The Risk of Malignancy Associated with the Use of Biological Agents in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In this review, the available data regarding the risk of lymphoma, skin cancers, and other malignancies associated with biological agents that are approved and those under investigation for use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are highlighted. How providers may approach the use of these agents in various clinical scenarios is discussed. This review may help providers better understand the true risk of malignancy associated with these agents, thereby leading to an enhanced communication process with patients with IBD when therapeutic decisions are being made.