FDA investigating possible link between TNF blockers and cancer in children
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing 30 reports of cancer in children who received tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders including Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and Crohn's disease.
Marketed as Remicade, Enbrel, Humira and Cimzia, these drugs block TNF—a substance in the body that contributes to immune-mediated diseases. The FDA has been aware of the possible link between TNF blockers and cancer, and has included this caution in the prescribing information for these drugs.
According to National Psoriasis Foundation Director of Research Bruce Bebo, Ph.D., "This announcement is standard procedure by the FDA to inform the public of an investigation. We might have to wait some time before a definitive answer is available. In the meantime, it's important to remember that tens of thousands of people have safely used these drugs."
The National Psoriasis Foundation advises patients who are using a TNF blocker to control their psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, to work with their doctor to weigh the benefits of these drugs against the risks. "The recently reported incidence of cancer in children taking TNF blockers is very small but should not be ignored," says Mark Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman of dermatology at the Mt. Sinai School of Medicine and chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board. "Many of these children were also taking other immunosuppressant drugs that are known to increase the risk of cancer. It's just not an open and shut case. I encourage everyone who is prescribed TNF blockers to keep an ongoing dialogue with their physician about the treatment," he says.
Learn more about TNF blockers and other biologic drugs.
Read the full FDA Early Communication.
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