Psoriasis ups risk of colorectal cancer

Patients with psoriasis appear to be at greater risk for developing colorectal cancer, suggests a recent study, noting how gastroenterology consultation and colonoscopic examination are indicated for such individuals presenting with bowel symptoms.

A team of investigators sought to examine the relationship between psoriasis and colorectal cancer through a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies that assessed the association of the two diseases.

The investigators searched the databases of Medline and Embase on 24 March 2020 for relevant studies and used the Newcastle-Ottawa scale to evaluate the risk of bias of eligible studies. In addition, they conducted a random-effects model meta-analysis and subgroup analysis according to sex.

Nine cohort studies including a total of 10,544,609 participants met the eligibility criteria. A significantly higher risk for colorectal cancer was observed in patients with psoriasis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.16, 95 percent confidence interval [CI], 1.08–1.24).

In subgroup analysis according to sex, the investigators found a significantly increased risk for colorectal cancer in female patients with psoriasis (HR, 1.41, 95 percent CI, 1.16–1.72) but not in male counterparts (HR, 1.18, 95 percent CI, 0.92–1.50).

The study, however, was limited by the absence of data on psoriatic arthritis.

In a 2018 study, researchers also found a significant association between psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease. They then suggested gastroenterology consultation for those presenting with bowel symptoms. [JAMA Dermatol 2018;154:1417-1423]