Autoantibody status in systemic sclerosis patients defines both cancer risk and survival with ANA negativity in cases with concomitant cancer having a worse survival

Increased risk of pulmonary embolism in patients with dermatomyositis/polymyositis, a retrospective cohort study from Israel

BACKGROUND

Despite the well-established association between chronic inflammatory conditions and pulmonary embolism(PE), previous investigations of the relationship between Dermatomyositis(DM) and Polymyositis(PM) with PE were scarce and have been subject to significant limitations, including small sample sizes and failure to account for potential confounders.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the correlation between DM/PM and PE, as well as assessing the impact of serologic status, myonecrosis, and inflammation markers on this relationship.

METHODS

In this large, nationwide population-based study, we used the Clalit Health Services medical database and extracted all DM/PM patients who were first diagnosed between 1 January 2002 to 31 December 2018 and compared them with age and gender matched controls in a ratio of 1:5. Serological and laboratory values were obtained for each patient. Rates of PE were compared between groups using multivariate models.

RESULTS

The study included 1557 DM patients with 7633 controls, and 528 PM patients with 2560 controls. Compared with matched controls, the rates of PE were significantly higher in the DM/PM group, PM patients(2.8 % vs 0.5 % in controls, OR = 5.73, p < 0.001), DM patients(1.2 % vs 0.3 % in controls, OR = 3.42, p < 0.001). APLA seropositivity was significantly more prevalent in DM/PM patients compared with their matched controls, PM patients(10.8 % vs 2.7 % in controls, p < 0.001), DM patients(7.9 % vs 1.6 % in controls, p < 0.001). APLA seropositivity had a synergistic effect for PE in the DM/PM(OR = 23.18, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

DM and PM are associated with higher rates of PE. Furthermore, patients with DM/PM demonstrate a significantly higher prevalence APLA which act as a potentiator of thrombosis in these patients.

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.

Autoantibodies as putative biomarkers and triggers of cell dysfunctions in systemic sclerosis

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Antinuclear autoantibodies represent a serological hallmark of systemic sclerosis (SSc), with anticentromere, antitopoisomerase-I, and anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies routinely assessed for diagnosis, clinical subset classification, and prognosis. In addition, an increasing number of autoantibodies have been demonstrated to play a pathogenic role by mediating different SSc manifestations. This review aims to give an overview on autoantibodies as putative biomarkers in SSc and discuss their possible pathogenic role as triggers of cell dysfunctions.

RECENT FINDINGS

Over the years, different autoantibodies have been proposed as biomarkers aiding in diagnosis, disease subtype classification, disease progression prediction, organ involvement, as well as in understanding treatment response. Increasing literature also indicates functional autoantibodies as direct contributors to SSc pathogenesis by exerting agonistic or antagonistic activities on their specific cognate targets.

SUMMARY

In SSc, search and validation of novel autoantibodies with higher diagnostic specificity and more accurate predictive values are increasingly needed for early diagnosis and specific follow-up, and to define the best therapeutic option according to different disease subsets. Moreover, since autoantibodies are also emerging as functional pathogenic players, a better unraveling of their possible pathomechanisms becomes essential to identify new targets and develop promising therapeutic agents able to neutralize their effects.

Autoantibodies and Cancer Association: the Case of Systemic Sclerosis and Dermatomyositis

Several rheumatic diseases have a perplexing association with cancer. Unraveling this mysterious connection is likely to provide deeper understanding regarding mechanisms governing the onset of both autoimmunity and cancer immunity, in addition to providing clinicians much needed guidance around whom and when to screen for occult malignancy. Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) and dermatomyositis are two diseases in which the association with internal malignancy is well-described and can be considered as models from which to gain important insights that likely have broader applicability. The past 15 years have witnessed a striking acceleration in understanding how these two diseases are related to cancer emergence-an important crack in this inscrutable armor has been the discovery and characterization of disease-specific autoantigens that are closely tied with risk of cancer emergence. The best-described examples of this are antibodies against anti-RNA polymerase III (anti-POL3) and transcription intermediary factor 1-gamma (anti-TIF1γ). Patients with systemic sclerosis and cancer that are diagnosed within a short time interval of each other frequently have anti-POL3 antibodies. Antibodies against the minor spliceosome protein RNA-Binding Region Containing 3 (RNPC3) are also associated with increased cancer incidence in systemic sclerosis. Similarly, in the dermatomyositis spectrum, the majority of anti-TIF1γ-associated cancers are detected around the time of DM onset (most often within 1 year). Antibodies against Nuclear Matrix Protein 2 are also potentially associated with increased cancer emergence in dermatomyositis. The systemic sclerosis/anti-POL3 connection with close cancer onset led to the first experiments directly supporting the concept that rheumatic disease may in fact be a manifestation of cancer. It is now clear that studying these diseases through the lens of autoantibodies can reveal relationships and insights that would otherwise remain obscured. Extending these studies, new findings show that antibodies against RNA polymerase I large subunit are associated with protection against short interval cancers in anti-POL3-positive systemic sclerosis patients. These insights highlight the fact that autoantigen discovery related to cancer emergence remains an important priority; such new tools will enable the testing of specific hypotheses regarding mechanisms governing disease emergence and development of effective anti-tumor responses. Autoantibody phenotype will likely play an important role in the development of cancer screening guidelines that are critically needed by clinicians taking care of these patients. In this review, we will summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the different ways in which autoantibodies are connected with systemic sclerosis/dermatomyositis and malignancy and highlight potential paths forward.

Mortality in Ankylosing Spondylitis According to Treatment: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study of 5,900 Patients From Israel

OBJECTIVE

In this large population-based study we aimed: 1) to assess mortality in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the general population, considering demographics, comorbidities, and treatment, and 2) to assess factors associated with mortality within patients with AS.

METHODS

This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. All patients with AS diagnosed between 2002 and 2018 were included. Controls were matched by age, sex, clinic, and enrollment time. Follow-up continued until death or the end of the study.

RESULTS

The study comprised 5,930 AS patients and 29,018 matched controls who were followed up for a median period of 7.5 years. There were 667 deaths within the AS cohort and 2,919 deaths within controls; the mean age at death was 76.9 years and 77.1 years, respectively (P = 0.74). A total of 3,249 AS patients (54.8%) were treated only with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 1,760 (29.7%) were treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and 1,687 (28.4%) with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Mortality rates were increased among AS patients compared to controls, with an age- and sex-adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.19 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10-1.30). The association was significant for men (HR 1.15 [95% CI 1.04-1.27]) and women (HR 1.32 [95% CI 1.13-1.54]), and after adjusting for background comorbidities (HR 1.14 [95% CI 1.05-1.24]). AS patients treated with TNFi or with a combination of TNFi and DMARDs did not have significant difference in mortality rates compared to controls (HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.38-1.18] and HR 0.93 [95% CI 0.69-1.25], respectively). Age, male sex, mean C-reactive protein (CRP) levels and general comorbidities were predictors of mortality within the AS cohort.

CONCLUSION

AS patients had an increased mortality risk compared to the general population after adjusting for age, sex, and baseline comorbidities. AS patients treated with TNFi did not demonstrate excess mortality compared to matched controls. Within the AS cohort, age, male sex, background comorbidities, and higher CRP levels were identified as risk factors for mortality.

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.

Risk of Cancer in Connective Tissue Diseases in Northeastern Italy over 15 Years

Objective: To evaluate cancer risk among individuals with connective tissue disease (CTD) in Friuli Venezia Giulia, northern Italy. Methods: A population-based cohort study was conducted based on data from health records available in the regional healthcare database. Demographic characteristics, hospital discharges, exemption from medical charges, drug prescriptions, were individually matched with data from the population-based cancer registry. Cancer risk was assessed in people diagnosed with the following diseases: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Sjögren’s syndrome (SS), systemic sclerosis (SSc), polymyositis (PM), and dermatomyositis (DM). Results: In all, 2504 patients were followed for a total of 18,006 person-years (median follow-up: 6.8 years). After 5 and 10 years of follow-up, the cumulative cancer incidence was 2.6% and 8.5%, respectively. The most common cancers were breast (n = 34), lung (n = 24), colon–rectum–anus (n = 20), and non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) (n = 20). Overall, no excess cancer risk was noted (SIR = 0.87), whereas the number of observed NHL cases was more than two-fold significantly higher than expected (SIR = 2.52). The subgroup analysis showed a higher risk of NHL among SS patients (SIR = 3.84) and SLE patients (SIR = 2.69). Conversely, the study population showed a decreased risk for breast cancers (SIR = 0.61) and corpus uteri (SIR = 0.21). Conclusions: The incidence of NHL was higher among patients with SS and SLE. Careful surveillance for hematological malignancies in these patients is recommended.

Systemic Sclerosis-Specific Antibodies: Novel and Classical Biomarkers

Disease-specific autoantibodies are considered the most important biomarkers for systemic sclerosis (SSc), due to their ability to stratify patients with different severity and prognosis. Anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), occurring in subjects with isolated Raynuad's phenomenon, are considered the strongest independent predictors of definite SSc and digital microvascular damage, as observed by nailfold videocapillaroscopy. ANA are present in more than 90% of SSc, but ANA negativity does not exclude SSc diagnosis: a little rate of SSc ANA negative exists and shows a distinct subtype of disease, with less vasculopathy, but more frequent lower gastrointestinal involvement and severe disease course. Anti-centromere, anti-Th/To, and anti-Topoisomerase I antibodies could be considered as classical biomarkers, covering about 60% of SSc and defining patients with well-described cardio-pulmonary complications. In particular, anti-Topoisomerase I represent a risk factor for development of diffuse cutaneous involvement and digital ulcers in the first 3 years of disease, as well as severe interstitial lung disease (ILD). Anti-RNA polymerase III is a biomarker with new clinical implications: very rapid skin thickness progression, gastric antral vascular ectasia, the occurrence of synchronous cancers, and possible association with silicone breast implants rupture. Moreover, novel SSc specific autoantibodies have been globally described in about 10% of "seronegative" SSc patients: anti-elF2B, anti-RuvBL1/2 complex, anti-U11/U12 RNP, and anti-BICD2 depict specific SSc subtypes with severe organ complications. Many autoantibodies could be considered markers of overlap syndromes, including SSc. Anti-Ku are found in 2-7% of SSc, strictly defining the PM/SSc overlap. They are associated with synovitis, joint contractures, myositis, and negatively associated with vascular manifestation of disease. Anti-U3RNP are associated with a well-defined clinical phenotype: Afro-Caribbean male patients, younger at diagnosis, and higher risk of pulmonary hypertension and gastrointestinal involvement. Anti-PM/Scl define SSc patients with high frequency of ILD, calcinosis, dermatomyositis skin changes, and severe myositis. The accurate detection of autoantibodies SSc specific and associated with overlap syndromes is crucial for patients' stratification. ANA should be correctly identified using indirect immunofluorescent assay and a standardized way of patterns' interpretation. The gold-standard technique for autoantibodies' identification in SSc is still considered immunoprecipitation, for its high sensitivity and specificity, but other assays have been widely used in routine practice. The identification of SSc autoantibodies with high diagnostic specificity and high predictive value is mandatory for early diagnosis, a specific follow-up and the possible definition of the best therapy for every SSc subsets. In addition, the validation of novel autoantibodies is mandatory in wider cohorts in order to restrict the gap of so-called seronegative SSc patients.

The Incidence and Predictors of Solid- and Hematological Malignancies in Patients with Giant Cell Arteritis: A Large Real-World Database Study

BACKGROUND

The association between giant cell arteritis (GCA) and malignancies had been widely investigated with studies reporting conflicting results. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate this association using a large nationwide electronic database.

METHODS

This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study including GCA patients first diagnosed between 2002-2017 and age, sex and enrollment time-matched controls. Follow-up began at the date of first GCA-diagnosis and continued until first diagnosis of malignancy, death or end of study follow-up.

RESULTS

The study enrolled 7213 GCA patients and 32,987 age- and sex-matched controls. The mean age of GCA diagnosis was 72.3 (SD 9.9) years and 69.1% were women. During the follow-up period, 659 (9.1%) of GCA patients were diagnosed with solid malignancies and 144 (2.0%) were diagnosed with hematologic malignancies. In cox-multivariate-analysis the risk of solid- malignancies (HR = 1.12 [95%CI: 1.02-1.22]), specifically renal neoplasms (HR = 1.60 [95%CI: 1.15-2.23]) and sarcomas (HR = 2.14 [95%CI: 1.41-3.24]), and the risk of hematologic malignancies (HR = 2.02 [95%CI: 1.66-2.47]), specifically acute leukemias (HR = 1.81 [95%CI: 1.06-3.07]), chronic leukemias (HR = 1.82 [95%CI: 1.19-2.77]), Hodgkin's lymphomas (HR = 2.42 [95%CI: 1.12-5.20]), non-Hodgkin's-lymphomas (HR = 1.66: [95%CI 1.21-2.29]) and multiple myeloma(HR = 2.40 [95%CI: 1.63-3.53]) were significantly increased in GCA patients compared to controls. Older age at GCA-diagnosis (HR = 1.36 [95%CI: 1.25-1.47]), male-gender (HR = 1.46 [95%CI: 1.24-1.72]), smoking (HR = 1.25 [95%CI: 1.04-1.51]) and medium-high socioeconomic status (HR = 1.27 [95%CI: 1.07-1.50]) were independently associated with solid malignancy while age (HR = 1.47 [95%CI: 1.22-1.77]) and male-gender (HR = 1.61 [95%CI: 1.14-2.29]) alone were independently associated with hematologic- malignancies.

CONCLUSION

our study demonstrated higher incidence of hematologic and solid malignancies in GCA patients. Specifically, leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, kidney malignancies, and sarcomas. Age and male gender were independent risk factors for hematological malignancies among GCA patients, while for solid malignancies, smoking and SES were risk factors as well.

Long-term Follow-up and Muscle Imaging Findings in Brachio-Cervical Inflammatory Myopathy

OBJECTIVE

To report on a cohort of patients diagnosed with brachio-cervical inflammatory myopathy (BCIM), with specific focus on muscle MRI and follow-up data.

METHODS

Clinical, histopathologic, serologic, and pre- and post-treatment MRI findings of patients diagnosed with BCIM were retrospectively evaluated.

RESULTS

Six patients, all females with a mean age at onset of 53 years (range 37-62 years), were identified. Mean diagnostic delay was 17 months, and mean follow-up was 35 months. Most common clinical features encompassed predominant involvement of neck and proximal upper limb muscles, followed by distal upper limb, facial, and bulbar muscle weakness with different severity. Lower limb involvement was rare, although present in severe cases. Muscle biopsies showed a heterogeneous degree of perivascular and endomysial inflammatory changes. Myositis-specific antibodies were absent in all patients, whereas all resulted positive for antinuclear antibodies; half of the patients had anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies without evidence of muscle fatigability. MRI showed disproportionate involvement of upper girdle and neck muscles compared with lower limbs, with frequent hyperintensities on short-tau inversion recovery sequences. Partial clinical and radiologic improvement with steroid and immunosuppressant therapy was obtained in most patients, especially in proximal upper limb muscles, whereas neck weakness persisted.

CONCLUSION

BCIM is an inflammatory myopathy with a peculiar clinical and radiologic presentation and a relatively broad spectrum of severity. Long-term follow-up data suggest that appropriate and early treatment can prevent chronic muscle function impairment. MRI characterization can be helpful in reducing diagnostic and treatment delay with positive consequence on clinical outcome.

Dysthyroidism in dermato/polymyositis patients: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are two rare autoimmune disorders occasionally described with dysthyroidism; however, no solid evidence still proves such an association.

AIM

To evaluate the prevalence of dysthyroidism among DM/PM patients.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A nation-wide case-control study was conducted.

METHODS

From the Clalit Health Services health records database, we extracted 2085 (DM = 1475 (70.7%), PM = 610 (29.3%)) PM/DM cases and 10 193 sex-age matched controls in the period 2000-2018. Both univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the link dysthyroidism and PM/DM. Survival analysis was also performed.

RESULTS

The rate of hyperthyroidism was significantly (P = .0097) higher in cases (n = 40, 1.9%) with respect to controls (n = 123, 1.2%). Similarly, the rate of hypothyroidism was significantly (P < .0001) associated with cases (n = 234, 11.2%) when compared to controls (n = 853, 8.4%). At the multivariate logistic regression analysis, both DM (OR 1.31 [95%CI 1.07-1.60], P = .0087) and PM (OR 1.54 [95%CI 1.21-1.95], P = .004) were significantly associated with hypothyroidism, whereas DM (OR 1.70 [95%CI 1.10-2.61], P = .0165) but not PM (OR 1.45 [0.83-2.55], P = .1947) was found to be associated with hyperthyroidism. Subjects with PM and positive for anti-Sjögren's syndrome-related antigen A (SSA) auto-antibody displayed a significant risk of developing hyperthyroidism (OR 5.85 [95%CI 1.02-33.74], P = .0480), whereas individuals with DM and positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA) had a higher risk of developing hyperthyroidism (OR 2.65 [95%CI 1.00-7.03], P = .0498).

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians treating PM/DM patients should consider screening for thyroid dysfunction on a regular basis.

Cancer and scleroderma: recent insights

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

As survival in systemic sclerosis (SSc) improves, research interest has shifted to the leading cause of non-SSc-related death, namely cancer, which accounts for over a third of non-SSc-related deaths. This review will provide an overview of the recent insights into the evolving relationship between SSc and cancer.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies confirm the increased risk of cancer in SSc compared with the general population (standardized incidence ratio 1.9-2.2) in particular the risk of breast, lung and skin cancer. This increased cancer risk, particularly occurring in close proximity to SSc onset, raises the novel concept of autoimmunity occurring as a direct immune response to the cancerous cells. We highlight the important role that SSc-specific autoantibodies may have in identifying these at-risk patients, prognostication and triaging those who may require tight surveillance and further cancer screening.

SUMMARY

The knowledge will allow the development of future prospective studies evaluating clinically relevant and targeted cancer screening strategies for newly diagnosed SSc patients to optimize cancer detection while minimizing harms and costs from overscreening.

Antinuclear Antibodies With a Nucleolar Pattern Are Associated With a Significant Reduction in the Overall Survival of Patients With Leukemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

Antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) have been reported to be associated with cancers. However, the role of different ANA patterns in cancers is poorly understood, especially in leukemia. This study aimed to investigate the association between ANA patterns and the outcome of leukemia in a retrospective cohort.

METHODS

A total of 429 adult patients initially diagnosed with leukemia at Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2014 to December 2018 were included in this study, including information on patients without positive ANAs at the time of initial diagnosis, preexisting autoimmune diseases, infectious diseases, etc. The data were retrieved up to December 2020. The final sample included 196 adult patients. The risk of death outcome according to ANA patterns was estimated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards models and the overall survival for ANA patterns was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier curve.

RESULTS

ANAs with a nucleolar pattern versus negative ANA were associated with a two-fold increased risk of death outcome in leukemia, independent of sex, age, leukemia immunophenotype, cytogenetic abnormality, treatment, and blood transfusion. Further analysis revealed that the association was more significant in elder patients (≥60 years) and patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitor or chemotherapy (P for interaction = 0.042 and 0.010). Notably, the patients with a nucleolar pattern had shorter survival than the patients with a non-nucleolar pattern or without ANA (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

ANAs with a nucleolar pattern are a significant predictor of poor prognosis, providing clues for prognostic assessment in patients with leukemia.

Classical Disease-Specific Autoantibodies in Systemic Sclerosis: Clinical Features, Gene Susceptibility, and Disease Stratification

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by abnormalities in microcirculation, extracellular matrix accumulation, and immune activation. Autoantibodies are markers of immune abnormalities and provide diagnostic and predictive value in SSc. Anti-topoisomerase antibodies (ATAs), anticentromere antibodies (ACAs), and anti-RNA polymerase antibodies (ARAs) are the three classical specific antibodies with the highest availability and stability. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent progress in SSc research with respect to ATAs, ACAs, and ARAs, focusing on their application in distinguishing clinical phenotypes, such as malignancy and organ involvement, identifying genetic background in human leukocyte antigen (HLA) or non-HLA alleles, and their potential roles in disease pathogenesis based on the effects of antigen-antibody binding. We finally summarized the novel analysis using ATAs, ACAs, and ARAs on more detailed disease clusters. Considering these advantages, this review emphasizes that classical SSc-specific autoantibodies are still practical and have the potential for patient and risk stratification with applications in precise medicine for SSc.

Eight pillars of oncorheumatology: Crossroads between malignancies and musculoskeletal diseases

ONCORHEUMATOLOGY

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN MALIGNANCIES AND MUSCULOSKELETAL DISEASES: Oncorheumatology is the meeting point of tumor formation and rheumatic musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). Multiple interactions exist between these two medical specialties. One major field is the topic of malignancies associated with rheumatic diseases, while the other topic covers the development of musculoskeletal disease in cancer patients. Within the first group, secondary malignancies may be associated with rheumatic diseases. Mostly sustained inflammation is responsible for transition into cancer. Tumor-associated antigens (TAA) with adhesive properties are present on tumor cells. These molecules may also be expressed by inflammatory leukocytes and soluble TAA levels may be elevated in RMDs. There has been continuous debate with respect to the possible carcinogenicity of conventional and targeted antirheumatic drugs. Very recent data from registries suggest that neither biologics, nor JAK inhibitors increase cancer risk in arthritis patients. The issue of physiotherapy in rheumatic patients with recent or current cancer has also been controversial. Some modalities, primarily exercise, may be safely applied to patients with RMD and cancer. The second large topic includes paraneoplastic syndromes. Musculoskeletal paraneoplasias are triggered by tumor-derived mediators. These syndromes are sometimes slightly different from the classical RMDs. Various chemotherapies may also be associated with autoimmune side effects. Recently, these immune-related complications have also been observed in cancer patients treated with immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Sex hormone-deprivation therapies, such as aromatase inhibitors and anti-androgens are widely used for the treatment of breast and prostate cancer, respectively. These compounds may induce bone loss and lead to osteoporosis. Finally, primary and secondary malignancies of the musculoskeletal system may also interest rheumatologists. In this review, the clinical, practical aspects of these eight pillars of oncorheumatology will be discussed.

Low Vitamin D Levels Predict Mortality in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

In this study, we aimed to examine the effect of vitamin D deficiency on all-cause mortality in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients and in the general population. This is a retrospective-cohort study based on the electronic database of the largest health-maintenance organization in Israel. AS patients who were first diagnosed between 2002–2007 were included. Controls were matched by age, gender and enrollment-time. Follow-up continued until death or end of study follow-up on 1 July 2019. Laboratory measures of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin-D levels during the entire follow-up period were obtained. A total of 919 AS patients and 4519 controls with a mean time of follow-up of 14.3 years were included. The mean age at the time of enrollment was 52 years, and 22% of them were females. AS was associated with a higher proportion of vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio 1.27 [95% confidence-interval (CI) 1.03–1.58]). In AS patients, insufficient levels of vitamin D (<30 ng/mL) were significantly associated with increased incidence of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 1.59 [95% CI 1.02–2.50]). This association was more prominent with the decrease in vitamin D levels (< 20 ng/mL, HR 1.63 [95% CI 1.03–2.60]; <10 ng/mL, HR 1.79 [95% CI 1.01–3.20]) and among male patients (<30 ng/mL, HR 2.11 [95% CI 1.20–3.72]; <20 ng/mL, HR 2.12 [95% CI 1.19–3.80]; <10 ng/mL, HR 2.23 [95% CI 1.12–4.43]). However, inadequate levels of vitamin D among controls were not associated with an increased all-cause mortality. Our study has shown that vitamin D deficiency is more common in AS patients than controls and is linked to an increased risk for all-cause mortality. These results emphasize the need for randomized-controlled trials to evaluate the benefits of vitamin D supplementation as a secondary prevention of mortality in patients with chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease.

Antinuclear Antibodies With a Homogeneous and Speckled Immunofluorescence Pattern Are Associated With Lack of Cancer While Those With a Nucleolar Pattern With the Presence of Cancer

Background: Different antinuclear antibody (ANA) patterns have been associated with the presence of cancer, while other are typically seen in autoimmune diseases. This study aims to investigate the association between ANA and cancer, focusing on patients with ANA with a nucleolar indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) pattern.

Materials and Methods: ANA patterns and positivity of antibodies against nuclear antigens (NA), in particular those responsible for a nucleolar ANA pattern and/or associated with systemic sclerosis (CENP-A/B, fibrillarin, Ku, NOR-90, PM/Scl-100, PM/Scl-75, RNAP-III, Scl-70, Ro52/TRIM21, and Th/To) were analyzed and correlated to an internal database of patients with cancer.

Results: The study included 15,728 patients who had an ANA analysis, 386 patients who had immunodot analysis for antibody/ies against/to specific NA and 15,701 patients diagnosed with cancer. The presence of ANA with a nucleolar pattern showed an increased relative risk (RR 1.5, 95%CI 1.03-2.3) for an associated cancer. Anti-Scl70 and anti-RNAP-III were associated with cancer in 15 and 14%, respectively. The presence of ANA with a homogeneous & speckled (HS) pattern was significantly associated with the absence of cancer (p < 0.01). Patients with a HS pattern were found to have a lower relative risk (RR 0.7, 95%CI 0.5-0.9) of having cancer compared to those with other patterns.

Conclusions: Larger studies are needed to investigate which particular antibody/ies against/to specific NA is responsible for the association between nucleolar ANA and cancer, but anti-Scl70 and anti-RNAP-III, which is frequently associated with the presence of anti-RNAP-I, are good candidates to explain this association. Patients with a nucleolar pattern might be considered for cancer screening, in particular if they have anti-Scl70 and anti-RNAP-III antibodies.

Biphasic Temporal Relationship between Cancers and Systemic Sclerosis: A Clinical Series from Montpellier University Hospital and Review of the Literature

Cancer among patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) would appear to be more prevalent than in the general population. Pathophysiological hypotheses are multiple, involving intertwined factors such as immune system antitumoral response, oxygen species dysregulation, and immunosuppressive treatments. We aimed to identify SSc patients with cancer monitored at our center, describing their clinical and immunological characteristics, such as cancer-specific outcomes. We focused in particular on the temporal relationships between cancer onset and SSc diagnosis. A retrospective study was conducted on SSc patients from Montpellier University Hospital from 2003 to 2018. Clinical characteristics and outcomes of each SSc patient with cancer were recorded. Fifty-five patients with SSc and at least one cancer was included (median age 56 years (47–66)), with a median follow-up time of 11 years (4–15). Sixty-four metachronous malignancies were identified (12 patients had two cancers). Among them, early-onset cancer occurrences (±5 years from SSc diagnosis) included 23 cancers (39% breast cancers, 13% lung cancers, and 13% gastro-intestinal tract cancers). Twenty-two cancers occurred 10 years (±5 years) after SSc diagnosis (14% breast cancers, 23% gastrointestinal (GI) tract cancers, and 18% lung cancers). Patients without any of the two autoantibodies (anti-centromere (ACA) and anti-topoisomerase (ATA-scl70) antibodies) were more prevalent in the early-onset cancer subgroup (14 vs. 6, p = 0.02). This study brought to light two peaks of cancer occurrence in SSc patients. Early-onset cancers were associated with SSc with a specific immunological signature. Late-onset cancers might be the consequence of a subtle interplay between repeated target organ inflammation, immunosuppressant use, mesenchymal cell dysfunction and subsequent genetic alterations.

Hematological malignancies in connective tissue diseases

Chronic inflammation has profound tumor-promoting effects. Inflammatory cells are the key players in immunosurveillance against tumors, and immunosuppression is known to increase the risk of tumors. Autoimmune diseases, which manifest as loss of self-tolerance and chronic immune dysregulation, provide a perfect environment for tumor development. Aside from managing the direct inflammatory consequences of autoimmune pathogenesis, cancer risk profiles should be considered as a part of a patient's treatment. In this review, we describe the various associations of malignancies with autoimmune diseases, specifically systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic sclerosis, and Sjögren's syndrome, as well as discuss the mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of both disorders.

Mechanistic classification of immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity as a pointer to minimal treatment strategies to further improve survival

Improved anti-tumour responses under immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) are associated with concomitant autoimmune disease development termed immune related adverse events (irAEs), of which approximately 5% are rheumatic in nature. Generally, oncologists and other specialists vigorously treat irAEs in spite of the generally accepted beneficial effect of irAEs on tumour survival. Herein, we highlight mechanistic insights on how tumour responses and certain types of autoimmunity appear to be inextricably linked around CD8+ T-cell mediated responses and that strategies that interfere with such shared immunopathgenesis could impact of survival. We discuss the possible circumstances in which intensive immunosuppressive therapy for irAEs that occur with ICIs might blunt anti-tumour immunity. We also discuss potential therapeutic strategies for emergent ICI related autoimmunity and propose some treatment considerations and research questions to minimize the impact of overzealous immunosuppression strategies on tumour responses. Thus, refraining from using powerful therapeutic armamentarium to treat irAEs, especially when these are not considered as life-threating might improve the prognosis of ICI therapy.

Systemic sclerosis patients are at higher risk of hyperthyroidism and have a worse survival than those without hyperthyroidism: A nationwide population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

A high prevalence of thyroid disorders has been reported in patients with autoimmune diseases. The link between hyperthyroidism and systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been relatively overlooked, and only a few studies utilizing small samples or case reports have been reported so far.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the association between SSc and hyperthyroidism.

METHODS

We designed a case-control study utilizing the medical database of the Clalit Health Services. Chi-square and t tests were used for univariate analysis, and a logistic regression model was used for multivariate analysis.

RESULTS

The study included 2,431 SSc patients and 12,710 age- and sex-matched controls. The mean age of the study population was 63.32 ± 18.06 years (median 66 years), and female-to-male ratio was 4.5:1. Age (P < .0001, OR 1.03 [95% CI 1.02-1.04]), female sex (P = .0015, OR 1.86 [95% CI 1.27- 2.74]) and diagnosis of SSc (P = .0011, OR 1.81[95% CI 1.27-2.58]) were all independently associated with hyperthyroidism. Patients with SSc and hyperthyroidism had 1.54-fold increase of mortality rates during a mean follow-up of 17 years than SSc patients without hyperthyroidism, even though at the Cox multivariate survival analysis, only age (HR 1.06 [95% CI 1.06-1.07], P < .0001) and diagnosis of SSc (HR 2.35 [CI 2.06 to 2.69], P < .0001) resulted associated with a higher risk of mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperthyroidism is highly prevalent among SSc patients and can negatively impact on their survival rates. Therefore, a pre-emptive screening may be warranted in all SSc patients. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether tight control and optimal treatment for hyperthyroidism may lead to a reduction of all-cause mortality in patients with SSc.

Comorbidity burden in systemic sclerosis: beyond disease-specific complications

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, systemic disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, vasculopathy, and auto-immune activation. On the top of severe organ involvement such as interstitial lung and myocardial fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and renal crisis, individuals diagnosed with SSc may suffer from a number of comorbidities. This is a narrative review according to published recommendations and we searched the online databases MEDLINE and EMBASE using as key words the following terms: systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, myocardial fibrosis in combination with micro- and macro-vascular disease, cardiac involvement, atherosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and coronary arteries, infections, cancer, depression, osteoporosis, and dyslipidemia. Although data are usually inconclusive it appears that comorbidities with significant impact on life expectancy, namely cardiovascular disease, infections, and cancer as well as phycological disorders affecting emotional and mental health are highly prevalent in SSc population. Thereafter, the aim of this review is to summarize the occurrence and the clinical significance of such comorbidities in SSc population and to discuss how rheumatologists can incorporate the management of these conditions in daily clinical practice.