Inflammation Linked To Cancer

Swedish researchers say severe inflammation is linked to increased lymphoma risk among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

While various studies have affirmed the link between rheumatoid arthritis and an increased occurrence of lymphoma, none has been able to pinpoint the specific effects of disease activity on lymphoma risk or distinguish them from the effects of disease treatment, researchers said.

The findings indicate very high and prolonged inflammatory activity is the major risk factor. The lead author, Dr. Lars Klareskog of Karolinska University Hospital, commented that aggressive arthritis treatment may reduce the risk of cancer by reducing cumulative inflammation. The findings were published in the March issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism.