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Rheumatoid Arthritis Meds+ Chemo/Radiation?
I can't be the only human with RA and cancer. I am not established with a rheumatologist yet (moved to a new city in July- and typical waits are 8+ months). None of my doctors (oncology/ent) can answer this simple question: is it okay to continue with abatacept (Orencia) while in treatment? I continue to ask for an urgent referral to rheumatology, continue to ask the question of every doctor and nurse I speak with. Anyone? This just seems like such a basic question. I'm at Mays Cancer Center (MD Anderson) in San Antonio and I'm beginning to wonder if I need to pause my treatment (scheduled to begin next week) until these folx can get on the same page. Any wisdom is welcome.
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Julie,
Sorry you have to deal with this and are not finding the answers you seek.
I’m not a Dr or medically trained.
Wife had been taking a small weekly dose of methotrexate for RA for years, also had both hips replaced because of RA.
In May 2024, as a result of regular 3 month blood test to monitor methotrexate and RA, discovered she probably had pancreatic cancer. She was immediately instructed to stop her weekly Methotrexate, even before we had a biopsy confirmation.
A month+ later chemo began, told to continue to “hold” the methotrexate. Still receiving cancer treatment and still not taking methotrexate, with no noticeable RA issues or problems.
I know nothing about what’s best for you, this is just what my wife was instructed to do.
God bless and good luck.
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1 ReactionThank you for sharing. I'm just frustrated with "the system " and I suppose the joint pain is the least of my worries right now. I'm hopeful it will get sorted soon.
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1 ReactionI also have RA which developed after my third surgery to remove tumors on my neck. I started out with mouth cancer, having my lower right jaw entirely removed, then going through radiation and chemo, then recurrence twice of tumors on my neck. The RA appeared after the third surgery--doctor said trauma probably made it rear its ugly head. Anyway, I had chemo one more time after that, but haven't been able to qualify for any Phase One clinical trials, so I'm now in hospice. I know there are numerous meds/chemo/treatments that can't be used if you have RA and use Methotrexate, which I don't want to give up. I was in so much excruciating pain when the RA first appeared that the Methotrexate has been keeping under control. I hope you find a solution. RA definitely adds another big wrinkle to the whole cancer situation. God bless you!
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1 ReactionThank you for sharing and I will keep you in my prayers. I am so sorry your journey has been so hard. I am getting closer to getting a rheumatology appointment, but these posts have confirmed my instincts that RA meds and cancer treatments don't play well together.
Maybe do a Google search to see if the 2 RX are compatible or should you discontinue one before you begin the other.
The AI info the search pulls up might give you more perspective.
God bless and good luck.
Update: for anyone who wonders the same thing. I'm doing concurrent chemo/radiation. According to the infusion pharmacist, my RA symptoms (join pain, inflammation, tenderness, etc) will subside during treatment for two reasons: chemo suppresses immune response (like abatacept and other RA drugs - methotrexate, etc) and high dose steroids given for nausea. Had first infusion two days ago. I may not be able to eat soon, but by goodness, I could probably push a car up a hill. RA symptoms vanquished. Thank you, Percy Julian.