Malignancies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Autoimmun Rev. 2010 Feb;9(4):195-9. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2009.07.004. Epub 2009 Jul 27.

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a prototypical systemic autoimmune disease, characterized by a wide array of symptoms and organ involvements, leading to varying disease courses and outcome, and ranging from mild to severe types. In patients with SLE, the incidence and risk of malignancy development is increased, and mostly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL), cervical cancer, as well as bronchial carcinomas occur. Besides others, the common genetic predisposition, chronic antigen stimulus, disproportional immune responses, as well as the chronic administration of immunosuppressive medications can contribute to the development of malignancies in lupus. In this review we present the molecular pathology, as well as the epidemiological and clinical aspects of malignancies in patients with SLE.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
  • Estrogens / genetics
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease
  • Humans
  • Immunity
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Incidence
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / genetics
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / complications*
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / drug therapy
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / epidemiology
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / physiopathology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / epidemiology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / etiology*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / physiopathology
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / therapy
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Risk Factors
  • Tumor Virus Infections / epidemiology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / etiology*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / physiopathology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / therapy

Substances

  • Estrogens
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins