Methotrexate + Biologic and cancer
Hi - I’m 46 and I’ve been on methotrexate (5 pills/week) for 8+ years. In June I was diagnosed with cancer - melanoma. Since this does not run in my family my oncologist thinks it may be due to methotrexate and/or the biologic (Enbrel). He recommended stopped or decreasing these meds. I know I need to weigh the pros and cons but I’m really scared. The melanoma was removed so I’m in remission but still high risk. Anyone else have similar experiences? What did you decide to do?
Hi
. Your concerns are certainly understandable. There are a lot of questions regarding the connection between various medications and cancer, as well as with RA and increased risk of cancer. I want to share with you this page from the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center on managing rheumatoid arthritis and cancer: https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/rheumatoid-arthritis-and-cancer-treatment-5-insights.h00-159542901.html. Also, I'm tagging our patient leader , as he has previously had cancer and a continuation of RA treatment. Hope this information helps. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
