Risk of cancer and conventional syntethic DMARDS: A narrative review.

Abstract

Immunosuppressors and immunomodulators are widely used for the treatment of rheumatic diseases. Among them are the conventional Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) such as methotrexate, azathioprine, antimalarials, cyclosporine, etc. These drugs can induce remission or control inflammation, improving patients' outcomes. Nevertheless, there is some concern that these drugs may have a carcinogenic potential, favoring the appearance of tumors. Herein, a narrative review of malignancy risk after using conventional DMARDs is done.