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Review
. 2012 Apr;32(4):1119-36.

Multiple associations between a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer

Alexis L Franks  1 , Jill E Slansky
Affiliations
Review

Multiple associations between a broad spectrum of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer

Alexis L Franks et al. Anticancer Res. 2012 Apr.

Abstract

Background: Many recent studies suggest the immune system plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammatory diseases, and cancer.

Materials and methods: Literature published between 2001 and 2011 was reviewed for risk of cancer development in patients with autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Mode of risk assessment employed did not limit inclusion of studies. Autoimmune conditions developing after diagnosis of a pre-existing cancer were also considered.

Results: We report a pervasive, largely positive association between 23 autoimmune and inflammatory diseases and subsequent cancer development. We discuss associations for celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and multiple sclerosis in detail. We also address the less frequently reported development of some autoimmune conditions within the course of some malignancies, such as vitiligo developing in the course of melanoma.

Conclusion: Evidence demonstrates that chronic inflammation and autoimmunity are associated with the development of malignancy. Additionally, patients with a primary malignancy may develop autoimmune like disease. These relationships imply a need for surveillance of patients on immunomodulatory therapies for potential secondary disease processes.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Immune responses can both promote and counteract carcinogenesis. An immune response is essential for protection against the development of cancer, yet activation of the immune system may lead to loss of self-tolerance and induction of autoimmunity. Various factors contributing to the careful balance of the immune response are indicated above (–6, 11).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Immune response to cancer over time. This diagram represents the growth of a hypothetical tumor (black), the ensuing immune response (grey), and potential clinical outcomes over time (11, 12).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Celiac disease as a paradigm for chronic inflammation predisposing patients to cancer development. Autoimmune processes and inflammation believed to contribute to cancer are shown (24, 63, 64). HLA, human lymphocyte antigen; Th1, helper T-cell type 1; IFN, interferon; IL, interleukin.
Figure 4
Figure 4
A cyclic model of autoimmunity and carcinogenesis. The environment created by a chronically overactive immune response can lead to cancer development, yet it can also be a marker of developing tumor immunity. For example, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with various types of cancers. Carcinomatous polyarthritis, an RA-like condition, has been documented to develop in patients with a pre-existing cancer (23, 68). GI, gastrointestinal; NHL, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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