Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus are at an increased risk for which type of malignancies?

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are at an increased risk for lymphoma and skin cancers primarily due to the underlying immunological abnormalities associated with the disease and its treatment. SLE is characterized by a hyperactive immune system that can lead to the development of autoantibodies and chronic inflammation. This persistent immune activation is thought to contribute to the increased risk of certain malignancies, particularly lymphomas.

Additionally, the use of immunosuppressive therapies to manage SLE can further elevate the risk of developing malignancies, including skin cancers and lymphomas. For example, patients receiving long-term treatment with corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants may have a diminished ability to surveil and eliminate malignant cells effectively, allowing for the proliferation of cancerous cells.

While some studies have investigated the association of SLE with breast cancer, bone cancer, and leukemia, the strongest and most consistent evidence points to an increased risk for lymphoma and skin cancers specifically. This is because these malignancies are more closely tied to the alterations in immune function and the effects of various lupus treatments.