Biologics and Lymphoma: Association or Coincidence?

Abstract

Immunosuppressive agents are associated with an increase in lymphoproliferative diseases. Because biologics target the immune system, there is concern that they might predispose to the development of lymphomas even though they are substantially less immunosuppressive than medications used for organ transplantation. Various databases were searched to look for associations between biologic therapies and malignancies. While there have been reports of malignancies—and particularly lymphomas—in patients treated with biologic agents, many of the patients reported were also on other immunosuppressive therapies. Nevertheless, because of a possible association with malignancies and specifically with lymphomas, biologic agents should not be used in patients with mild disease and should be reserved for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.