Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 I've been taking Orancia. Anyone know if the risk occurs with it too? I have noticed myself getting a lot of colds and taking a long time to recover. -------------- Original message ---------------------- From: " snowdrift52003 " <snowdrift52003@...> > Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs > Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the > risk of developing cancer > > CHICAGO, May. 17, 2006 > By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer > ---------------------------------------------------------------------- > ---------- > > (AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face > triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the > risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic > found. > > The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated > with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the > earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ > and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. > > The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including > skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies > the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest. > > While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, > the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the > medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. > > Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, > stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these > drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the > medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of > movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis > can shorten. > > In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual > patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken > the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they > said. > > Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the > dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs > or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo > the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the > researchers said. > > Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical > Association. > > Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works > similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid > consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded > the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research. > > Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and > involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints > throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. > > Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the > study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of > patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in > 1998, Humira in 2002. > > More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two > injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which > block production of a protein linked with inflammation. > > Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the > molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel > marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone. > > Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several > omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that > accompanied the study in JAMA. > > He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that > he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought > the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday. > > But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday > on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic > College of Medicine to investigate. > > The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and > incomplete reporting. " > > In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's > executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to > conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are > concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the > bottom of these sorts of issues. " > > The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or > Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers > in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, > compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos. > > Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on > placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis. > > An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the > data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently > monitor cancer incidence. > > Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most > of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade > doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with > recommended doses, Schaible said. > > ___ > > On the Net: > > JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org > > Arthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.org > > > > MMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not > be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. > > > > > > > Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing cancer CHICAGO, May. 17, 2006 By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- (AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found. The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest. While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis can shorten. In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they said. Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the researchers said. Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in 1998, Humira in 2002. More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which block production of a protein linked with inflammation. Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone. Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that accompanied the study in JAMA. He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday. But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine to investigate. The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and incomplete reporting. " In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the bottom of these sorts of issues. " The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos. Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis. An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently monitor cancer incidence. Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with recommended doses, Schaible said. ___ On the Net: JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org Arthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.org MMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/jws-tnf082406.php A newer and larger study finds that the drugs in question do not increase the chance for cancer when compared with others with RA but not taking these drugs. The increased risk of cancer seems to be due to the disease and not to the treatment. The earlier study compared people with RA and taking the drugs in question to general population not having RA or taking the drugs. They had two variables (having RA and taking the drugs) and placed all the blame on only one of the variables. The newer and larger study shows that the blame is on the disease and not the treatment. We have probably not heard the end of this but if there is a difference in cancer risk from the drugs it is so small to not be easily detected. God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of snowdrift52003 Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 5:41 PM Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Biologic drug risk Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing cancer CHICAGO, May. 17, 2006 By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer ---------------------------------------------------------- ---------- (AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found. The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest. While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis can shorten. In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they said. Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the researchers said. Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research. Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in 1998, Humira in 2002. More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which block production of a protein linked with inflammation. Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone. Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that accompanied the study in JAMA. He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday. But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine to investigate. The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and incomplete reporting. " In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the bottom of these sorts of issues. " The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos. Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis. An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently monitor cancer incidence. Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with recommended doses, Schaible said. ___ On the Net: JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org Arthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.org MMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 I remember the days before remicade and the intense fear that came from the negative effects people reported but none of the good things. I know that a biologic interferes with the natural chain DNA in the body, but with something THAT powerful and RA being that destructive, there really is no choice for me atleast. I will choose quality over quantity every time and decided that when I first was diagnosed. Everything today gives us cancer. The air, the food, the water. Everything. I load up on anti oxidants as much as possible, take supplemental nutrition, filter my water, eat organic whenever I can and hope that one piece of bacon once a month wont kill me with the nitrates in it. If a good offense is the best defense then I am doing that. Hugs to all, Deborah On 9/16/06, snowdrift52003 <snowdrift52003@...> wrote: Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing cancerCHICAGO, May. 17, 2006By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer --------------------------------------------------------------------(AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found.The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest.While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis can shorten.In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they said.Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the researchers said.Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research.Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in 1998, Humira in 2002. More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which block production of a protein linked with inflammation.Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone.Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that accompanied the study in JAMA.He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday.But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine to investigate. The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and incomplete reporting. " In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the bottom of these sorts of issues. " The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos.Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis.An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently monitor cancer incidence. Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with recommended doses, Schaible said.___On the Net:JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.orgArthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.orgMMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 I'm glad to hear this! Did it make the news? Sierra > > http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/jws-tnf082406.php > > A newer and larger study finds that the drugs in question do not increase > the chance for cancer when compared with others with RA but not taking these > drugs. The increased risk of cancer seems to be due to the disease and not > to the treatment. The earlier study compared people with RA and taking the > drugs in question to general population not having RA or taking the drugs. > They had two variables (having RA and taking the drugs) and placed all the > blame on only one of the variables. The newer and larger study shows that > the blame is on the disease and not the treatment. We have probably not > heard the end of this but if there is a difference in cancer risk from the > drugs it is so small to not be easily detected. God bless. > > > > > > _____ > > From: Rheumatoid Arthritis > [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of snowdrift52003 > Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 5:41 PM > Rheumatoid Arthritis > Subject: Biologic drug risk > > > > Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs > Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the > risk of developing cancer > > CHICAGO, May. 17, 2006 > By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer > ---------------------------------------------------------- > ---------- > > (AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face > triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the > risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic > found. > > The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated > with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the > earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ > and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. > > The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including > skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies > the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest. > > While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, > the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the > medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. > > Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, > stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these > drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the > medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of > movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis > can shorten. > > In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual > patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken > the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they > said. > > Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the > dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs > or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo > the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the > researchers said. > > Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical > Association. > > Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works > similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid > consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded > the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research. > > Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and > involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints > throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. > > Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the > study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of > patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in > 1998, Humira in 2002. > > More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two > injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which > block production of a protein linked with inflammation. > > Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the > molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel > marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone. > > Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several > omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that > accompanied the study in JAMA. > > He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that > he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought > the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday. > > But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday > on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic > College of Medicine to investigate. > > The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and > incomplete reporting. " > > In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's > executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to > conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are > concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the > bottom of these sorts of issues. " > > The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or > Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers > in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, > compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos. > > Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on > placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis. > > An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the > data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently > monitor cancer incidence. > > Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most > of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade > doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with > recommended doses, Schaible said. > > ___ > > On the Net: > > JAMA: http://jama. <http://jama.ama-assn.org> ama-assn.org > > Arthritis Foundation: http://www.arthriti <http://www.arthritis.org> s.org > > MMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not > be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 Each individual, with the help of a rheumatologist, has to assess the risk/benefit ratio for their particular case. Sierra > > > > Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs > > Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the > > risk of developing cancer > > > > CHICAGO, May. 17, 2006 > > By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer > > ---------------------------------------------------------- > > ---------- > > > > (AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face > > triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the > > risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic > > found. > > > > The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated > > with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the > > earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ > > and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. > > > > The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including > > skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies > > the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest. > > > > While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, > > the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the > > medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed. > > > > Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, > > stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these > > drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the > > medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of > > movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis > > can shorten. > > > > In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual > > patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken > > the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they > > said. > > > > Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the > > dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs > > or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo > > the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the > > researchers said. > > > > Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical > > Association. > > > > Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works > > similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid > > consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded > > the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research. > > > > Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and > > involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints > > throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability. > > > > Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the > > study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of > > patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in > > 1998, Humira in 2002. > > > > More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two > > injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which > > block production of a protein linked with inflammation. > > > > Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the > > molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel > > marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone. > > > > Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several > > omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that > > accompanied the study in JAMA. > > > > He said the omissions were " errors of oversight on my part " and that > > he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought > > the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday. > > > > But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday > > on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic > > College of Medicine to investigate. > > > > The editors cited " the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and > > incomplete reporting. " > > > > In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's > > executive deputy editor, said that " journals are not in a position to > > conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are > > concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the > > bottom of these sorts of issues. " > > > > The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or > > Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers > > in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, > > compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos. > > > > Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on > > placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis. > > > > An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis " doesn't reflect all the > > data " on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently > > monitor cancer incidence. > > > > Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most > > of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade > > doses. " There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio " with > > recommended doses, Schaible said. > > > > ___ > > > > On the Net: > > > > JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.org > > > > Arthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.org > > > > MMVI The Associated Press. . This material may not > > be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 Hi all, Regarding the TNF inhibitors and lymphoma, here is another study: http://www.rheumatology.org/publications/hotline/0901tnf.asp. This is from the American College of Rheumatology. This study included 170,000 patients on Remicade and 104,000 patients on Enbrel. Out of the patients on Remicade, only 10 developed lymphoma. Out of patients on Enbrel 18 developed lymphoma. This study also shows that of patients on TNF inhibitors that developed TB, over 80% were in countries outside of the US. In countries outside the US, TB is still an epidemic. Take care, Steph in VA Harold Van Tuyl <hvantuyl@...> wrote: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/jws-tnf082406.php A newer and larger study finds that the drugs in question do not increase the chance for cancer when compared with others with RA but not taking these drugs. The increased risk of cancer seems to be due to the disease and not to the treatment. The earlier study compared people with RA and taking the drugs in question to general population not having RA or taking the drugs. They had two variables (having RA and taking the drugs) and placed all the blame on only one of the variables. The newer and larger study shows that the blame is on the disease and not the treatment. We have probably not heard the end of this but if there is a difference in cancer risk from the drugs it is so small to not be easily detected. God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of snowdrift52003Sent: Saturday, September 16, 2006 5:41 PMRheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Biologic drug risk Cancer Risks Detailed for Arthritis Drugs Study: Arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing cancerCHICAGO, May. 17, 2006By LINDSEY TANNER AP Medical Writer --------------------------------------------------------------------(AP) Rheumatoid arthritis patients taking Humira or Remicade face triple the risk of developing several kinds of cancer and double the risk of getting serious infections, a study led by the Mayo Clinic found.The analysis builds on previous reports about the risks associated with Abbott Laboratories' Humira and Centocor's Remicade. But the earlier research focused mostly on one kind of cancer _ lymphoma _ and infections such as tuberculosis and pneumonia.The new study found an apparent link to other cancers, too, including skin, gastrointestinal, breast and lung tumors. It also quantifies the risks and says high doses appear to be the riskiest.While the drugs' packaging information mentions some of the risks, the manufacturers said the new study does not prove that the medication is at fault, and they said the research was flawed.Study co-author Dr. Matteson, a Mayo Clinic rheumatologist, stressed the overall chances of developing cancer while using these drugs is still small. The researchers also noted that the medications' benefits include improving flexibility and range of movement, easing pain and increasing life expectancy, which arthritis can shorten.In addition, the researchers noted that the risks for individual patients probably vary widely. Older, sicker people who have taken the drugs for several years probably face the highest risks, they said.Still, the researchers said patients should be made aware of the dangers and told to seek medical help if they develop fevers, coughs or other symptoms of infection. They should also be sure to undergo the cancer screenings recommended for the general public, the researchers said.Their study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association.Matteson is working with Centocor in developing a new drug that works similarly, and he and co-author Dr. Tim Bongartz have been paid consultants to Abbott for unrelated work, but neither company funded the study. The Mayo Foundation sponsored the research.Rheumatoid arthritis affects more than 2 million Americans, and involves a malfunctioning immune system that attacks joints throughout the body, causing pain, deformities and disability.Dr. Klippel, president of the Arthritis Foundation, said the study will probably not change doctors' minds, because scores of patients have benefited from the drugs. Remicade was approved in 1998, Humira in 2002.More than a half-million patients have been treated with the two injectable drugs and a third similar medication, Enbrel, all of which block production of a protein linked with inflammation.Enbrel was not included in the study because it differs at the molecular level, Matteson said. He said he is getting paid by Enbrel marketers Wyeth and Amgen to do a similar analysis on Enbrel alone.Matteson's ties to Centocor and his work on Enbrel were among several omissions and errors included in disclosure statements that accompanied the study in JAMA.He said the omissions were "errors of oversight on my part" and that he was not attempting to conceal anything. Matteson said he brought the issues to JAMA's attention on Friday.But in an unusual move, journal editors posted a correction Tuesday on JAMA's Web site revealing that they have asked the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine to investigate.The editors cited "the nature and extensiveness of this incorrect and incomplete reporting."In a telphone interview Tuesday, Dr. Phil Fontanarosa, JAMA's executive deputy editor, said that "journals are not in a position to conduct full-scale, intense investigations when there are concerns. ... We ask the institutions to help us in getting to the bottom of these sorts of issues."The researchers analyzed data from nine studies comparing Humira or Remicade with placebos and pooled the results. There were 29 cancers in 3,493 patients who received at least one dose of either drug, compared with three cancers in 1,512 patients on placebos.Serious infections occurred in 126 patients on drugs and 26 on placebos. They included pneumonia and cellulitis.An Abbott spokesperson said the analysis "doesn't reflect all the data" on Humira and said the studies were too short to sufficiently monitor cancer incidence.Tom Schaible, Centocor vice president of medical affairs, said most of the analyzed studies used higher-than-recommended Remicade doses. "There's clearly a favorable benefits-risks ratio" with recommended doses, Schaible said.___On the Net:JAMA: http://jama.ama-assn.orgArthritis Foundation: http://www.arthritis.orgMMVI The Associated Press. . 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Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 No, most of the “news” is limited to bad news. God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of snowdrift52003 Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 6:31 AM Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: Re: Biologic drug risk I'm glad to hear this! Did it make the news? Sierra > > http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-08/jws-tnf082406.php > > A newer and larger study finds that the drugs in question do not increase > the chance for cancer when compared with others with RA but not taking these > drugs. The increased risk of cancer seems to be due to the disease and not > to the treatment. The earlier study compared people with RA and taking the > drugs in question to general population not having RA or taking the drugs. > They had two variables (having RA and taking the drugs) and placed all the > blame on only one of the variables. The newer and larger study shows that > the blame is on the disease and not the treatment. We have probably not > heard the end of this but if there is a difference in cancer risk from the > drugs it is so small to not be easily detected. God bless. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 17, 2006 Report Share Posted September 17, 2006 Thanks. I knew the risk was low but it seems to be even lower than I thought. God bless. From: Rheumatoid Arthritis [mailto:Rheumatoid Arthritis ] On Behalf Of DeNicola- Sent: Sunday, September 17, 2006 7:02 AM Rheumatoid Arthritis Subject: RE: Biologic drug risk Hi all, Regarding the TNF inhibitors and lymphoma, here is another study: http://www.rheumatology.org/publications/hotline/0901tnf.asp. This is from the American College of Rheumatology. This study included 170,000 patients on Remicade and 104,000 patients on Enbrel. Out of the patients on Remicade, only 10 developed lymphoma. Out of patients on Enbrel 18 developed lymphoma. This study also shows that of patients on TNF inhibitors that developed TB, over 80% were in countries outside of the US. In countries outside the US, TB is still an epidemic. Take care, Steph in VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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