What is the connection between methotrexate and lymphoma?
A number of studies have combined methotrexate and lymphoma by finding that arthritis treatment can activate the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is expected to increase the likelihood of cancer. Methotrexate may also increase the risk of other cancers affecting the lymphatic gland. When patients with lymphoma cease to take this medicine, their cancer usually passes into regression and further determine the link between methotrexate and lymphoma. It was not found that other drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, such as cyclosporin, had no impact on EBV activity in the body.
Methotrexate is a drug used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other diseases caused by the aggressive immune system. It works by soothing the immune system to minimize joint and other tissue damage. This reduces pain and swelling that experiences patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
A series of studies found that exposure to cells on EBV to methotrexate causes these cells to release iNFEKING form of virus. EBV is a common type of herpes virus, which is expected to be present in more than 95 percent of young adults in the United States. It is associated with mononucleosis and chronic fatigue syndrome, but it is sleeping in most people who do not know as a result. EBV is transmitted through the saliva of the infected person. Laboratory tests that can detect whether the person bears EBV but are not always accurate.
The EBV may also increase the risk of Burkitt's lymphoma, rare forms of this type of cancer. The connection between methotrexate and lymphoma is not fully understood, but it is assumed that the effect of the drug on the immune system plays a role. The celebrated immune system is less able to maintain the latent form of the EBV under control to allow the virus to activate, cause infection of AVE rare cases contributing to the development of lymphoma. It is also possible that the medicine itself Actives EBV without inhibiting its replication. In other words, the medicine may exportOLAT infectious form of the virus when weakening the reaction of the immune system.
Lymphoma patients who participated in research studies related to methotrexate found that their cancer has often stopped regression as soon as they stop taking the medicine. The connection between methotrexate and lymphoma has not been determined with other drugs that inhibit the immune system in a similar way. As a result, scientists believe that the effect of methotrexate on the EBV and at the same time an inhibiting immune system in the virus content is unique among this type of drug.
In addition to the connection between methotrexate and lymphoma, this drug is also associated with other serious side effects. Liver damage, lung damage and gastrointestinal damage were reported. As the drug decreases the eye effectiveness of the Mune system, the risk of infection increases the number of dangerous infections. More common side effects include hair loss, tender gums and drowsiness.
Only in rare cases the patient taking this medicine actually develops lymphoma. These cases withThey appear in those who have used the drug for a long time. As with any treatment of treatment, patients should consider potential benefits against potential risks with their healthcare providers.