Cancer and Scleroderma

Widespread mutagenesis and chromosomal instability shape somatic genomes in systemic sclerosis

Systemic sclerosis is a connective tissue disorder characterized by excessive fibrosis that primarily affects women, and can present as a multisystem pathology. Roughly 4-22% of patients with systemic sclerosis develop cancer, which drastically worsens prognosis. However, the mechanisms underlying systemic sclerosis initiation, propagation, and cancer development are poorly understood. We hypothesize that the inflammation and immune response associated with systemic sclerosis can trigger DNA damage, leading to elevated somatic mutagenesis, a hallmark of pre-cancerous tissues. To test our hypothesis, we culture clonal lineages of fibroblasts from the lung tissues of controls and systemic sclerosis patients and compare their mutation burdens and spectra. We find an overall increase in all major mutation types in systemic sclerosis samples compared to control lung samples, from small-scale events such as single base substitutions and insertions/deletions, to chromosome-level changes, including copy-number changes and structural variants. In the genomes of patients with systemic sclerosis, we find evidence of somatic hypermutation or kategis (typically only seen in cancer genomes), we identify mutation signatures closely resembling the error-prone translesion polymerase Polη activity, and observe an activation-induced deaminase-like mutation signature, which overlaps with genomic regions displaying kataegis.

Biomarkers reflecting the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, and guide therapeutic approach in systemic sclerosis: a narrative review

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a progressive autoimmune disorder that mainly affects the skin. There are other clinical manifestations as renal, pulmonary, cardiovascular, and gastrointestinal tract involvements. Based on the skin involvement there are two subtypes of SSc, as limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc) which involves the acral part of the body and diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc) resulting in significant skin thickening of the body. Despite of the extensive research the pathomechanism is not fully clarified, how Ssc develops, moreover identifying biomarkers to predict the clinical outcome and prognosis still remains challenging. Circulating biomarkers can be crucial to define the diagnosis, to predict the prognosis and monitor the clinical course. However, only some patients are responsive to the therapy in SSc, and there is a need to reach the ideal therapy for any individual to prevent or slow down the progression in early stages of the disease. In this narrative review, our purpose was to summarize the potential biomarkers in Ssc, describe their role in the diagnosis, pathomechanism, clinical course, organ manifestations, as well as the response to the therapy. Biomarkers assessment aids in the evaluation of disease progression, and disease outcome.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy in patients with cancer and pre-existing systemic sclerosis

OBJECTIVE

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies have dramatically improved outcomes in multiple cancers. ICI's mechanism of action involves immune system activation to augment anti-tumor immunity. Patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis (SSc), were excluded from initial ICI clinical trials due to concern that such immune system activation could precipitate an autoimmune disease flare or new, severe immune related adverse events (irAE). In the present study, we report our experience with ICIs in patients with pre-existing SSc.

METHODS

Patients with SSc who received ICI therapy for cancer were identified from the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center Research Registry. Through chart review and prespecified definitions, we identified whether patients experienced worsening SSc activity or new irAEs. SSc disease activity worsening was pre-defined as an increase in modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS), new scleroderma renal crisis, progression of interstitial lung disease (ILD) on CT scan, increased Raynaud's phenomenon frequency or severity, new pulmonary hypertension, or myositis flare. IrAEs also included active inflammatory arthritis and dermatitis.

RESULTS

Eight patients with SSc who received ICI therapy for cancer were included. Overall, SSc symptoms remained stable during and after ICI therapy. None of the patients with long-standing sine or limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc) had progressive skin thickening after ICI therapy. One patient, who was early in his diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) disease course, experienced worsening skin thickening and renal crisis. Three patients (38 %) experienced a total of five irAEs (grade 2: diarrhea, mucositis and dermatitis; grade 3: pneumonitis, and grade 4: nephritis). The patient with grade 4 nephritis developed scleroderma renal crisis and immune checkpoint related nephritis simultaneously. There were no deaths due to irAEs.

CONCLUSION

In this study, ICI therapy was well tolerated in patients with longstanding, sine or lcSSc. IrAE were common but generally manageable. Patients with early, active SSc may be at greater risk from ICI therapy, but more research is needed.

A Case of Scleroderma With Coexisting Multiple Myeloma and Bullous Pemphigoid

An 83-year-old female patient presented to our nephrology outpatient clinic with complaints of weakness, edema, abdominal pain, and constipation, with a preliminary diagnosis of chronic kidney failure related to heart failure. The patient had undergone mitral valve replacement surgery 10 years prior and was diagnosed with chronic renal failure six years prior. Laboratory tests revealed mild normochromic normocytic anemia, consistently high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) above 100 mm/h, and nephrotic-range proteinuria, prompting suspicion of multiple myeloma. Further investigations, including bone marrow aspiration, confirmed the diagnosis of multiple myeloma. During follow-up, the patient began to complain of difficulty swallowing and symptoms of microstomia. Upon further questioning, it was discovered that these symptoms had been present for more than 10 years. Immunoblot tests revealed positive centromere protein B (CENP-B), suggesting a diagnosis of scleroderma. Subsequently, during follow-up, bullous lesions appeared on the patient's chest. Biopsy samples confirmed a diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP). The co-occurrence of scleroderma, multiple myeloma, and superimposed BP represents a rare and noteworthy case for publication.

Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Scleroderma: Data from the European Pharmacovigilance Database

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can be commonly associated with the occurrence of immune-related adverse drug reactions (irADRs), which can involve any tissue and organ. ICI-induced skin toxicities are common irADRs and they can be a consequence of a rheumatologic ADR, such as in the case of scleroderma. A recent literature review reported that scleroderma and scleroderma mimics represent a group of disorders with significant morbidity that have been described during ICIs' use.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS

Considering the clinical significance of scleroderma cases, the present study aimed to analyze the occurrence of these events in patients receiving ICIs by describing data from individual case safety reports (ICSRs) retrieved from the European spontaneous reporting system, EudraVigilance (EV).

RESULTS

Until February 2023, 70 ICSRs with at least one ICI as the suspected drug and at least one preferred term (PT) related to scleroderma cases were retrieved from the EV. Pembrolizumab was reported as suspected in 41 ICSRs, nivolumab in 25 ICSRs, ipilimumab in 8 ICSRs and atezolizumab in 3 ICSRs. Patients who experienced scleroderma cases were adults, and no differences were found in terms of sex distribution. Scleroderma cases were mainly classified as serious, while the outcome was mainly reported as favorable. The most reported PTs were scleroderma and morphea.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the seriousness of ICI-induced scleroderma cases and the recent marketing authorization of some ICIs, we believe that further high-quality clinical studies should be conducted on this topic to better estimate the impact of these events in patients with cancer.

Serum IL-17 and TNFα as prognostic biomarkers in systemic sclerosis patients: a prospective study

Recent reports have demonstrated that endothelial injury is critical in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and is associated with increased levels of circulating inflammatory biomarkers. This study aims to analyze the serum concentrations of selected cytokines and evaluate their relationship with SSc clinics and the long-term course of the disease. This study included 43 SSc patients and 24 matched healthy controls. In both groups, we measured serum levels of inflammatory cytokines related to the inflammatory response, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)α, interferon (IFN)γ, interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-17, and fibroblast activation protein (FAP). Additionally, in SSc patients, we evaluated the presence of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the promotor region of the TNFA gene, namely rs361525, rs1800629, rs1799964, and rs1799724, which might be related to increased TNFα concentrations. The main aim consisted of associating inflammatory cytokines with (1) clinical disease characteristics and (2) longitudinal observation of survival and cancer prevalence. SSc patients were characterized by a 17% increase in serum TNFα. There was no other difference in serum cytokines between the studied groups and diffuse vs. limited SSc patients. As expected, evaluated serum cytokines correlated with inflammatory biomarkers (e.g., IL-6 and C-reactive protein). Interestingly, patients with higher IL-17 had decreased left ventricle ejection fraction. During the median 5-year follow-up, we recorded four cases of neoplastic diseases (lung cancer in two cases, squamous cell carcinoma of unknown origin, and breast cancer with concomitant multiple myeloma) and nine deaths. The causes of death included lung cancer (n = 2), renal crisis (n = 1), multiple-organ failure (n = 1), and unknown reasons in five cases. Surprisingly, higher TNFα was associated with an increased cancer prevalence, while elevated IL-17 with death risk in the follow-up. Furthermore, the AG rs361525 genotype referred to higher TNFα levels than GG carriers. Both AG rs361525 and CT rs1799964 genotypes were associated with increased cancer risk. Higher serum concentrations of TNFα characterize the SSc patients, with the highest values associated with cancer. On the other hand, increased IL-17 in peripheral blood might predict poor SSc prognosis. Further research is needed to validate these findings.

Critical digital ischaemia in systemic sclerosis exacerbated by multiple myeloma: A case report

Introduction

The overlapping of systemic sclerosis with hematologic malignancy has been described previously in the literature. This case report presents a patient with systemic sclerosis and multiple myeloma who had severe digital ischaemia that culminated in the amputation of several fingers.

Case report

A 65-year-old White female patient was diagnosed with limited systemic sclerosis in 2002, smouldering multiple myeloma IgG/kappa in 2017 and liver cirrhosis in 2018 due to autoimmune hepatitis. In 2021, she was admitted to the emergency room with dry ischaemia of all fingers and toes despite optimized therapy, associated with visual blurring. The diagnostic hypothesis was hyperviscosity syndrome associated with multiple myeloma reactivation. The patient underwent chemotherapy and despite initial laboratory improvement, 19 digits required amputation.

Conclusion

Although the association between systemic sclerosis and multiple myeloma is rare, it should be remembered in cases of significant worsening of Raynaud's phenomenon. Causes unrelated to systemic sclerosis should also be considered in the presence of severe exacerbations in patients with other comorbidities.

Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Scleroderma: A Review of the Etiopathogenesis, Clinicopathological Correlation, and Management Aspects

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, progressive, insidious premalignant disease with multifactorial etiology affecting any part of the oral cavity and sometimes the pharynx by triggering a rapid onset of trismus and dysphagia due to stiffness at the lips, cheek, pharynx, and upper oesophageal region. Submucous fibrosis resembles many auto-immune, dermatological, mucocutaneous, and fibrotic lesions that include scleroderma, amyloidosis, iron deficiency anemia, and systemic or generalized fibromatosis clinically and histologically. Several authors established an association between oral submucous fibrosis and scleroderma with predominant oral manifestations on the basis of similarity in clinical and histological characteristics despite different pathogenesis and prognostic aspects. Scleroderma or systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune connective tissue disorder clinically manifested as fibrosis of the skin, blood vessels, and visceral organs with or without the involvement of the oral cavity. Thus, understanding the disease mechanism, appropriate early diagnosis, and clinical management of these two entities play an important role in disease prognosis and treatment outcomes. The present review was carried out to briefly present a concise overview of the etiopathogenesis, clinical, histological, diagnosis, and management aspects of OSMF and scleroderma based on the available literature, with special emphasis on similarities and differences between these two entities subsequently aiding in appropriate treatment planning.

Clinical and immunological features of patients with cancer-associated systemic sclerosis: An observational study

INTRODUCTION

Clinical and immunological features of patients with cancer-associated systemic sclerosis: an observational study.

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have reported an increased incidence of cancer in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The presence of RNA polymerase III antibodies (anti-RNA Pol 3) associates with an increased risk of cancer, but other risk factors need yet to be identified. We aimed to assess clinical and immunological predictive factors of cancer-associated SSc to guide clinicians when setting up selective cancer screening.

METHODS

We conducted a monocentric, retrospective, observational study of SSc patients with and without associated malignancy. Clinical, laboratory and imaging data were collected, as well as SSc treatment. Subgroup analyses were performed according to the type of cancer and the time of diagnosis.

RESULTS

Of 464 SSc patients, 74 (16%) had cancer, with breast (n=26) and lung cancer (n=13) being the most frequent. Diagnosis of cancer was made less than 3 years before or after SSc diagnosis for 23 patients (31%). In a multivariate analysis, anti-RNA Pol 3 and anti-SSA antibodies were significantly associated with an increased overall risk of cancer with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.12 (95% CI [1.6-10.7]; P<0.01) and 2.43 (95% CI [1.1-5.4]; P<0.05), respectively. Age at diagnosis of SSc and delay from the SSc diagnosis were also independent risk factors of cancer. Interstitial lung disease and anti-topoisomerase antibodies were associated with an increased risk of lung cancer and cancer occuring more than three years after SSc diagnosis.

CONCLUSION

In addition to anti-RNA Pol 3 antibodies, anti-SSA antibodies associated with an increased risk of cancer in SSc patients. Interstitial lung disease was a risk factor specifically for lung cancer and cancers diagnosed more than 3 years after SSc diagnosis. For these patients, a systematic and regular cancer screening should be considered.

Case of systemic sclerosis overlapping with psoriasis

Coexistence of the skin manifestations of systemic sclerosis and psoriasis is rare. The link between systemic sclerosis and psoriasis has been poorly investigated. We report a case of a 70-year-old woman, who was diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and psoriasis vulgaris and was treated with oral azathioprine (50 mg/d) and prednisolone (10 mg/d), topical corticosteroids, and calcipotriols. The erythema and plaques almost disappeared after 1 week, and the symptoms of discoloration in cold, regurgitation, and dysphagia abated after 3 months.

Systemic Sclerosis Association with Malignancy

The association of systemic sclerosis (SSc) and cancer is well known from several decades suggesting common genetic and environmental risk factors involved in the development of both diseases. Immunosuppressive drugs widely used in SSc may increase the risk of cancer occurrence and different SSc clinical and serological features identify patients at major risk to develop malignancy. In this context, among serological features, presence of anti-RNA polymerase III and anti-topoisomerase I autoantibodies seems to increase cancer frequency in SSc patients (particularly lung and breast cancers). Lung fibrosis and a long standing SSc pulmonary involvement have been largely proposed as lung cancer risk factors, and the exposure to cyclophosphamide and an upper gastrointestinal involvement have been traditionally linked to bladder and oesophagus cancers, respectively. Furthermore, immune checkpoint inhibitors used for cancer therapy can induce immune-related adverse events, which are more frequent and severe in patients with pre-existing autoimmune diseases such as SSc. The strong association between SSc and cancer occurrence steers clinicians to carefully survey SSc patients performing periodical malignancy screening. In the present review, the most relevant bilateral relationships between SSc and cancer will be addressed.

Cancer risk in systemic sclerosis: identifying risk and managing high-risk patients

Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with a heightened cancer risk compared to the general population. Several pathways including immune system upregulation, cumulative inflammation, environmental factors, and genetic predisposition contribute to the development of both cancer and autoimmunity. Areas covered: This paper provides an overview of studies investigating the relationship between SSc and various types of cancer with a special focus on the identification of patients at higher risk for malignancy development. The demographic, serological, clinical, and disease-related characteristics of SSc individuals who are diagnosed with cancer over the course of their disease are discussed to provide a practical guidance for relevant screening strategies. Expert opinion: Several studies have identified subgroups of SSc patients at higher cancer risk based on the immunological profile (anti-RNAPol III positivity), diffuse disease type, and older age at SSc onset. Additionally, a close temporal association between SSc and cancer onset in certain antibody subsets raises the question as to whether more aggressive screening strategies should be considered. Currently, there are no published studies investigating the cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and safety of a targeted cancer-detection program. Screening procedures should at least follow recommendations for the general population with a special focus on patients at higher risk and specific cancer types.

Overview of the Associations Between Cancer and Rheumatic Disease

People living with rheumatic diseases frequently encounter cancer, either as a potential harm of antirheumatic therapies or as a comorbidity that alters the conversation about management. This article provides a general overview of the issues related to cancer and rheumatic disease and serves as a springboard for the remaining chapters in this issue. Several topics are reviewed, including epidemiology, bidirectional causal pathways, and issues related to medications. Although uncertainties remain, the issue of cancer is of great importance to patients with rheumatic diseases, and an individualized, person-centered approach to assessment and management is necessary.