PSORIASIS has long been suspected of increasing the risk of certain cancers, however, the exact relationship between psoriasis and specific cancer types has remained unclear. A new study from The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, utilised large-scale data from the UK Biobank to shed light on this connection, revealing a potential causal link between psoriasis and lung and breast cancers.
The researchers used a combination of genetic data and advanced statistical methods, including PheWAS and Mendelian randomisation (MR) analyses, to investigate whether psoriasis might contribute to higher cancer risks. In their initial observational analysis, psoriasis was associated with an increased risk of 16 different cancers. The findings were then tested using genetic data, where psoriasis was found to be strongly linked to higher risks of lung cancer and breast cancer.
The study also identified key genetic factors potentially linking psoriasis to these cancers. Genes like ERAP1, previously associated with psoriasis, showed abnormal expression in both lung and breast cancer tissues, suggesting a shared molecular pathway. This supports the hypothesis that inflammation and immune dysfunction in psoriasis could contribute to cancer development.
Importantly, the analysis highlighted differences between men and women. In women, psoriasis was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer, while in men, it was linked to an increased risk of lung cancer. These gender-specific findings emphasize the need for tailored cancer prevention strategies for psoriasis patients.
Although previous studies have reported conflicting results regarding the relationship between psoriasis and other cancer types, this study strengthens the case for a causal association between psoriasis and lung and breast cancers. Given the chronic nature of psoriasis, patients with the disease may benefit from regular cancer screenings, particularly for lung and breast cancer.
In conclusion, psoriasis appears to be causally linked to lung and breast cancers, suggesting that clinical attention is warranted for these cancer types among psoriasis patients. Future studies should focus on understanding the biological mechanisms underlying this connection.
Katie Wright, EMJ
Reference
Li R et al. An observational and genetic investigation into the association between psoriasis and risk of malignancy. Nat Commun. 2024;15(1):7952.
