The present paper was registered in the OpenScience Framework registry (Identifier: DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/2KG7T).

Risk of malignancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Malignancy is a potential comorbidity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). However, risk by malignancy type remains to be fully elucidated. We evaluated the risk of malignancy type in SLE patients in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from inception to July 2018 to identify observational studies that evaluated malignancy risk in adult SLE patients compared with the general population. Random-effects models were used to calculate pooled risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Heterogeneity was quantified using the I² test.

FINDINGS

Forty-one studies reporting on 40 malignancies (one overall, 39 site-specific) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled RR for all malignancies from 3694 events across 80 833 patients was 1.18 (95% CI: 1.00-1.38). The risk of 24 site-specific malignancies (62%) was increased in SLE patients. For malignancies with ≥6 studies, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma risk was increased >3-fold; myeloma and liver >2-fold; cervical, lung, bladder, and thyroid ≥1.5-fold; stomach and brain >1.3-fold. The risk of four malignancies (breast, uterine, melanoma, prostate) was decreased, whereas risk of 11 other malignancies did not differ between SLE patients and the general population. Heterogeneity ranged between 0% and 96%, and 63% were non-significant.

INTERPRETATION

The risk of overall and some site-specific malignancies is increased in SLE compared with the general population. However, the risk for some site-specific malignancies is decreased or did not differ. Further examination of risk profiles and SLE patient phenotypes may support guidelines aimed at reducing malignancy risk.

FUNDING

AstraZeneca.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

PROSPERO number: CRD42018110433.

Sex and regional disparities in incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma in autoimmune hepatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have identified an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). Sex and regional disparities in incidence of HCC in AIH continue to be reported worldwide. Nevertheless, the magnitude of this gap remains unknown.

METHOD

We searched several databases including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data, CNKI and SinoMed. Incidence rates of HCC in AIH were combined and analyzed following the EBayes method. Incidence rate ratios were pooled to assess the sex differences. The impact of population difference, sex, age, cirrhotic condition was further analyzed with subgroup analysis and linear regression analysis.

RESULT

39 studies meeting our eligibility criteria were chosen for the analysis. The pooled incidence rate of HCC in AIH was 3.54 per 1000 person years (95% CI 2.76-4.55). Pooled IRR for the risk of HCC in male AIH patients compared to female was 2.16 (95% CI 1.25-3.75), with mild heterogeneity among studies. The pooled HCC incidence rate in AIH by continents was as follows: Europe 2.37 per 1000 person-years (95% CI 1.45-3.88), Asia 6.18 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 5.51-6.93), North America 2.97 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 2.40-3.68), Oceania 2.60 (95%CI 0.54-7.58). The pooled HCC incidence rate in AIH-related cirrhosis by continent was as follows: Europe 6.35 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 3.94-10.22), Asia 17.02 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 11.18-25.91), North America 10.89 per 1000 person-years (95%CI 6.69-17.74).

CONCLUSION

A higher HCC incidence in AIH was observed among male and in Asian populations. Cirrhosis status at AIH diagnosis is significantly associated with an increased incidence rate for HCC, and routine HCC surveillance is recommended for patients with AIH cirrhosis, especially for those in Asia.

Case Report: Management of Malignancy-Exacerbated Pemphigus Vulgaris During COVID-19 Pandemic

Pemphigus vulgaris is an intraepidermal autoimmune mucocutaneous blistering disease whose etiopathogenesis includes various trigger factors, i.e., drugs and malignancies. We present a case of malignancy-exacerbated pemphigus vulgaris which required a careful diagnostic process in order to rule out paraneoplastic pemphigus, along with the challenges posed by the need of treating both cutaneous and oncologic diseases. Possible post-operative complications post-poned the start of first-line immunosuppressive treatment of pemphigus. Moreover, the infective risks had to be minimized during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy. Intravenous immunoglobulins were chosen as "bridge" therapy before the tumor surgical excision, followed by rituximab in post-operative phase.

Second Primary Cancers After Liver, Gallbladder and Bile Duct Cancers, and These Cancers as Second Primary Cancers

Background

Second primary cancers (SPCs) are important clinically as they may negatively influence patient survival and they may tell about therapeutic side effects and general causes of cancer. Population-based literature concerning SPCs after hepatobiliary cancers is limited and here we assess risks of SPCs after hepatocellular cancer (HCC), and cancers of the gallbladder, bile ducts and ampulla of Vater. In reverse order, we consider the risk of hepatobiliary cancers as SPCs after any cancer.

Methods

We used standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) to estimate bidirectional relative risks of subsequent cancers associated with hepatobiliary cancers. Cancer diagnoses were obtained from the Swedish Cancer Registry from years 1990 through 2015.

Results

We identified 9997 primary HCCs, 1365 gallbladder cancers and 4721 bile duct cancers. After HCC, risks of four SPCs were increased: gallbladder (SIR = 4.38; 95% confidence interval 1.87-8.67), thyroid (4.13; 1.30-9.70), kidney (2.92; 1.66-4.47) and squamous cell skin (1.55; 1.02-2.26) cancers. In reverse order, HCC as SPC, in addition to the above cancers, associations included upper aerodigestive tract, esophageal, small intestinal and bladder cancers and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For gallbladder and bile duct cancers, associations were found with small intestinal and pancreatic cancers.

Conclusion

The results suggested that HCC is associated with two types of SPC, one related to shared environmental risk factors, such as alcohol, exemplified by upper aerodigestive tract and esophageal cancer, and the other related to immune dysfunction, exemplified by squamous cell skin cancer. SPCs associated with gallbladder and bile duct cancers suggest predisposition to mutations in the mismatch repair gene MLH1.

Soluble cluster of differentiation 14 levels elevated in bile from gallbladder cancer cases from Shanghai, China

Elevated systemic levels of soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (sCD14) have been associated with gallbladder cancer (GBC), but the association with sCD14 levels within the gallbladder has not been investigated. Here, we evaluated sCD14 in the bile of 41 GBC cases and 117 gallstone controls with data on 65 bile inflammation markers. We examined the relationship between bile sCD14 levels and GBC using logistic regression and stratified the analysis by stage. We included GBC-associated inflammatory biomarkers in the model to evaluate the influence of local inflammation. Bile sCD14 levels (third versus first tertile) were associated with GBC (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 3.0, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–8.0). The association was equally strong for stage I/II (OR: 3.3, 95% CI: 0.9–15.6) and stage III/IV (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.0–12.4) cancers. Including the GBC-associated inflammatory markers in the model removed the association between bile sCD14 and GBC (OR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.3–3.5). The findings suggest that immune activation within the gallbladder may be related to GBC development, and the effect of sCD14 is influenced by inflammation. Similar associations across tumor stages suggest that elevated bile sCD14 levels may reflect changes early in GBC pathogenesis. Associations between GBC and sCD14 levels in both bile and plasma suggest sCD14 could be a potential biomarker for GBC.

Risk of Malignancy in Spondyloarthritis: A Systematic Review

Systematic inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), are associated with an increased risk of malignancies. However, the pathogenesis of spondyloarthritis (SpA), which includes both ankylosing spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis, is different from RA, and the risk of malignancy and sites involved may also be different. It is important to better understand associations of SpA with site-specific cancers to facilitate appropriate cancer screening. The goal of this review was to examine the association of SpA with malignancy and the potential impact of therapy for SpA on development of malignancy.

Association of Psoriasis With the Risk of Developing or Dying of Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Importance

The risk of cancer developing in people with psoriasis has raised some concern, with little clarity regarding differentiation in risk according to psoriasis severity.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies on the risk of cancer incidence and mortality in people with psoriasis.

Data Sources

Six electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, MEDLINE in Process, Cochrane Central Register, Web of Science, and LILACS [Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde]) were searched from inception to November 15, 2017, for eligible studies.

Study Selection

Cohort and case-control studies that provided estimates of the risk of cancer incidence or cancer mortality associated with psoriasis were included.

Data Extraction and Synthesis

Data were extracted relating to study design, study population, and risk estimates. Study-specific estimates of the relative risk (RR) were combined using a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was quantified using the I2 statistic. Data were analyzed from April 9, 2018, through February 22, 2019.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Pooled RR estimates for cancer incidence and cancer mortality for psoriasis cohorts compared with people without psoriasis.

Results

A total of 58 unique studies were included, with quality varying for the incidence and the mortality studies. Severe psoriasis (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.39 [9 studies]) and all severities of psoriasis (RR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.06-1.31 [7 studies]) were associated with an increased risk of cancer (overall), and associations were found for a range of site-specific cancers, including colon (RR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.03-1.35]), colorectal (RR, 1.34 [95% CI, 1.06-1.70]), kidney (RR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.11-2.24]), laryngeal (RR, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.06-3.01]), liver (RR, 1.83 [95% CI, 1.28-2.61]), lymphoma (RR, 1.40 [95% CI, 1.24-1.57]), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (RR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.15-1.43]), keratinocyte cancers (RR, 1.71 [95% CI, 1.08-2.71]), esophageal (RR, 2.05 [95% CI, 1.04-4.07]), oral cavity (RR, 2.80 [95% CI, 1.99-3.93]), and pancreatic (RR, 1.41 [95% CI, 1.16-1.73]). Overall cancer mortality risk was higher in patients with severe psoriasis (RR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.38 [4 studies]). Specifically, liver (RR, 1.43 [95% CI, 1.09-1.88]), esophageal (RR, 2.53 [95% CI, 1.87-3.41]), and pancreatic (RR, 1.31 [95% CI, 1.02-1.69]) cancer mortality were found to be elevated in those with severe psoriasis. The heterogeneity of estimates was often very high despite stratification. Marked attenuation of risk was found in those studies that adjusted estimates for smoking, alcohol consumption, and obesity.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, people with psoriasis appeared to have an increased risk of cancer incidence and cancer-related mortality involving a range of site-specific cancers. Future research examining specific lifestyle factors, treatments, and the inflammatory processes that contribute to psoriasis may help provide additional information on the underlying mechanisms for the apparent increased cancer risk.

The Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Patients With a History of Malignancy

As patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are living longer and our medical armamentarium expands, gastroenterologists are more frequently faced with treatment decisions about patients with IBD who also have a history of malignancy. This review aims to summarize the current literature on IBD, the inherent risk of developing gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal malignancies, and the risk of malignancies associated with available biologic and immunomodulatory therapies and to discuss the overall treatment strategy for a patient with a history of malignancy.

Liver perivascular epithelioid cell tumor in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus

INTRODUCTION

Perivascular epithelioid cell tumor (PECOMA) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm which expresses both myogenic and melanocytic markers showing a benign course,although malignant tumors have also been reported. To date there are approximately 33 cases of published hepatic pecomas.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

We describe a 47-year-old man with a 27-year past medical history of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who underwent left liver lobectomy due to a liver pecoma. His postoperative course complicated with infection, thrombosis of hepatic artery and liver ischemia as well as drug fever.

DISCUSSION

Treatment protocol especially for hepatic PECOMA has not reached a consensus although surgical resection is the preferred therapy.

CONCLUSION

This is the first case of coexistence of liver pecoma and SLE.

Associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancer risk among elderly US adults

Growing evidence suggests that people with autoimmune conditions may be at increased risk of hepatobiliary tumors. In the present study, we evaluated associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancers among adults aged ≥66 in the United States. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data (1992-2013) to conduct a population-based, case-control study. Cases (n = 32,443) had primary hepatobiliary cancer. Controls (n = 200,000) were randomly selected, cancer-free adults frequency-matched to cases by sex, age and year of selection. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with 39 autoimmune conditions identified via Medicare claims. We also conducted separate analyses for diagnoses obtained via inpatient versus outpatient claims. Sixteen conditions were associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer. The strongest risk estimates were for primary biliary cholangitis with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 31.33 [95% CI: 23.63-41.56]) and primary sclerosing cholangitis with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (7.53 [5.73-10.57]), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (5.59 [4.03-7.75]), gallbladder cancer (2.06 [1.27-3.33]) and ampulla of Vater cancer (6.29 [4.29-9.22]). Associations with hepatobiliary-related conditions as a group were observed across nearly all cancer sites (ORs ranging from 4.53 [95% CI: 3.30-6.21] for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to 7.18 [5.94-8.67] for hepatocellular carcinoma). Restricting to autoimmune conditions diagnosed via inpatient claims, 6 conditions remained associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer, and several risk estimates increased. In the outpatient restricted analysis, 12 conditions remained associated. Multiple autoimmune conditions are associated with hepatobiliary cancer risk in the US Medicare population, supporting a shared immuno-inflammatory etiology to these cancers.

Staging, Treatment, and Future Approaches of Gallbladder Carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Gallbladder cancer is the most common malignant cancer of the bile ducts and third most common gastrointestinal malignant in the world for public health. Its relatively low incidence and confused symptoms result in advanced disease at the time of presentation, contributing to poor prognosis and reduced survival associated with this disease. The main function of the gallbladder is to store excreted bile acids from the liver in preparation for a meal. Its main risk factor is prolonged exposure to biliary calculations, although bacterial infections and other inflammatory conditions are associated. Chronic inflammatory bowel conditions are associated with gallbladder cancer. T stage translates to identifying residual disease at reoperation for incidental gallbladder cancer and residual disease negatively affects survival.

CONCLUSION

It is the most common cancer of gallbladder, gallbladder cancer remains a rare disease. Gallbladder cancer is a rare disease that can be accidentally diagnosed after cholecystectomy or accidentally, often with more advanced disease. The prognosis is generally extremely poor and improvements in surgical resection of this approach have to be re-evaluated, while the role of chemotherapy and radiotherapy remains controversial.

Increased incidence of cancer in systemic lupus erythematosus: a Finnish cohort study with more than 25 years of follow-up

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the cancer risk in a cohort of Finnish patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) when followed over the long term.

METHOD

The cohort consisted of 182 female and 23 male SLE patients treated at the Helsinki University Central Hospital from 1967 to 1987. The cohort was linked to the Finnish Cancer Registry and followed for cancer incidence from 1967 to 2013. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were calculated by dividing the number of observed cases by the number of expected cases for different types of cancer.

RESULTS

The mean duration of follow-up was 25.7 years. Forty-five patients out of 205 were diagnosed with cancer, with an increased risk of overall malignancy [SIR 1.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.39-2.54, p < 0.001]. The incidences of soft-tissue sarcoma (SIR 12.1, 95% CI 1.47-43.7, p < 0.05), non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (SIR 12.1, 95% CI 5.82-22.3, p < 0.001), and kidney cancer (SIR 7.79, 95% CI 2.53-18.2, p < 0.01) were significantly elevated.

CONCLUSION

This long-term study confirms that patients with SLE have an increased risk of cancer, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and kidney cancer.

A review on SLE and malignancy

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by autoantibody production, complement activation, and immune complex deposition. It predominantly affects young and middle-aged women. While improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of SLE have altered prognosis, morbidity and mortality rates remain higher than the general population. In addition to renal injury, cardiovascular disease, and infection, malignancy is known to be a significant cause of death in this population. There is increasing evidence to suggest that patients with SLE have a slightly higher overall risk of malignancy. The risk of malignancy in SLE is of considerable interest because the immune and genetic pathways underlying the pathogenesis of SLE and the immunosuppressant drugs (ISDs) used in its management may mediate this altered risk. Our current understanding of these and other risk factors and the implications for treating SLE and screening for malignancy is still evolving. This review summarizes the association between SLE and malignancy. The first section discusses the risk of overall and site-specific malignancies in both adult- and pediatric-onset SLE. Next, we evaluate the risk factors and possible mechanisms underlying the link between malignancy and SLE, including the use of ISDs, presence of certain SLE-related autoantibodies, chronic immune dysregulation, environmental factors, and shared genetic susceptibility. Finally, we review guidelines regarding cancer screening and vaccination for human papilloma virus.

Risk of malignancy in ankylosing spondylitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Current knowledge about the overall and site-specific risk of malignancy associated with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to address this knowledge gap. Five databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, the Cochrane library and the virtual health library) were systematically searched. A manual search of publications within the last 2 years in key journals in the field (Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, Rheumatology and Arthritis & rheumatology) was also performed. STATA 11.2 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis. After screening, twenty-three studies, of different designs, were eligible for meta-analysis. AS is associated with a 14% (pooled RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.03–1.25) increase in the overall risk for malignancy. Compared to controls, patients with AS are at a specific increased risk for malignancy of the digestive system (pooled RR 1.20; 95% CI 1.01 to 1.42), multiple myelomas (pooled RR 1.92; 95% CI 1.37 to 3.69) and lymphomas (pooled RR 1.32; 95% CI 1.11 to 1.57). On subgroup analysis, evidence from high quality cohort studies indicated that AS patients from Asia are at highest risk for malignancy overall. Confirmation of findings from large-scale longitudinal studies is needed to identify specific risk factors and to evaluate treatment effects.

The inflammatory inception of gallbladder cancer

Gallbladder cancer is a lethal disease with notable geographical variations worldwide and a predilection towards women. Its main risk factor is prolonged exposure to gallstones, although bacterial infections and other inflammatory conditions are also associated. The recurrent cycles of gallbladder epithelium damage and repair enable a chronic inflammatory environment that promotes progressive morphological impairment through a metaplasia-dysplasia-carcinoma, along with cumulative genome instability. Inactivation of TP53, which is mutated in over 50% of GBC cases, seems to be the earliest and one of the most important carcinogenic pathways involved. Increased cell turnover and oxidative stress promote early alteration of TP53, cell cycle deregulation, apoptosis and replicative senescence. In this review, we will discuss evidence for the role of inflammation in gallbladder carcinogenesis obtained through epidemiological studies, genome-wide association studies, experimental carcinogenesis, morphogenetic studies and comparative studies with other inflammation-driven malignancies. The evidence strongly supports chronic, unresolved inflammation as the main carcinogenic mechanism of gallbladder cancer, regardless of the initial etiologic trigger. Given this central role of inflammation, evaluation of the potential for GBC prevention removing causes of inflammation or using anti-inflammatory drugs in high-risk populations may be warranted.

Malignancies in systemic lupus erythematosus: a 2015 update

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have altered incidences of certain malignancies as compared with the general population. This review summarizes the recent literature on risk of malignancy in SLE and proposed mechanisms for these altered susceptibilities.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies have confirmed previous data showing an increased risk of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lung, liver, vulvar/vaginal, and thyroid malignancies, whereas demonstrating a decreased risk of breast and prostate cancer. Lymphomagenesis in SLE has been linked to increased activity of multiple inflammatory cytokines as well as possible viral diseases. The decreased rates of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast and prostate, are speculated to be related to the presence of lupus autoantibodies and downregulation of certain proteins in SLE. This knowledge has been utilized to investigate new therapeutic modalities for these malignancies.

SUMMARY

Recent data confirm previously reported altered malignancy rates in SLE. Most striking in recent years are publications further elucidating mechanisms underlying cancer development in SLE, and subsequent investigations of potential therapeutics modulating these pathways.

The evolving epidemiology of hepatocellular carcinoma: a global perspective

Primary liver cancer, the majority of which are hepatocellular carcinomas, is now the second leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Hepatocellular carcinoma is a unique cancer that typically arises in the setting of chronic liver disease at a rate dependent upon the complex interplay between the host, disease and environmental factors. Infection with chronic hepatitis B or C virus is currently the dominant risk factor worldwide. However, changing lifestyle and environmental factors in western countries plus rising neonatal hepatitis B vaccination rates and decreasing exposure to dietary aflatoxins in developing countries are driving an evolution of the epidemiology of this cancer. An understanding of this change is crucial in combating the rising incidence currently being seen in western regions and will underpin the efforts to reduce the mortality rates associated with this cancer.

Current concepts of immune based treatments for patients with HCC: from basic science to novel treatment approaches

The recent approval of two immune checkpoint inhibitors for the treatment of malignant melanoma has sparked great interest by physicians and basic scientists searching for novel therapeutics for GI cancer. Chronic inflammation is recognised as a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and makes this type of cancer a potentially ideal target for an immune based treatment approach. Further evidence for a critical role of immune responses in patients with HCC is derived from the fact that immune signatures and profiles predict patients' outcome as well as the fact that tumour-induced spontaneous antitumour immunity can be detected. In addition ablative therapies can lead to changes in the number, phenotype and function of different immune cell subsets, which correlate with patients' survival. Various HCC-specific mouse models have been developed, which improve our understanding of hepatocarcinogenesis and tumour-immune cell interactions, and lead to the development of novel immune based treatment approaches, which are currently being evaluated in preclinical and in early clinical settings. Immune checkpoint blockade along with adoptive immune cell therapy and vaccine approaches are currently being evaluated either alone or in combination with other treatments. Here, we provide an overview for the rationale of immunotherapy in HCC, summarise ongoing studies and provide a perspective for immune based approaches in patients with HCC.

Cancer of the ampulla of vater: current evaluation and therapy

Ampullary cancer is a relatively rare cancer of the digestive tract. In contrast to pancreatic cancer, ampullary cancer is often curable if detected at an early stage. The evaluation and management of ampullary cancer is similar to, but distinct from, that of other pancreaticobiliary tumors. This manuscript will review the current evaluation, diagnosis, and therapy of patients with ampullary cancer. The diagnosis of ampullary cancer is complicated by its similar clinical presentation to pancreatic cancer as well as its nonspecific laboratory findings. Diagnostic modalities such as ERCP, EUS, and biopsy are necessary for differentiating the 2 cancers, and noninvasive imaging techniques such as MRI and CT may be used for tumor staging. Although pancreaticoduodenectomy is considered the primary curative surgical option, consensus guidelines regarding adjuvant and neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapies are lacking.

Mechanisms of Translocation of ER Chaperones to the Cell Surface and Immunomodulatory Roles in Cancer and Autoimmunity

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperones (e.g., calreticulin, heat shock proteins, and isomerases) perform a multitude of functions within the ER. However, many of these chaperones can translocate to the cytosol and eventually the surface of cells, particularly during ER stress induced by e.g., drugs, UV irradiation, and microbial stimuli. Once on the cell surface or in the extracellular space, the ER chaperones can take on immunogenic characteristics, as mostly described in the context of cancer, appearing as damage-associated molecular patterns recognized by the immune system. How ER chaperones relocate to the cell surface and interact with other intracellular proteins appears to influence whether a tumor cell is targeted for cell death. The relocation of ER proteins to the cell surface can be exploited to target cancer cells for elimination by immune mechanism. Here we evaluate the evidence for the different mechanisms of ER protein translocation and binding to the cell surface and how ER protein translocation can act as a signal for cancer cells to undergo killing by immunogenic cell death and other cell death pathways. The release of chaperones can also exacerbate underlying autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and the immunomodulatory role of extracellular chaperones as potential cancer immunotherapies requires cautious monitoring, particularly in cancer patients with underlying autoimmune disease.

Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma in a patient with Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine and infliximab: a case report and literature review

Hepatocellular carcinoma most commonly occurs in patients with underlying liver disease or cirrhosis. We describe a case of hepatocellular carcinoma in a 34-year-old man with Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine and infliximab. The patient had no history of liver disease and a complete autoimmune and viral workup was unremarkable. Unfortunately, the patient developed widespread metastatic disease and passed away 5 months after his initial diagnosis. The mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients' with Crohn's disease is poorly understood and may include both autoimmunity and treatment-related complications. Previous case reports suggest the possibility of a concerning association between azathioprine therapy and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with Crohn's disease. Clinicians may consider early imaging in patients with Crohn's disease presenting with concerning symptomatology or abnormal liver enzymes, especially in those being treated with azathioprine alone or in combination with infliximab. Future research may help to uncover additional risk factors for this exceedingly rare diagnosis in this patient population.

Contribution of TLR signaling to the pathogenesis of colitis-associated cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

In the intestine a balance between proinflammatory and repair signals of the immune system is essential for the maintenance of intestinal homeostasis. The innate immunity ensures a primary host response to microbial invasion, which induces an inflammatory process to localize the infection and prevent systemic dissemination of pathogens. The key elements of this process are the germline encoded pattern recognition receptors including Toll-like receptors (TLRs). If pathogens cannot be eliminated, they may elicit chronic inflammation, which may be partly mediated via TLRs. Additionally, chronic inflammation has long been suggested to trigger tissue tumorous transformation. Inflammation, the seventh hallmark of cancer, may affect all phases of tumor development, and evade the immune system. Inflammation acts as a cellular stressor and may trigger DNA damage or genetic instability. Furthermore, chronic inflammation can provoke genetic mutations and epigenetic mechanisms that promote malignant cell transformation. Colorectal cancers in inflammatory bowel disease patients are considered typical examples of inflammation-related cancers. Although data regarding the role of TLRs in the pathomechanism of cancer-associated colitis are rather conflicting, functionally these molecules can be classified as ”largely antitumorigenic” and ”largely pro-tumorigenic” with the caveat that the underlying signaling pathways are mainly context (i.e., organ-, tissue-, cell-) and ligand-dependent.