Lymphoma risk in inflammatory bowel disease: influences of referral bias and therapy

Mendelian randomization analysis reveals causal effects of inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hyperthyroidism on diffuse large B-cell lymphoma risk

The clinical phenomenon whereby diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) occurs in patients with a history of autoimmune disease (AD) has been noted, but it remains controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the causal associations between nine ADs and DLBCL via a Mendelian randomization (MR) study. Single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) obtained from published genome-wide association studies (GWAS) was chosen as instrumental variable (IV). A total of nine ADs of European ancestry including asthma (56,167 cases and 352,255 controls), psoriasis (4,510 cases and 212,242 controls), autoimmune hyperthyroidism (962 cases and 172,976 controls), inflammatory bowel disease (31,665 cases and 33,977 controls), type 1 diabetes (6,683 cases and 12,173 controls), multiple sclerosis (14,498 cases and 24,091 controls), sarcoidosis (2,046 cases and 215,712 controls), ankylosing spondylitis (9,069 cases and 1,550 controls), and celiac disease (12,041 cases and 12,228 controls), were set as the exposure and DLBCL (209 cases and 218,583 controls) of European ancestry as the outcome. Inverse-variance weighted (IVW) was used as the primary analysis method, and the weighted median and MR-Egger method were used as supplementary methods. The sensitivity analyses employed in this study include the MR-Egger intercept, MR-PRESSO global test, Cochran's Q test, leave-one-out analysis, and funnel plot. IVW showed that inflammatory bowel disease (OR = 1.241, 95% CI 1.009-1.526, P = 0.040) and autoimmune hyperthyroidism (OR = 1.464, 95% CI 1.103-1.942, P = 0.008) increased the risk of DLBCL without significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy, and the results remained stable according to the leave-one-out analysis. The IVW results revealed no associations between the other seven ADs and DLBCL: asthma (OR = 0.782, 95% CI 0.395-1.546, P = 0.159), psoriasis (OR = 0.842, 95% CI 0.669-1.060, P = 0.143), type 1 diabetes (OR = 1.071, 95% CI 0.860-1.334, P = 0.537), multiple sclerosis (OR = 1.331, 95% CI 0.941-1.883, P = 0.105), sarcoidosis (OR = 1.324, 95% CI 0.861-2.038, P = 0.200), ankylosing spondylitis (OR = 1.884, 95% CI 0.776-4.573, P = 0.161), and celiac disease (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 0.854-1.178, P = 0.969). Although no significant heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was detected in these seven ADs and DLBCL, these results did not pass the leave-one-out analysis; therefore, the results need to be interpreted with caution. Inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hyperthyroidism may increase the onset of DLBCL. The risk of DLBCL should be considered in specific types of ADs.

Intracolic ultrasound molecular imaging: a novel method for assessing colonic tumor necrosis factor-α expression in inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND

While anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) therapy has been proven effective in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), approximately 40% of patients lose the response. Transmembrane TNF-α (mTNF-α) expression in the intestinal mucosa is correlated with therapeutic efficacy, and quantification of mTNF-α expression is significant for predicting response. However, conventional intravenous application of microbubbles is unable to assess mTNF-α expression in intestinal mucosa. Herein, we proposed intracolic ultrasound molecular imaging with TNF-α-targeted microbubbles (MBTNF-α) to quantitatively detect mTNF-α expression in the intestinal mucosa.

METHODS

MBTNF-α was synthesized via a biotin-streptavidin bridging method. TNF-α-targeted ultrasound imaging was performed by intracolic application of MBTNF-α to detect mTNF-α expression in surgical specimens from a murine model and patients with IBD. Linear regression analyses were performed to confirm the accuracy of quantitative targeted ultrasound imaging.

RESULTS

On quantitative TNF-α-targeted ultrasound images, a greater signal intensity was observed in the mouse colons with colitis ([1.96 ± 0.45] × 106 a.u.) compared to that of the controls ([0.56 ± 0.21] × 106 a.u., P < 0.001). Targeted US signal intensities and inflammatory lesions were topographically coupled in mouse colons. Linear regression analyses in specimens of mice and patients demonstrated significant correlations between the targeted ultrasound signal intensity and mTNF-α expression (both P < 0.001). Furthermore, TNF-α-targeted ultrasound imaging qualitatively distinguished the varying inflammatory severity in intestinal specimens from IBD patients.

CONCLUSION

Intracolic ultrasound molecular imaging with MBTNF-α enables quantitative assessment of mTNF-α expression. It may be a potential tool for facilitating the implementation of personalized medicine in IBD.

Primary Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma of the Rectosigmoid Colon in a Patient With Ulcerative Colitis Who Never Received Immunosuppression

Primary rectal lymphoma is extremely rare, accounting for approximately 0.05% of all primary rectal neoplasms. We present a patient with long-standing ulcerative colitis, who was never treated with immunomodulators or biologic agents, diagnosed with primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the rectosigmoid colon, and achieved remission after chemotherapy. As per current data, incidence of primary colorectal lymphoma has been associated with medications used for inflammatory bowel disease treatment, such as thiopurine, methotrexate, or tumor necrosis factor-α antagonist, and not with the inflammation itself. Given the rarity of this phenomenon, more data should be gathered before determining that no such association exists.

Immunosuppressive and immunomodulatory therapy-associated lymphoproliferative disorders

A variety of therapeutic agents may increase the risk of lymphoproliferative disorders/neoplasms. These include those agents used to treat other malignancies (i.e., cytotoxic chemotherapy) and those used to treat or prevent certain diseases (or graft rejection) that alter the immune system. This review is restricted to the secondary lymphoid disorders that are unrelated to primary DNA damage by cytotoxic chemotherapy, and thus will include discussions regarding post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders and those lymphoproliferations associated with the therapy of autoimmune and other immune-mediated diseases. Three drugs, or classes of drugs, used in the treatment of autoimmune and other immune-mediated diseases are discussed in some detail. These include methotrexate, anti-metabolites (including thiopurines and mycophenolate mofetil), and immunomodulators. The appropriate recognition of these disorders is important in order to correctly classify and institute appropriate therapy, recognizing that reduced immunosuppression or withdrawal of therapy may be necessary, rather than treating as a malignant lymphoma.

Cutaneous lymphoma in a patient with ulcerative colitis after immunosuppressive therapy

INTRODUCTION

Biologics are generally safe and well tolerated. However, the risk of haematopoietic cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease receiving infliximab has been a growing concern.

CASE PRESENTATION

We report the first case of cutaneous lymphoma after short use of infliximab in 75-year old Caucasian man with a 7-year history of ulcerative colitis.

CONCLUSION

Our current knowledge is not sufficient to rule out an increased risk of lymphoma associated with biologics, or allow definitive conclusions to be drawn about the association of infliximab and lymphoma. However, this case and others direct the attention to that both higher index of suspicion and closer follow up are required if patients are maintained on long-term infliximab together with other immunosuppressive therapy.

Endoscopic and symptoms analysis in Mexican patients with irritable Bowel syndrome, dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux disease

The aim of this study was to analyze the data of endoscopy and symptoms in 118 Mexican patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), dyspepsia, non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) and erosive esophagitis (EE). IBS criteria were fulfilling for dyspepsia patients in 47%, for NERD in 48%, and for EE patients in 48% of cases. Esophagitis was present in 42% of patients with IBS and in 45% of patients with dyspepsia. A higher prevalence of hiatus hernia was found in EE vs. NERD. Heartburn and acid eructation were associated with the presence of esophagitis; acid eructation, regurgitation and nocturnal pain with duodenitis; and heartburn and regurgitation with hiatus hernia. Males more frequently reported: mucus in feces, abdominal distension, nausea and gastritis; and women more frequently reported esophagitis and duodenitis. Patients with NERD (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.08 to 5.99, p=0.04), tenesmus and early satiety, and men had an increase risk for reporting hard or lumpy stools. In conclusion, nearly half of the Mexican patients with NERD, EE and dyspepsia fulfill criteria for IBS. A large number of symptoms were correlated with endoscopy, which can be used to improve the indication of the endoscopy and its implementation in clinical studies.

Primary intestinal lymphoma in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a descriptive series from the prebiologic therapy era

BACKGROUND

Primary intestinal lymphoma in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is uncommon and may be associated with immune suppressive therapy. We report clinical features and outcomes in patients with both conditions prior to use of biologic therapy.

METHODS

All patients with primary intestinal lymphoma and IBD at our institution from 1960-2000 were retrospectively identified. Data reported are frequency (proportion) or median (interquartile range). Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Fifteen patients were identified: 14 (93%) were male, 10 (66%) had Crohn's disease. Median age at diagnosis of IBD and lymphoma was 30 (22-51) and 47 (28-68) years, respectively, with bloody diarrhea the most common presenting symptom for each diagnosis. Lymphoma location was colorectal in nine (60%), small bowel in four (27%), and one (6.25%) each: stomach, duodenum, and ileal pouch. Treatments were surgery plus chemotherapy (n = 6), surgery alone (n = 3), chemotherapy alone (n = 2), chemotherapy and radiation (n = 1), surgery and radiation (n = 1); two patients died before treatment. Most patients (n = 11, 73%) were Ann Arbor stages I or II. Large cell B-type histology was most common (n = 9, 60%). Three patients died within 30 days of lymphoma diagnosis. Survival free of death from lymphoma at 1- and 5-years was 78% and 63%, respectively, and was associated with advanced lymphoma stage (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and treatment of primary intestinal lymphoma in patients with IBD can be challenging and requires a high index of suspicion. Optimal survival requires multimodality therapy.

Risk factors for opportunistic infections in patients with inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We sought to identify and quantify the clinical factors that were associated with opportunistic infections in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

METHODS

We identified 100 consecutive IBD patients with opportunistic infections. For each case, 2 matched IBD patients who did not have a history of opportunistic infection were selected as controls. Conditional logistic regression was used to assess associations between putative risk factors and opportunistic infections, presented as odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

In univariate analysis, use of corticosteroids (OR, 3.4; 95% CI, 1.8-6.2), azathioprine/6-mercaptopurine (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.7-5.5), and infliximab (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.2-17.1) were associated individually with significantly increased odds for opportunistic infection. Multivariate analysis indicated that use of any one of these drugs yielded an OR of 2.9 (95% CI, 1.5-5.3), whereas use of 2 or 3 of these drugs yielded an OR of 14.5 (95% CI, 4.9-43) for opportunistic infection. The relative risk of opportunistic infection was greatest in IBD patients seen at older than 50 years of age (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.2-7.2, relative to those 24 years or younger). No patient died from opportunistic infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Immunosuppressive medications, especially when used in combination, and older age are associated with increased risk of opportunistic infections. The absolute risk of opportunistic infection in IBD patients remains to be determined, as does any potential benefit of any preventive strategy.

Review article: multiple myeloma and inflammatory bowel disease

Since 1964 only nine cases of multiple myeloma occurring in the setting of inflammatory bowel disease have been reported. Although this occurrence may be a mere unfortunate coincidence, there are sound pathophysiological reasons for such an event. The possibility that chronic inflammatory conditions, immunomodulator therapy, and infliximab can predispose to multiple myeloma and lymphoma is reviewed. We discuss in detail the only reported case of multiple myeloma arising in the setting of infliximab treatment for Crohn's disease. It is highly probable that infliximab therapy had a causal role in our patient developing multiple myeloma. The pathogenesis of multiple myeloma arising in the setting of infliximab therapy may be related to decreased apoptosis of plasma cell populations. Since it is possible that a causal association exists between infliximab therapy and multiple myeloma, additional screening measures may be required in patients with Crohn's disease on infliximab.

Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in adolescents and young adults with Crohn's disease: a cautionary tale?

Therapy for the inflammatory bowel diseases increasingly includes the use of immune-modifying and biologic therapies. Recently, in young patients with IBD, an association has been noted between the use of infliximab along with concomitant purine analogues and the development of hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTCL)-a rare and all but incurable form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This report briefly reviews the issue of lymphoma and IBD therapy. Additionally, a description of HSTCL and a summary of the known cases of this apparent therapeutic complication are presented. Clinical options in light of this new information are explored.

Treatment with biologic therapies and the risk of cancer in patients with IBD

The proven involvement of cytokines in the pathophysiology of IBD has led to the development of powerful, selective, anticytokine drugs--so-called biologics--as a therapy for IBD. Although the efficacy of infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody directed against tumor necrosis factor, is proven and the use of biologic agents is growing worldwide, there is concern about their long-term safety, which includes the risk of developing cancer. An increased risk of malignancies, particularly lymphoma, has been reported in some studies of infliximab-treated patients with IBD; however, the increased risk could be caused by the underlying chronic disease, severity of the disease, concomitant medications (e.g. conventional immunomodulators), infliximab itself, or all of these variables. At present, the data do not provide clear evidence for a causal association between infliximab and the increased cancer risk. In appropriately selected patients with severe, refractory Crohn's disease, the benefits of biologic therapy seem to outweigh the cancer risk. Multicenter, case-control studies in large populations, with a long-term follow-up are needed to define the outcome of patients with IBD treated with biologic therapies.

Small intestinal cancer in England & Wales and Scotland: time trends in incidence, mortality and survival

BACKGROUND

Time trends in mortality from small intestinal cancer have not been studied for the 1990s.

OBJECTIVE

To examine secular trends in incidence of, mortality from, and survival from, small intestinal cancer in England & Wales and Scotland from 1975 to 2002, considering also histological type (incidence), subsite (incidence) and indices of social deprivation (incidence and survival).

METHODS

Data were extracted from the Scottish Cancer Registry database and the General Register Office for Scotland, and from the National Cancer Intelligence Centre at the Office for National Statistics for England & Wales.

RESULTS

Incidence rates for small intestinal cancer increased for both England & Wales and Scotland over the study period. They were highest among older individuals and generally greater for males than for females. Despite the increase in incidence rates, mortality rates from small intestinal tumours tended to remain stable over the study period, and the general trend was towards increasing survival. Indices of social deprivation were not obviously related to the incidence of small intestinal cancer and did not influence survival.

CONCLUSIONS

Incidence rates for small intestinal cancer for both England & Wales and Scotland increased in the last quarter of the 20th century, but survival rates improved and mortality rates declined.

The Benefit/Risk Profile of TNF-Blocking Agents: Findings of a Consensus Panel

OBJECTIVE

To review the benefits and risks associated with the use of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-blockers in various indications (eg, rheumatoid arthritis [RA], Crohn's disease [CD], psoriasis).

METHODS

The members of the consensus panel were selected based on their expertise. Centocor, Inc provided an educational grant to the Center for Health Care Education to facilitate the consensus panel. Peer-reviewed articles discussing clinical studies and clinical experiences with TNF-blockers form the basis of this review. Emerging data that have not been peer-reviewed are also included.

RESULTS

The TNF-blockers infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab are all approved for treatment of RA. All 3 are effective, and there are currently no published data from head-to-head clinical trials to support using 1 agent over another. Preliminary data from small, retrospective studies indicate that switching among agents to overcome inadequate efficacy or poor tolerability is beneficial in some patients. The only TNF-blocker currently approved for the induction and maintenance of remission in CD is infliximab. Preliminary data indicate that etanercept and infliximab are effective in treating psoriasis. Some risks associated with TNF-blockers have become apparent, including congestive heart failure, demyelinating diseases, and systemic lupus erythematosus, but in most cases can be identified and managed. Several of these risks (eg, lymphoma and serious infections) are associated with either the condition per se or the concomitant medication use. Simple screening procedures help manage the risk of tuberculosis infection; however, it is recommended that physicians and patients be alert to the development of any new infection so that appropriate treatment may be initiated promptly. Rare infusion reactions, particularly with infliximab, may also be effectively managed.

CONCLUSION

TNF-blockers are effective and may be safely used for short- and long-term management of RA or CD. TNF-blockers also show efficacy in other emerging indications.

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.

Efficacy of conventional immunosuppressive drugs in IBD

The introduction and rapid diffusion of biological agents in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease had led us to believe that the old immunosuppressive drugs were destined to disappear. However, despite a decade of clinical experience in the use of biological agents, the old immunosuppressive drugs continue to play a pivotal role in the management of inflammatory bowel disease. Various factors may account for this change of view. Aim of the present review was to summarise key information currently available regarding the use of immunosuppressive drugs in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.

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.