I took TNF Inhibitors, i.e. Remicade, Enbrel and Humira for 4 years. When I took the Humira, I was first diagnosed with Monoclonal Protein then Non Hodgkins Mantle Cell Lymphoma.Has anyone else gotten NH Lymphoma from these TNF Inhibitors?

HI I AM ON TNF INHIBITORS (REMICADE FOR THE LAST 15MONTHS I WAS ASKED TO SIGN A WAVIER FORM BECAUSE 1 OF THE SIDE AFFECTS OF THIS MEDICATION IS CELL LYMPHOMA BUT ACTUALLY HEARINH O SOME1 THAT HAS GOT IS IS FRIGHTENING. WE TAKE THESE MEDS TO HELP US & THEY CAUSE ANOTHER ILLNESS ITS CRAZY..

TNF Inhibitors come with a black box warning saying they are potentially cancer-causing, and this past summer the FDA was considering adding another such warning about these drugs and the risk of pediatric blood cancers.

I've been on a Remicade for 5 years now. For the past 2 years, I've been on a very high dose every 4-5 weeks. Although the remicade has helped my disease, I now have 2 swollen lymph nodes since first discovered in March 2010. CT scan done to date. Will have f/u appt to discuss possible biopsy soon.

The catch is, I was diagnosed with Monno in March as well. CBC was normal. No fevers at Dr. appts, but low grade fevers at home. Few minor night sweats. Minor dry-skin type itching. Always tired, low energy.... Anyway, no other typical lymphoma symptoms to report that can't be related Mono or other infections.

Not sure what to think of all this. The mono can't really be confirmed w/o testing antibodies later. I've been on remicade since 2005. What would you think? Anyone?

Yes, I have heard this before, but thought it referred to a misdiagnosis of mono rather than mono being linked to lymphoma.

They are more or less painless.

The test is called a monospot... but that could indicate lymphoma as well.
the reaults also showed 2 different antibodies b/c I've had mono before.

So, I would think it must be lymphoma. Who has 2 different strains of mono???

EBV's association with lymphoma works like this:

the virus infects B-cells, but if we're otherwise healthy, then our T-cells kill these cells.

However, if exposed to the virus at a time when one's immune system isn't working well, meaning those killer T-cells aren't doing their jobs (this could be caused by certain medications, genetic disorder, illness etc), this gives the infected B-cells an opening to unlimited growth. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma- like Burkitt's Lymphoma- can be the result.

'more or less painless' --- are they tender?

also, on EBV, some crazy percentage of adults carries the virus, it's ridiculously common, like 90-95% of us. perhaps it's opportunistic and waits in the body until the immune system can't fight back? i'm just speculating there, I don't know.

Well, they shouldn't be tender at all (if they're indicating lymphoma) because lymph nodes become tender when our immune system is fighting off an infection- I don't have to tell you that. I can see how, if you put the pieces together, a lymphoma diagnosis makes sense here, but there's really very few outward clinical signs. That said, I would continue the followup with your doctor and see which way he or she is leaning on this. best of luck to you ...

Ross

Thank you. The Dr. didn't strongly indicate lymphoma, but is not ignoring the possibility it could be (in very early stage). We'll see. Thanks again for your posts.

Well for your sake I hope it's not lymphoma, in any stage. But I'm glad to read that your doctor is unwilling to ignore the possibility; it's not uncommon to read about doctors who too easily blow off this course. Again I hope the best for you--

Ross