It is important to note that non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC)  is found on the outer layer of the skin and  is generally found on sun-exposed skin like the face, ears, hands, etc.  These cancers rarely spread elsewhere on the body.

Most importantly–these are highly treatable and are usually cured with early detection and treatment.

From the story:

Senior author Prabha Ranganathan, MD, from the Department of Medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis,  suggests that patients with RA treated with TNF inhibitors have a complete skin exam by a dermatologist once a year.

(For a reminder on which drugs are TNF inhibitors, click on the medications tab above)

As more studies are conducted, it seems prudent that all of us on any of the biologics pay close attention to our skin–but don’t panic!

As noted by Dr.  Ranganathan, “It is intriguing that NMSC risk is increased in patients on anti-TNFs, while most studies to date show that overall cancer risk is not increased in these patients. But this is an observational study, so association does not equal causality.”

So limit your sun exposure, wear sunscreen, and see your doctor.  Sound familiar?    Enjoy the end of summer folks!

As always, links are provided below for more information.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/748028

http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/CancerCauses/SunandUVExposure/skin-cancer-facts

If you are currently taking a biologic drug or considering it, where do you stand?

Three weeks ago Bristol-Myers Squibb received FDA approval for Orencia to be formulated as a subcutaneous self- injectable drug. This makes Orencia first biologic arthritis treatment to be available as both an infusion and an injectable.

According to reports on Medscape (see link below),  the head to head comparison of injectable -vs- intravenous formulations showed nearly identical results.  Areas assessed included  patient improvement, site reactions, and risks of infection. Studies were conducted with a test group of 1,457 patients over a six month period. Dosages were given once a week by injection or once a month by infusion.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/744399

All of the patients studied  were RA patients and all were taking methotrexate with Orencia.  Hopefully, patients with other autoimmune diseases (such as psoriatic arthritis) would have similar results with either formulation.

 So….

• If you are on Orencia by infusion, will you switch to a self injectable?

• If you are on another biologic treatment via infusion would you ask your doctor about Orencia because it is an injectable?

• Why or why not?

Please share your comments.

Coming soon:

Does Orencia’s  success in having two formulations increase the likelihood that other biologics will do the same?

There will always be a link to the article when I am writing about something I have read. When the link is Medscape, you will need a password to open the link.  You can create a Medscape account for free, and I encourage you to do so.  Some blogs may give you sufficient info to go on with your day, while other blogs may inspire you to read more at Medscape.  So consider going to www.medscape.com now and signing up!