The tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors are widely used in the treatment of some autoimmune disorders with promising results. However, their safety has been questioned with multiple postmarketing reports of increased risk for malignancies. The case of a patient with ankylosing spondylitis who developed cutaneous adenoid cystic carcinoma after three years of treatment with anti-TNF-α therapy is discussed.
Key Points
* Etanercept is an anti-TNF-α monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
* TNF-α inhibition may result in malignancies such as lymphoma and skin cancer.
* Skin cancer can be seen in patients with ankylosing spondylitis receiving etanercept.