Cancer patients shed new light on rheumatoid arthritis
the guardian
Side-effects in immunotherapy for cancer patients have given scientists an ally in the battle against rheumatoid arthritis The human immune system is one of the most effective defence mechanisms known to nature. It can ward off myriad microbial invaders: bacteria, viruses and parasites. It is sometimes overwhelmed by disease, of course, but the billions of men and women who now live on Earth are a testament – at least in part – to the effectiveness of their immune defences. However, on occasions Read the full story apple.news/AEF2YA74WOoa4Vi3...
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Bookworm55
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Poor cancer patients. As if they didn't have enough to contend with. Awful for an autoimmune disease to be triggered on top. I met a lady in rheumatology the other day who had cancer first, followed by RA. Poor woman.
As you say, poor cancer patients. Such a balancing act between encouraging the immune system to fight cancer - which seems to be the way forward- and preventing it becoming so effective that it attacks healthy cells. Still, now doctors know what to look for using early blood tests hopefully it will at least give them clues as to how RD develops from its onset. I do sometimes shudder when I think how long I must have has this disease before the massive flare alerted everyone two years ago. All three of the joints they X rayed then showed signs of damage.
Fascinating stuff but poor cancer patients too. Must make them feel like guinea pigs on top of everytimg else. Thanks for posting.
I read on this site for my daughter who has had RA for at least 16 yrs that we can think of. She presented with it so many times, including developing ulcerative coloitis, but not one doctor thought to test her for RA. When one of her joints became inflamed, she was in so much pain she couldn’t work for weeks. She was a CNA at a nursing home. Finally she had to quit her job for a desk job. Now at 42 yrs old - we put it all together and sure enough she tested positive for AS with schlerosis of the back.
Anyway, I am the cancer patient and I just happened upon the link posted above. I was treated with Rituxan. It does concern me to know this (but at least I know this now) and I will bring it up to my rheumy today when I see him. (I have PMR).
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