Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and risk of malignant lymphomas - an update

Smedby KE, Askling J, Mariette X, Baecklund E (Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Hopital Bicetre, Assistance Publique-Hopitaux de Paris, Universite Paris-Sud 11, Le Kremlin-Bicetre, France; and Akademiska University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden). Autoimmune and inflammatory disorders and risk of malignant lymphomas - an update (Review). J Intern Med 2008; 264: 514-527. As specific autoimmune disorders now constitute established risk factors for malignant lymphomas, we describe this association. We review reported risk levels, risk determinants, lymphoma subtypes and biological mechanisms in autoimmunity/inflammation, emphasizing on recent findings. Whilst numerous reports describe average lymphoma risks in large patient groups, there's a recent shift of focus to risk determinants and the role of inflammatory activity. Studies highlight associations with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, apart from lymphoma development in target organs of inflammation. Future studies of high-risk patient subsets using detailed assessments of autoimmunity/inflammation and lymphoma may give important clues to lymphomagenesis.