Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting about 3% of the population, has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers. Previous studies have suggested an association between psoriasis and specific cancers such as lung, kidney, and bladder cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A recent study explored these associations using a large cohort of more than 13,000 psoriasis patients and 463,000 controls, combined with genetic data and Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. The findings confirmed a significant association between psoriasis and an elevated risk of lung and breast cancer, particularly in individuals with higher polygenic risk scores for psoriasis. Additionally, observational data indicated an increased risk of other cancers, including liver, oral, and anal cancers, though MR analysis did not establish a clear causal link for these.

These findings suggest that chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction in psoriasis could contribute to cancer development, particularly in lung and breast tissues. This study emphasizes the importance of monitoring cancer risks in psoriasis patients and calls for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and develop potential preventive strategies.

Reference: Li R, Luo W, Chen X, et al. An observational and genetic investigation into the association between psoriasis and risk of malignancy. Nat Commun. 2024 Sep 11;15(1):7952. doi: 10.1038/s41467-024-51824-6.