Review article: the risk of lymphoma associated with inflammatory bowel disease and immunosuppressive treatment

Pediatric-type follicular lymphoma in a Crohn's disease patient receiving anti-α4β7-integrin therapy: A case report

BACKGROUND

Patients with autoimmune conditions receiving immunosuppressants are at risk of non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL). Vedolizumab (anti-α4β7-integrin antibody), a treatment-of-choice for Crohn's disease (CD), reduces inflammatory lymphocyte trafficking into the intestinal mucosa. This effect is believed to be confined to the colon.

CASE SUMMARY

We report the case of a CD patient on vedolizumab for five years who developed pediatric-type follicular lymphoma. Work-up prior to therapy revealed a reduction in circulating T-lymphocytes and their suppressed response to mitogens. Rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone chemo-immunotherapy resulted in durable lymphoma remission, and vedolizumab treatment was continued. While the patient's T-lymphocyte population and immunoglobulin production recovered, the T-lymphocyte mitogen response remained suppressed.

CONCLUSION

This patient's NHL may be linked to receiving anti-α4β7 therapy. Further research could be beneficial to determine if proactive surveillance for NHL and other systemic diseases is indicated in patients on vedolizumab.

Nonmelanoma skin cancer risk awareness in azathioprine-treated myasthenia gravis patients

OBJECTIVES

Increased rates of NMSC (nonmelanoma skin cancer) have recently been reported in people with MG (myasthenia gravis) receiving azathioprine treatment. Guidelines on azathioprine for patients with dermatological and gastrointestinal disorders stress the importance of NMSC risk awareness and prevention. The aim of this study is to assess whether MG patients are being informed of this risk.

METHODS

Clinical records of patients with MG attending a university hospital neurology clinic were reviewed. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation, diagnostic tests, azathioprine treatment, development of NMSC, and counseling regarding NMSC risk were recorded.

RESULTS

Sixty-nine MG cases were identified, median age 58 years (range 20-90). Forty-two (60.9%) had received azathioprine at some point with a mean cumulative dose of 235.5 g (range 9.1-972.8 g). Skin cancer risk and prevention advice provision was documented in 3 (7.1%) azathioprine-treated patients. Five patients developed histologically confirmed NMSC of whom all were treated with azathioprine (incidence rate of 24.9 per 1000, 16 times higher than expected). Documented advice on other safety issues such as regular blood test monitoring was found in 33 (78.8%) azathioprine-treated cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Preventative measures such as daily sunscreen use have been shown to reduce the incidence of NMSC in the general population. The results of this study demonstrate a very low rate of advice provision about NMSC risk in azathioprine-treated MG patients and the need for increased awareness among treating neurologists and patients.

Prospects for Therapeutic Targeting of MicroRNAs in Human Immunological Diseases

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous oligoribonucleotides with exciting therapeutic potential. Early studies established a clear role for miRNAs in leukocyte biology. The first miRNA-based therapy, miravirsen, is now in phase 2 clinical trials, making the reality of these therapies undeniable. The capacity for miRNAs to fine-tune inflammatory signaling make them attractive treatment targets for immunological diseases. Nonetheless, the degree of redundancy among miRNAs, coupled with the promiscuity of miRNA binding sites in the transcriptome, require consideration when designing miRNA-directed interventions. Altered miRNA expression occurs across a range of inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, and diabetes. However, very few studies successfully treated murine models of immunological diseases with miRNA-based approaches. While discussing recent studies targeting miRNAs to treat immunological conditions, we also reflect on the risks of miRNA targeting and showcase some newer delivery systems that may improve the pharmacological profile of this class of therapeutics.

Diagnostic medical radiation in inflammatory bowel disease: how to limit risk and maximize benefit

Diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) requires repeat diagnostic imaging for monitoring of disease activity. Recent evidence has suggested that patients with IBD are at increased risk of radiation exposure from repeat imaging. The aim of this article was to highlight risks associated with increasing radiation exposure and identify alternatives to minimize exposure. The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) in both Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis has brought additional benefits to guiding management through non-invasive measures. However, the massive increase in use of CT scans poses a risk of exposing patients with IBD to high levels of diagnostic medical radiation. High levels of diagnostic medical radiation are associated with an increased risk of malignancy in several studies. Numerous studies have identified particular risk factors in IBD associated with high levels of diagnostic medical radiation which are also associated with a more severe disease course. Imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance enterography, ultrasound, small bowel follow through, and capsule endoscopy are alternatives to CT scans as they do not utilize radiation. Gastroenterologists managing patients with IBD, particularly Crohn's disease, should be aware of the increased risk of high cumulative doses of radiation exposure, particularly from CT scanning. Alternative forms of imaging should be carefully considered when evaluating patients, in particularly those with identifiable risk factors for an aggressive disease course.

Thiopurines related malignancies in inflammatory bowel disease: Local experience in Granada, Spain

AIM: To investigate the incidence of neoplasms in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients and the potential causative role of thiopurines.

METHODS: We performed an observational descriptive study comparing the incidence of malignancies in IBD patients treated with thiopurines and patients not treated with these drugs. We included 812 patients which were divided in two groups depending on whether they have received thiopurines or not. We have studied basal characteristics of both groups (age when the disease was diagnosed, sex, type of IBD, etc.) and treatments received (Azathioprine, mercaptopurine, infliximab, adalimumab or other immunomodulators), as well as neoplasms incidence. Univariate analysis was performed with the student t test, χ² test or Wilcoxon exact test as appropriate. A logistic regression analysis was performed as multivariate analysis. Statistical significance was establish at P values of less than 0.05, and 95%CI were used for the odds ratios.

RESULTS: Among 812 patients included, 429 (52.83%) have received thiopurines: 79.5% azathioprine, 14% mercaptopurine and 6.5% both drugs. 44.76% of patients treated with thiopurines and 46, 48% of patients who did not receive this treatment were women (P > 0.05). The proportion of ulcerative colitis patients treated with thiopurines was 30.3% compare to 66. 67% of patients not treated (P < 0.001). Mean azathioprine dose was 123.79 ± 36.5 mg/d (range: 50-250 mg/d), mean usage time was 72.16 ± 55.7 mo (range: 1-300 mo) and the accumulated dose along this time was 274.32 ± 233.5 g (1.5-1350 g). With respect to mercaptopurine, mean dose was 74.7 ± 23.9 mg/d (range: 25-150 mg/d), mean usage time of 23.37 ± 27.6 mo (range: 1-118 mo), and the accumulated dose along this time was 52.2 ± 63.5 g (range: 1.5-243 g). Thiopurine S-methyltransferase activity was tested in 66% of patients treated with thiopurines, among which 98.2% had an intermediate or high activity. Among the patients treated with thiopurines, 27.27% (112 patients) and 11.66% (50 patients) received treatment with Infliximab and Adalimumab respectively, but only 1.83% (7 patients) and 0.78% (3 patients) received these drugs in the group of patients who did not received thiopurines (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001 respectively). Finally, 6.8% (29 patients) among those treated with thiopurines have received other immunesupresants (Methotrexate, Tacrolimus, Cyclosporin), compare to 1% (4 patients) of patients not treated with thiopurines (P < 0.001). Among patients treated with thiopurines, 3.97% developed a malignancy, and among those not treated neoplasms presented in 8.1% (P = 0.013). The most frequent neoplasms were colorectal ones (12 cases in patients not treated with thiopurines but none in treated, P < 0.001) followed by non-melanoma skin cancer (8 patients in treated with thiopurines and 6 in not treated, P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION: In our experience, thiopurine therapy did not increase malignancies development in IBD patients, and was an efective and safe treatment for these diseases.

Thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease revisited

Although a great variety of new drugs have been introduced for the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases so far, a definite cure of the disease is still out of scope. An anti-inflammatory approach to induce remission followed by maintenance therapy with immunosupressants is still the mainstay of therapy. Thiopurines comprising azathioprine and its active metabolite mercaptopurine as well as tioguanine, are widely used in the therapy of chronic active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Their steroid sparing potential and efficacy in remission maintenance are out of doubt. Unfortunately, untoward adverse events are frequently observed and may preclude further administration or be life threatening. This review will focus on new aspects of thiopurine therapy in IBD, its efficacy and safety.

Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of remission is a major issue in inflammatory bowel disease. In ulcerative colitis, the evidence for the effectiveness of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for the maintenance of remission is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis.

SEARCH METHODS

The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane Library databases were searched from inception to June 2012. A manual search was also performed using references from these articles as well as review articles, and proceedings from major gastrointestinal meetings. Authors of maintenance trials were asked about unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials of at least 12 months duration that compared azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with placebo or standard maintenance therapy (e.g. mesalazine) were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently extracted data using standard forms. Disagreements were solved by consensus including a third author. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. The primary outcome was failure to maintain clinical or endoscopic remission. Secondary outcomes included adverse events and withdrawal due to adverse events. Analyses were performed separately by type of control (placebo, or active comparator). Pooled risk ratios were calculated based on the fixed-effect model unless heterogeneity was shown. The GRADE approach was used to assess the overall quality of evidence for pooled outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies including 286 patients with ulcerative colitis were included in the review. The risk of bias was high in three of the studies due to lack of blinding. Azathioprine was shown to be significantly superior to placebo for maintenance of remission. Fourty-four per cent (51/115) of azathioprine patients failed to maintain remission compared to 65% (76/117) of placebo patients (4 studies, 232 patients; RR 0.68, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.86). A GRADE analysis rated the overall quality of the evidence for this outcome as low due to risk of bias and imprecision (sparse data). Two trials that compared 6-mercaptopurine to mesalazine, or azathioprine to sulfasalazine showed significant heterogeneity and thus were not pooled. Fifty per cent (7/14) of 6-mercaptopurine patients failed to maintain remission compared to 100% (8/8) of mesalamine patients (1 study, 22 patients; RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.90). Fifty-eight per cent (7/12) of azathioprine patients failed to maintain remission compared to 38% (5/13) of sulfasalazine patients (1 study, 25 patients; RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.66 to 3.50). One small study found that 6-mercaptopurine was superior to methotrexate for maintenance of remission. In the study, 50% (7/14) of 6-mercaptopurine patients and 92% (11/12) of methotrexate patients failed to maintain remission (1 study, 26 patients; RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95). All of the studies which used active comparators were open label. When placebo and active comparator studies were pooled to assess adverse events, there was no statistically significant difference between azathioprine and control in the incidence of adverse events. Nine per cent (11/127) of azathioprine patients experienced at least one adverse event compared to 2% (3/130) of placebo patients (5 studies, 257 patients; RR 2.82, 95% CI 0.99 to 8.01). Patients receiving azathioprine were at significantly increased risk of withdrawing due to adverse events. Eight per cent (8/101) of azathioprine patients withdrew due to adverse events compared to 0% (0/98) of control patients (5 studies, 199 patients; RR 5.43, 95% CI 1.02 to 28.75). Adverse events related to study medication included acute pancreatitis (3 cases) and significant bone marrow suppression (5 cases). Deaths, opportunistic infection or neoplasia were not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Azathioprine therapy appears to be more effective than placebo for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis. Azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine may be effective as maintenance therapy for patients who have failed or cannot tolerate mesalazine or sulfasalazine and for patients who require repeated courses of steroids. More research is needed to evaluate superiority over standard maintenance therapy, especially in the light of a potential for adverse events from azathioprine. This review updates the existing review of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis which was published in the Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2007).

Lymphoma risk in children and young adults with inflammatory bowel disease: analysis of a large single-center cohort

BACKGROUND

Prior studies suggest an increased risk of lymphoma in adults with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Cases of lymphoma have also been reported in children with IBD. However, the precise risk of lymphoma in relation to drug exposure has not been ascertained in children.

METHODS

We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of 1560 children and young adults with IBD evaluated at Children's Hospital Boston between 1979 and 2008. Of this group, 186 patients were excluded due to incorrect diagnosis, one-time second-opinion visits, or missing hospital records. The remaining 1374 patients had charts reviewed to determine whether lymphoma developed while they were receiving their clinical care at our institution and the duration of exposure to various IBD medications. The rate of lymphoma was calculated in patient-years of exposure for each class of medications utilized in IBD.

RESULTS

Of 1374 patients (741 male; age at diagnosis 12.1 ± 4.0 years; 791 Crohn's disease [CD], 535 ulcerative colitis [UC], 48 IBD unclassified), we identified two patients who developed lymphoma (one Hodgkin, one anaplastic large cell), in 6624 patient-years of follow-up (mean duration follow-up 4.8 years per patient). Both patients were males (ages 12 and 18 years at time of lymphoma onset) and were receiving thiopurines but had not yet received biologics at the time of their cancer diagnosis. They were both treated with chemotherapy and are alive without cancer 32+ and 76+ months since diagnosis. The absolute incidence rate of lymphoma for patients having received thiopurines was 4.5 per 10,000 patient-years compared to the expected rate of 0.58 per 10,000 patient-years, with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 7.51 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.74-41.98).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall risk of lymphoma in children with IBD is low, with only two cases seen in our hospital over a 30-year period. The lymphoma risk (as estimated by SIR) in children receiving thiopurines is comparable to that reported in studies of adults. While there may be an increased risk of lymphoma in children treated with thiopurines, the risk did not reach statistical significance in this large cohort.

Mesentery lymphoma in a patient with Crohn's disease: An extremely rare entity

INTRODUCTION

Lymphoma is a rare complication of long-standing Crohn's disease. We report a rare case of a diffuse, B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the mesentery in a patient receiving treatment for Crohn's disease.

PRESENTATION OF CASE

A 52 year-old patient presented with abdominal pain, anorexia and postprandial fullness. Abdominal examination revealed a firm mass, extending from the epigastrium to the right iliac fossa. CT scan showed a large intra-abdominal mass with air-fluid levels within, and soft tissue density along its walls, surrounded by distended bowel loops. The patient was scheduled for surgery due to clinical assumption of an intra-abdominal abscess. At laparotomy an ill-defined, lobulated mass with cystic areas was noted rising from the mesentery. Frozen section biopsy of the cystic mass revealed a non-Hodgkin follicle center B-cell lymphoma of the mesentery.

DISCUSSION

To the best of our knowledge, this is an extremely rare case of lymphoma development in the mesentery, in a patient receiving treatment for Crohn's disease. Although the development of abdominal lymphomas can be justified as a possible consequence of the chronic immune-modulating therapy, their location can lead to diagnostic pitfalls.

CONCLUSION

Although mesentery has scarcely been presented as a potential site of occurrence of abdominal lymphomas in the process of treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, this rare entity should be considered in the differential diagnosis of intra-abdominal lymphomas in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. In cases where imaging techniques do not provide definitive answers, surgical intervention can safely pose the accurate diagnosis.

Natural killer cell lymphoma in a pediatric patient with inflammatory bowel disease

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) antibody agents are an effective therapy for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); however, because of the potential for immune suppression with these drugs, TNF-α antibody agents can increase the risk of malignancy. We report here the case of an 11-year-old boy who presented with bowel obstruction. He also had a history of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA). Intestinal inflammation continued and impaired his quality of life; he was diagnosed with IBD of an undetermined type (IBD-U). Symptoms improved with infliximab, but he developed elevated transaminase levels with hepatosplenomegaly 1 year after scheduled infusions. Skin biopsy revealed an atypical lymphoid infiltrate consistent with an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive natural killer (NK)/T-cell lymphoma with associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis. Bone marrow biopsy revealed a similar EBV-positive lymphoid infiltrate consistent with an NK/T-cell lymphoma. EBV-positive tissue was present in gastrointestinal biopsies. Flow-cytometric analysis revealed an atypical, clonal NK-cell population, and biopsy specimens from several tissue sites tested positive for CD3, CD56, and CD30. The patient died soon after the diagnosis was made. This patient developed an EBV-driven malignancy while receiving infliximab. All patients with IBD who receive infliximab should be monitored for malignancy, especially young patients. This case underscores the need for future studies to better understand the biology of lymphoproliferative disorders.

A decade of infliximab: The Austrian evidence based consensus on the safe use of infliximab in inflammatory bowel disease

Infliximab (IFX) has tremendously enriched the therapy of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and other immune mediated diseases. Although the efficacy of IFX was undoubtedly proven during the last decade numerous publications have also caused various safety concerns. To summarize the immense information concerning adverse events and safety issues the Austrian Society of Gastroenterology and Hepatology launched this evidence based consensus on the safe use of IFX which covers the following topics: infusion reactions and immunogenicity, skin reactions, opportunistic infections (including tuberculosis), non-opportunistic infections (bacterial and viral), vaccination, neurological complications, hepatotoxicity, congestive heart failure, haematological side effects, intestinal strictures, stenosis and bowel obstruction (SSO), concomitant medication, malignancy and lymphoma, IFX in the elderly and the young, mortality, fertility, pregnancy and breast feeding. To make the vast amount of information practicable for routine application the consensus was finally condensed into a checklist for a safe use of IFX which consists of two parts: issues to be addressed prior to anti-TNF therapy and issues to be addressed during maintenance. Both parts are further divided into obligatory and facultative items.

Review article: malignancy on thiopurine treatment with special reference to inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

Immunosuppression is a risk factor for carcinogenesis. Thiopurines specifically contribute to this. As thiopurines are used more aggressively in the treatment of IBD, it is likely that we will see more thiopurine-related malignancy.

AIM

To review the literature, exploring how immunosuppression, thiopurines specifically, might cause cancer and which malignancies occur in practice, placing specific emphasis on IBD cohorts.

METHODS

Search terms included 'malignancy' 'cancer' 'azathioprine' 'mercaptopurine' 'tioguanine (thioguanine)' 'thiopurine' and 'inflammatory bowel disease' 'Crohn's disease' 'ulcerative colitis'. We also searched for specific cancers (lymphoma, colorectal cancer, skin cancer, cervical cancer) and reviewed the reference lists of the articles detected.

RESULTS

Immunosuppression is associated with an increased risk of cancer. Thiopurines are associated with specific additional risks. In IBD cohorts, very few thiopurine-related malignancies have been reported. However, studies suggest a relative risk of 4-5 for lymphoma. This still translates into a low actual risk, (one extra lymphoma in every 300-1400 years of thiopurine treatment).

CONCLUSIONS

Whilst we must be aware of this risk and counsel our patients appropriately, thiopurines remain a mainstay of IBD therapy. We present practical advice aimed at minimizing our patients' risk of developing malignancy, whilst optimizing the benefits that thiopurines can provide.

Optimising use of thiopurines in inflammatory bowel disease

Azathioprine (AZA) and 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) are the most widely used immunosuppressive therapies in inflammatory bowel disease. Pretreatment measurement of thiopurine methyltransferase (TPMT) activity is recommended and although conventional practice is to use a dose of 2 mg/kg AZA (1 mg/kg 6-MP), higher doses of 2.5 mg/kg AZA or more may be required in some patients, particularly if TPMT activity is high. Dose raising is limited by toxicity, and a robust monitoring system is mandatory. Patients with side effects to AZA may tolerate 6-MP but pancreatitis is a contraindication to switching. Metabolite monitoring is not widely available but may be useful, particularly if non-compliance is possible or where metabolite shunting to 6-methylmercaptopurine is suspected, on the basis of non-response or toxicity. It may allow dose optimisation before switching to alternative immunosuppressants. The drug appears safe in pregnancy and breast feeding. Long term duration of therapy is a balance between benefits in relation to the underlying disease extent, activity and aggressiveness, and the risk of neoplasia, particularly lymphoma.

Photodermatoses with onset in the elderly

Photodermatoses are a group of skin disorders induced by ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and, in some cases, visible light. To establish a diagnosis it is important to carefully take a history, physical examination and perform phototesting as well as other testing when appropriate (patch and photopatch tests, antinuclear antibodies, porphyrin profile). This article focuses on the photodermatoses that affect the elderly, which with the ageing of population, particularly in the industrialized societies, are becoming an increasingly important group for the healthcare systems. The most common photodermatoses with onset in the elderly are chronic actinic dermatitis and drug induced photosensitivity.

A comprehensive review and evaluation of the side effects of the tumor necrosis factor alpha blockers etanercept, infliximab and adalimumab

For more than 5 years, infliximab and etanercept have been utilized to treat rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn's disease. There is therefore much post-approval data on their side effects. A variety of Medline searches were done at the beginning of June 2004 using the terms 'etanercept', 'infliximab' and 'adalimumab' and the words 'lymphoma', 'infection', 'congestive heart failure', 'demyelinating disease', 'lupus', 'antibodies', 'injection site reaction', 'systemic', 'side effects' and 'skin'. Approximately 150 articles were so identified. In addition, FDA and manufacturers' data obtained by internet searches using Google were reviewed. The important side effects that have been most extensively related to TNFalpha blockers include: lymphoma, infections, congestive heart failure, demyelinating disease, a lupus-like syndrome, induction of auto-antibodies, injection site reactions, and systemic side effects. The risk of these side effects is very low. Nevertheless, it is important for clinicians to be aware of these side effects when prescribing therapy.

Pediatric inflammatory bowel diseases and the risk of lymphoma: should we revise our treatment strategies?

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are lifelong inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases starting in about one third of patients during childhood. Treatment strategies aim to control this chronic inflammatory process. Owing to recent advances in the understanding of IBD, immunosuppressive agents (mainly against TNFalpha directed) as well as biological drugs are more and more often used. This therapeutic approach clearly improved the clinical condition of the majority of patients with IBD. However, with this more aggressive treatment strategy, safety concerns clearly arise. Recently, the description of a series of a particularly severe form of T cell lymphoma in pediatric and young adult patients with IBD under immunomodulator and biological combination therapy raised the question of the risks of treatment-induced side effects or complications. As reviewed in the present article, there is a slightly increased risk of not only lymphoma development in IBD patients, potentially related to the inflammatory process, but also to the use of immunosuppressive therapies. On the basis of the literature data, were analyzed current treatment strategies for children with moderate-to-severe IBD, who are candidates to receive immunomodulator and/or biological agents potentially accelerating the risk of lymphoma development. Comparative clinical studies in IBD are still missing; however, it is prudent to think about adapting immunosuppressive therapies to the inflammatory process of the underlying disorder and if possible to reduce them to monotherapy. Alternative treatment strategies for heavy immunosuppression exist (eg, enteral nutrition in Crohn disease or colectomy in patients with ulcerative colitis) and should be considered whenever appropriate. There is a major need for comparative studies before evidence-based guidelines can be established for safest and best treatment strategies of pediatric patients with IBD.

Cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Many of the molecular alterations responsible for sporadic colorectal cancer, namely chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, and hypermethylation, also play a role in colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease increases with longer duration of colitis, greater anatomic extent of colitis, the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, family history of CRC and degree of inflammation of the bowel. Chemoprevention includes aminosalicylates, ursodeoxycholic acid, and possibly folic acid and statins. To reduce CRC mortality in IBD, colonoscopic surveillance with random biopsies remains the major way to detect early mucosal dysplasia. When dysplasia is confirmed, proctocolectomy is considered for these patients. Patients with small intestinal Crohn's disease are at increased risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Ulcerative colitis patients with total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal-anastomosis have a rather low risk of dysplasia in the ileal pouch, but the anal transition zone should be monitored periodically. Other extra intestinal cancers, such as hepatobiliary and hematopoietic cancer, have shown variable incidence rates. New endoscopic and molecular screening approaches may further refine our current surveillance guidelines and our understanding of the natural history of dysplasia.

Cancer in inflammatory bowel disease

Patients with long-standing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have an increased risk of developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Many of the molecular alterations responsible for sporadic colorectal cancer, namely chromosomal instability, microsatellite instability, and hypermethylation, also play a role in colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis. Colon cancer risk in inflammatory bowel disease increases with longer duration of colitis, greater anatomic extent of colitis, the presence of primary sclerosing cholangitis, family history of CRC and degree of inflammation of the bowel. Chemoprevention includes aminosalicylates, ursodeoxycholic acid, and possibly folic acid and statins. To reduce CRC mortality in IBD, colonoscopic surveillance with random biopsies remains the major way to detect early mucosal dysplasia. When dysplasia is confirmed, proctocolectomy is considered for these patients. Patients with small intestinal Crohn’s disease are at increased risk of small bowel adenocarcinoma. Ulcerative colitis patients with total proctocolectomy and ileal pouch anal-anastomosis have a rather low risk of dysplasia in the ileal pouch, but the anal transition zone should be monitored periodically. Other extra intestinal cancers, such as hepatobiliary and hematopoietic cancer, have shown variable incidence rates. New endoscopic and molecular screening approaches may further refine our current surveillance guidelines and our understanding of the natural history of dysplasia.

Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma: spectrum of imaging findings with pathologic correlation

Gastrointestinal lymphoma is an uncommon disease but is the most frequently occurring extranodal lymphoma and is almost exclusively of non-Hodgkin type. Primary gastrointestinal lymphoma most commonly involves the stomach but can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from the esophagus to the rectum. Risk factors for the development of gastrointestinal lymphoma include Helicobacter pylori infection, immunosuppression after solid organ transplantation, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, and human immunodeficiency virus infection. Although gastrointestinal lymphoma has a wide variety of imaging appearances and definitive diagnosis relies on histopathologic analysis, certain findings (eg, a bulky mass or diffuse infiltration with preservation of fat planes and no obstruction, multiple site involvement, associated bulky lymphadenopathy) can strongly suggest the diagnosis. Imaging also plays an important role in the detection of complications such as perforation, obstruction, and fistulization. The most commonly used imaging modalities are barium examination and computed tomography (CT). These modalities are complementary, although CT provides a better overall assessment of the disease stage.

Lymphoma risk in inflammatory bowel disease: is it the disease or its treatment?

With the increasingly widespread use of immunosuppressive and biologic agents for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis come concerns about potential long-term consequences of such therapies. Disentangling the potential confounding effects of the underlying disease, its extent, severity, duration, and behavior, and concomitant medical therapy has proven to be exceedingly difficult. Unlike the case in rheumatoid arthritis, the overwhelming preponderance of population-based evidence suggests that a diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not associated with an increased relative risk of lymphoma. However, well-designed studies that evaluate the potential modifying effect of IBD severity have yet to be performed. Although the results from hospital- and population-based studies have conflicted, the results of a recent meta-analysis suggest that patients receiving purine analogs for the treatment of IBD have a lymphoma risk approximately 4-fold higher than expected. Analyses of lymphoma risk in patients receiving biologic agents directed against tumor necrosis factor-alpha are confounded by concomitant use of immunosuppressive agents in most of these patients. Nevertheless, there may be a small but real risk of lymphoma associated with these therapies. Although the relative risk of lymphoma may be elevated in association with some of the medical therapies used in the treatment of IBD, this absolute risk is low. Weighing the potential risk of lymphoma associated with select medical therapies against the risk of undertreating IBD will help physicians and patients to make more informed decisions pertaining to the medical management of IBD.

[Primary CNS lymphoma in azathioprine therapy for autoimmune diseases: review of the literature and case report]

We present a 31-year-old female patient with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the CNS after immunosuppressive therapy. Colitis ulcerosa had been diagnosed 2 years previously. Prophylactic therapy with azathioprine over 9 months was stopped after the development of listeria meningitis which was treated successfully with antibiotics. At this time native CCT was normal. Three months later the patient developed an epileptic seizure and multiple cerebral lesions were detected in CCT and MRI. Although antibiotic therapy was started, the cerebral lesions showed no regression. Stereotactic biopsy revealed immunochemical and histologic high-grade malignant B cell lymphoma. The risk of primary CNS lymphoma under azathioprine treatment for an autoimmune disease with a possible congenital immunodeficiency is presented and the literature is reviewed.

Azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for maintenance of remission in ulcerative colitis

BACKGROUND

Maintenance of remission is a major issue in inflammatory bowel disease. In ulcerative colitis, the evidence for the effectiveness of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for the maintenance of remission is still controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness and safety of azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine for maintaining remission of ulcerative colitis.

SEARCH STRATEGY

The MEDLINE database was used to search literature from 1966 to 2006. A manual search was also performed using references from these articles as well as review articles, proceedings from major gastrointestinal meetings and data available from the Cochrane Collaboration database. Authors of maintenance trials were asked about unpublished studies.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomized controlled trials of at least 12 months duration that compared azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine with placebo or standard maintenance therapy (mesalamine) were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Data were extracted by two raters using standard forms. Disagreements were solved by informal consent, including a third rater. Jadad scores were applied to assess study quality. Analyses were performed separately by type of control (placebo, or active comparator). Pooled odds ratios were calculated based on the fixed effects model unless heterogeneity was shown.

MAIN RESULTS

Six studies were identified including 286 patients with ulcerative colitis. The study quality was mostly poor. Azathioprine was shown to be superior for the maintenance of remission as compared to placebo based on four trials (failure to maintain remission: OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.24 to 0.70). Two trials that compared 6-mercaptopurine to mesalazine, or azathioprine to sulfasalazine showed significant heterogeneity. Both studies using active comparators were open label. Adverse effects occurred in 11 of 127 patients receiving azathioprine, including acute pancreatitis (3 cases) and significant bone marrow suppression (5 cases).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Azathioprine may be an effective maintenance therapy for patients who have failed or cannot tolerate mesalazine or sulfasalazine and for patients who require repeated courses of steroids. More research is needed to evaluate superiority over standard maintenance therapy, especially in the light of a potential for adverse events from azathioprine.

Cancer in Crohn's disease

There has been a multitude of case reports, case series, hospital-based, and population-based studies that link CD to various types of cancers. When each of these studies is scrutinized, however, there is only enough evidence to support a link between colorectal adenocarcinoma, SBA, and squamous and adenocarcinomas that are associated with perianal fistulizing disease. All of the studies of large bowel adenocarcinoma or SBA follow patients in an era during which there were far fewer effective medicines to treat CD and surgery was more commonplace. The only surveillance study of patients who had extensive, long-duration Crohn's colitis showed a 22% risk for developing neoplasia (low-grade, high-grade, or cancer) after four surveillance examinations. Overall results from this study and the multitude of the other studies show that the risk for cancer in Crohn's colitis is equal to that in UC given equal extent and duration of disease. Patients who have Crohn's colitis that affects at least one third of the colon and with at least 8 years of disease should undergo screening and surveillance, just as in UC. Although the absolute risk for SBA in CD is low (2.2% at 25 years in one study), we should not rule out screening and surveying for this complication that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in patients who have long-standing, extensive, small bowel disease. The risk for lymphoma and leukemia in CD is low, but immunomodulators and biologics may increase this risk. The evidence that links carcinoid tumors to CD is weak, and population-based studies need to be done. The study of cancers that are associated with CD is an evolving field that surely will change given that immunomodulators and biologics are being used with greater frequency.

Anorectal carcinoma after infliximab therapy in Crohn's disease: report of a case

Infliximab, monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha, is an effective agent in the therapy of Crohn's disease. Although therapy with infliximab is generally well tolerated, there is an obvious concern about the effect of this treatment on the incidence of cancer. We report a case of mucinous anorectal adenocarcinoma observed in a 39-year-old patient with long-standing Crohn's disease after therapy with two courses of infliximab. The carcinoma was discovered fortuitously after abdominoperineal resection. Despite clear margins, the tumor recurred in a few months and progressed during combination chemotherapy. Although there is currently no definitive proof of a causal link between infliximab therapy and cancer, the present observation and other reports in the literature should lead to a careful evaluation of the possibility of increased cancer risk in patients treated with this new agent.

Atypical CD8+ Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma After Immunomodulatory Therapy

Systemic immunomodulatory agents have recently been approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. Although lymphomas are known to emerge in the setting of immunosuppressive therapy, it has not been well described or established for the newer biologic immune response modifiers. Herein, we describe 2 patients who developed unusual CD8+ cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorders after treatment with efalizumab and infliximab. The mechanisms and occurrence of lymphoma after immune response modifiers are discussed.

Etanercept

Etanercept (Enbrel, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals) is a fusion protein composed of a soluble TNF alpha receptor issued from bio-technology. It is a member of TNF alpha's family with two others marked infliximab (Remicade, Scheringh Plough Laboratory), chimeric monoclonal antibody (25 p. 100 mouse) and adalimumab (Humira, Abbott France Laboratory), humanized monoclonal antibody (100 p. 100 human). In United States, etanercept is approved by Food and Drug Administration, since 1998, to treat rheumatoid arthritis showing an inadequate response to prior therapy with other disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDS). In France, the MA (Marketing Authorization) is more recent, in 2000, etanercept to treat active rheumatoid arthritis who showed an inadequate response to others DMARDS (like methotrexate for example), with opportunity, in 2002, to administer etanercept in active, severe RA, in first line treatment without previous use of methotrexate. Others MA have been obtained in ankylosing spondylitis (2004) polyarticular-course juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (2000), and in the treatment of psoriasic arthritis (2002). Request of MA have been realised to treat cutaneous mild to severe psoriasis in adult, which failed to respond, contradication or no tolerance with systemic treatment as methotrexate, cyclosporine or phototherapy. Among the others anti-TNF therapy, only infliximab can be prescribed, in dermatology, to treat psoriatic arthritis in France. Encouraging good results were the subject of cases report, but lacking clinical trial, predicting probably administration of etanercept in others indications in future. TNF alpha is a proinflammatory cytokine and plays an important role in the physiopathology of large inflammatory diseases. Logically, in future, we should increased prescription of biotherapy, particularly anti-TNF alpha. We have to mind short or mild-term adverse events, widely described in the literature, but long-term side effects remained unknown. Moreover, these biotherapic agents have a high cost and should be estimate.

Chronic actinic dermatitis in the elderly: recognition and treatment

Chronic actinic dermatitis is a condition involving abnormal cutaneous photosensitivity to UV and, often, visible wavelengths. It is rare, but more common in the elderly than in younger populations, with an estimated prevalence of one in 2000 in the > or = 75-year-old population in Tayside, Dundee, Scotland. It usually presents as a dermatitis that maximally, but not exclusively, affects photo-exposed skin. Investigation to confirm the diagnosis and guide management includes phototesting and patch testing. The mainstay of treatment is education about the condition and advice on sunlight and allergen avoidance. Topical corticosteroids and emollients are always required, at least intermittently, and it is sometimes necessary to resort to systemic immunosuppression, usually with corticosteroids or azathioprine.

Long-term outcome of intractable ulcerating enterocolitis of infancy

BACKGROUND

Chronic enterocolitis is rare in infancy and accounts for less than 0.5% of all newly diagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the UK. Presentation at this young age is usually indicative of underlying immunodeficiency/immunodysregulation. A group of such infants suffer intractable ulcerating enterocolitis of infancy (IE) in which there is a pan-enteritis with marked oro-anal involvement and deep flask like mucosal ulcers throughout the colon.

METHODS

Retrospective review of presenting features, treatment and long-term outcome in a series of 8 children with typical IE.

RESULTS

The 8 children were aged between 1 and 4 weeks at onset (median 2 weeks, mean 2.3 weeks), of which 7 were followed up for 2-22 years (median 7.5 years, mean 11 years). All 8 children had an intractable disease course requiring a colectomy for control of symptoms. The median age at colectomy was 1.7 years (range 4 months-4 years). Three children developed a generalised lymphadenopathy due to uncontrolled EBV-related lymphoid proliferations (ages 4, 12, 18). These comprised a monomorphous B-lymphoycte lympho-proliferative disorder, a large pleomorphic follicular lymphoma, and a high grade pleomorphic B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

CONCLUSIONS

Infants with IE have a high risk of developing lymphomatous proliferations that appears to be related to the underlying immunodysregulation. Use of aggressive immunosuppression and acquisition of EBV infection appears to accelerate this process; hence we advocate early colectomy in confirmed cases. In children with IE screening for EBV and vigilance for abnormal lymphoid proliferations is paramount.

Review article: monitoring of immunomodulators in inflammatory bowel disease

The armamentarium of medications for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease is growing and becoming more complicated to use. Immunomodulators are a class of medications that have found a niche for the treatment of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Because of the mounting supporting evidence for efficacy, the most commonly-used immunomodulators are azathioprine, mercaptopurine, methotrexate and ciclosporin. These medications are being used more often due to their steroid-sparing and potentially surgery-sparing effects. Immunomodulators are also known for a significant side-effect profile and require careful monitoring. This review provides the latest information for clinicians on efficacy, side-effects, dosing and monitoring of these medications for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Infliximab

Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that interferes with the actions of the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Clinical trials of infliximab have demonstrated a rapid and substantial response in patents with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, substantiating the role of TNF-alpha in the immunopathogenesis of psoriatic disease. This review summarizes the current data regarding the use of infliximab in treating psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, as well as the safety data available from patients with other immune-mediated inflammatory disorders. Practical issues such as patient selection, monitoring, cost, and potential combination therapies are also discussed.

Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma in Crohn's disease

Although no increased risk of developing lymphoproliferative disorders has been observed in population-based studies of patients with Crohn's disease, the possibility has been suggested in the subset of patients previously treated with thiopurine metabolites and suffering from concomitant Epstein-Barr virus infection. A few cases of lymphomas have occurred in patients with Crohn's disease treated with infliximab, only one of whom showed the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus genome. We here describe the case of a patient with steroid-dependent ileal Crohn's disease treated with azathioprine and a single infusion of infliximab, who developed a diffuse large B cell ileal lymphoma. Epstein-Barr virus genome was detected in the neoplastic cells by means of polymerase chain reaction. Epstein-Barr virus may be detected in the neoplastic tissues of lymphomas of patients with Crohn's disease treated with immunosuppressants and infliximab. The identification of such cases may help to define the frequency of this association and how to manage the lymphoproliferative disorder.

Diagnosis and treatment of chronic actinic dermatitis

Chronic actinic dermatitis, synonymous with the photosensitivity dermatitis and actinic reticuloid syndrome, presents as a dermatitis and/or a pseudolymphomatous eruption. Abnormal photosensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) and often visible radiation is a feature. Many patients also have multiple contact allergens. Histopathologic features vary, with a spectrum from mild dermatitis to pseudolymphomatous (reticuloid) features. The essential tests to make the diagnosis and to guide advice on avoidance of the responsible wavelengths and any contact allergens are phototesting and patch testing. Chronic actinic dermatitis can be regarded as a disorder of increased susceptibility, for reasons that remain uncertain, to develop delayed-type allergic responses to both endogenous photoallergens and exogenous allergens. Treatment consists of detailed advice on sunlight and allergen avoidance (guided by the results of investigations), topical corticosteroids, and emollients. When these measures are insufficient alone, systemic immunosuppressives may be considered: systemic prednisolone for acute exacerbations or azathioprine if systemic treatment is required for more than a few weeks.

Combining the new biologic agents with our current psoriasis armamentarium

Combination therapy, rotational therapy, and sequential therapy have been used for psoriasis in attempts to achieve greater efficacy and greater safety. The purpose of this manuscript is to review potential advantages and disadvantages of new biologic agents as we look forward to their use in combination regimens with other systemic, topical, and light therapies. Data on the efficacy and toxicity of existing systemic therapies and new biologic agents is reviewed with an emphasis on potential additive or synergistic benefits or toxicities. The mechanism of action of biologic agents differs from systemic agents currently in use, suggesting that there may be additive effects in treating psoriasis. The absence of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity are important advantages when considering combination therapy with biologic agents. The advantages of the use of biologic therapies in combination or rotation with other systemic agents will have to be demonstrated in clinical trials. Mechanisms of action of the biologic therapies suggest that there is potential for additive benefit when used in combination regimens.

CD30+ T-cell lymphoma in a patient with psoriasis treated with ciclosporin and infliximab

There is a known relationship between the use of immunosuppressive therapies and the development of lymphoproliferative malignancies. These lymphomas are mainly B-cell nonHodgkin's lymphomas associated with Epstein-Barr virus. Most cases concern classical immunosuppressive treatments including ciclosporin and methotrexate. A relationship between the new antitumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha agents and lymphoproliferative malignancies is debated. Patients with psoriasis on immunosuppressive therapies, mainly ciclosporin, are considered to have a low risk of developing lymphoid proliferation. We report a patient with erythrodermic psoriasis treated with ciclosporin and infliximab who developed a CD30+ T-cell lymphoma. This lymphoma regressed after stopping these treatments. In this case, the anti-TNF-alpha agent may have played a role in association with ciclosporin in the development of the lymphoproliferative disorder. Whereas the combination of anti-TNF-alpha therapies with methotrexate has been well studied, their combination with ciclosporin has been evaluated only in a few patients. Psoriatic patients who may require anti-TNF-alpha treatment have often been or will be treated with ciclosporin. The combination of ciclosporin and anti-TNF-alpha warrants further investigation.

Psoriasis

Recent breakthroughs in the treatment of psoriasis have led to improved understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. Activation of T lymphocytes leading to release of cytokines results in proliferation of keratinocytes. Several new biological therapies have been developed, which target specific steps in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. With these new treatments, variable degrees of clearing occur. Initial data suggest improved safety over older agents such as methotrexate and ciclosporin, but long-term data are necessary. Enhancements in topical therapy and phototherapy have also increased the armamentarium of treatments available for this disorder.

Immunomodulators and "on demand" therapy with infliximab in Crohn's disease: clinical experience with 400 infusions

OBJECTIVES

Infliximab has been proven effective for treatment of active Crohn's and fistulizing Crohn's disease. We reviewed our experience with infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease to determine if its combination with immunomodulators leads to better response and longer periods of disease quiescence.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective chart review of 122 patients with Crohn's disease who received infliximab infusions. Data were collected on patient demographics, clinical response to infliximab, fistula response, prednisone dose, infusion reactions/side effects, concomitant immunomodulator therapy, and time intervals between infliximab infusions.

RESULTS

Of 122 patients receiving infliximab infusions, 117 completed more than 2 wk of follow-up (400 infusions), and five patients had no follow-up. Co-therapies included azathioprine (AZA) in 47 (40.2%) patients, 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) in 11 (9.4%), methotrexate (MTX) in 23 (19.7%), prednisone in 64 (54.7%), mesalamine in 51 (43.6%), and antibiotics in 16 (13.7%). Mean follow-up was 52 wk (14-864 days). Overall response rate to infliximab was similar between patients receiving immunomodulators (AZA/6-MP 87.9%, MTX 82.6%) and patients receiving infliximab alone (75%), although there was a trend toward higher response with AZA/6-MP (p = 0.10). More frequent drug reactions/side effects occurred in the infliximab alone group (22.2%) compared with patients receiving MTX (13.0%) and AZA/6-MP (13.8%), but this was not statistically significant. Prednisone dosage was reduced from a mean of 19.5 mg to 7.5 mg per day overall (p < 0.05). Fistula response and dosing intervals were not affected by concomitant immunosuppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Concomitant use of immunomodulators with infliximab in patients with Crohn's disease did not improve patient response to several parameters measured, including clinical response rate, dose reduction of prednisone, fistula response, and mean intervals between infliximab infusions.

Antitumour necrosis factor therapy in Crohn's disease

The key role and contribution of various pro-inflammatory cytokines in common chronic inflammatory disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been thoroughly investigated in recent years. Besides IL-1, TNF-alpha has been identified as one of the central immune mediators controlling inflammatory processes. Not surprisingly, neutralisation of these cytokines has been introduced into clinical research. Crohn's disease (CD) is one of the chronic inflammatory disorders where TNF-alpha seems to have a particularly important role. Neutralisation of this cytokine by specific antibodies, for example infliximab, has been shown recently to affect the clinical phenotype of this disorder. Other TNF-neutralising approaches such as etanercept have also been studied in patients with CD but with less successful outcomes. These new cytokine-targeting approaches have changed clinical medicine in the field of inflammatory disorders.