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Date: 20.01.2011
From: cookie

Subject: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Hi am new to this forum. Have had RA for 17 years recently getting worse. Tried metholtrexate etc. My consultant has requested an assesment for " biological "injections but dont have any prescribed as yet. She didhowever drop into the conversation that they maycause cancer later in life!! She did not back this up with any furthur info does anyone have any more advice onfo on this. Many thanks in advance
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Date: 21.01.2011
From: Lucy

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Hey Cookie, the biologics eg Humira, Enbrel etc are anti-tnf drugs. I've been on Humira for 2 years now, methotrexate stopped working for me on its own. I now have one Humira injection once a fortnight and One Metho injection once a week although I'm not good at taking the metho as it makes me feel rubbish!
I've had no side effects from the Humira, but yes there is an increased risk of cancer with this drug. I figured well I may end up bald but at least I'll be able to walk! Its a big decision but you have to think about now. Humira has enabled me to carry on working and has changed my life for the better, less pain, fewer flare ups. Worth a go in my opinion, but doesnt work for everyone. I know NICE now allow patients to try other biologics after failure of one which is good. The drug is very expensive £12,500. a year! But so worth it for me. You'll have to have an assessment by the team at your hospital as be asked about pain and mobility - be realistic and say it like its a bad day - think DLA application!
Good luck and any questions let me know. You're not alone - lots of us on here!
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Date: 21.01.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Hi Cookie,
I too am about to start on biologics - Cimzia.
Was worried, like you, so had a
long chat with rheumy nurse about it. She told me the consultant sits on some research panel for these drugs and, although they have had patients who get cancer, she says it is no higher than in the general population. They just don't know if they can trigger a pre-existing or what.

For me it is a quality of life thing. Also, my feeling is that knowing there may be an increased risk I can be vigilant about any changes in my body. I will also be monitored.
Hope this helps a bit.
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: louloubelle

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Hey Cookie

I'm 31 years old and was on enbrel from the age of 22 to 30. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July and have just had my last chemo! My rheumy has been doing masses of research into the relationship between anti-tnf and cancer and the results are quite surprising. There is actually a slight reduction in the risk of developing cancer while taking anti-tnf. However, there is an increased risk of developing a certain type of skin cancer.

When I first started taking enbrel they had told me there was an increased risk of cancer but this was because the drug was so new they didn't know much about the long term effects and it was thought that increased risk of cancer could be a possibility. They now have 10 years + of study so I am confident that the anti-tnf has not increased my chances of developing breast cancer.

Having said that, if the doctors were to have told me that the reason I got cancer was because of the anti-tnf I would not have had a single regret. The medication gave me such a new lease of life that it would have been worth the risk.

Guidelines state that you should not return to anti-tnf for 10 years after having cancer. This is because there is such little info available regarding the risks of a return of the cancer they do not want patients going back to the drug. However, based on evidence my rheumy and I have decided to take a leap of faith and, if leflunomide does not work for me, I am going back on anti-tnf.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions then do not hesitate to contact me.

Best wishes
Lou x
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: bsk

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

hi Lou,
Thanks for your post, it has reassured me about starting Cimzia this week. Your rheumy's findings correlate with what my consultant's research findings too. I think it is fantastic you have such a positive view after everything you've been through and you are an inspiration.
xx
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: cookie

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Thanks to all of you i do feel reasured and good luck lou xx
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: PAUL

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Good thing with Cimzia is that it is less toxic than other anti-tnf drugs, of course one of the side effects is cancer but thats the same with most arthritis medications and you have a very low risk of actually getting cancer.

Lou hows things with the baby, ours is 3 months this Thursday and already 13 pounds. He's great.
Hope you are well.

Paul
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: sandra lowe

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Hi Louloubelle I was going to ask same question how is your baby and how are you managing? i too think you have done fantastic,!!!!xx
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Date: 24.01.2011
From: kazzie

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

hi i have just started on enbrel and was told bout the cancer ect but i had to look at it after beenin admited to hospital all time and was gettin were i couldnt move had no choice really i have been on it a week and def notice the diffrence so for me its the best thing ive done at the moment .am on mxt injections with it as well .
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Date: 25.01.2011
From: louloubelle

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

Wow Paul, I thought Oscar was doing well at 14lbs 8oz at 17 weeks! I'm so pleased everything is going well. Oscar is an absolute delight and I've been managing great considering, thanks Sandra.

Paul, how are you coping with the arther and a baby - have you found ways of doing things differently. I've found a rather unique technique of getting off the sofa with Oscar in my arms - I sort of rest my elbow of the arm I've got his head in on my knee and roll forward, I look like a complete plonker but it works lol.

I've attached a link below of a photo we took before xmas which we framed and gave to the family - what a great, cheap xmas prezzie lol. You just copy and paste the link into your browser x

http://i934.photobucket.com/albums/ad186/louloufrench1979/Oscar/02Dec10to10Dec1076.jpg
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Date: 25.01.2011
From: paul

Subject: Re: re. biological treatments and cancer?

its hard work for sure and i'm exhausted. Currently working too from 0500hrs till whenever, tonight was 2100hrs and then catch the train back from London.
I cannot wait to get home to see him but he's asleep by the time i get back.
Great piccy, he looks a cheeky chappie :)
Gonna hit the sack now, i'll try and post a picture too.

regards and keep well,

Paul
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