Two cases of methotrexate induced lymphomas in rheumatoid arthritis: an association with increased serum IgE

J Rheumatol. 1999 Oct;26(10):2249-53.

Abstract

We describe 2 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in whom non-Hodgkin's lymphomas developed during low dose pulsed methotrexate (MTX) treatment. The tumors regressed after discontinuation of MTX with no additional treatment. Serum levels of IgE increased concomitantly with the development of lymphoma, and decreased along with the regression of the lymphoma in both patients. These 2 cases and a review of the literature suggest that measuring serum IgE may have a predictive value for monitoring lymphoma in patients with RA treated with MTX.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antirheumatic Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / blood
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / complications*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / drug therapy
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin E / blood*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / chemically induced*
  • Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin / etiology
  • Methotrexate / adverse effects*
  • Methotrexate / therapeutic use
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Immunoglobulin E
  • Methotrexate