A NATIONWIDE cohort study from South Korea has revealed that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) significantly increases the risk of kidney cancer compared to the general population. The study, which utilised data from the Korean National Health Insurance System (2010–2020), aimed to explore the links between RA and urological cancers, including kidney, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers.
The results showed that RA patients had a 34% higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to non-RA individuals (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.34). This risk was notably higher for women with RA, with an aHR of 1.57, indicating a more pronounced vulnerability. However, bladder, prostate, and testicular cancers did not show a significant association with RA. The study also found no difference in cancer risk based on RA serological status.
The findings highlight the importance of early detection and monitoring for kidney cancer in RA patients, especially women. While RA-related kidney cancer risk is evident, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear and require further research to improve prevention and screening strategies.
Aleksandra Zurowska, EMJ
Reference
Lee D et al. Urological cancer risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to matched controls: A nationwide cohort study. Rheumatology. 2025;DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keaf103.
