Is TB infection associated with increased cancer risk? Study sheds light

Despite a successful cure of TB being possible, complications can occur at various anatomical sites due to structural or vascular damage, metabolic abnormalities and host inflammatory response. These complications may include an increased risk of cancer, which may be influenced by host tissue and DNA damage, and/or interruption of normal gene repair processes and growth factors present in the blood. In this study, the authors investigated the association between cancer incidence and TB compared with the general population.

In the study, researchers analyzed data from 72,542 TB patients and matched controls from South Korea's National Health Insurance Service-National Health Information Database (2010-2017). TB patients, identified by disease codes or treatment, were compared to controls matched for various factors. The study investigated cancer incidence post-TB diagnosis and identified associated risk factors.

The results revealed that compared with the general population, the incidence of cancer was significantly higher in TB patients: 80% higher for all cancers combined; 3.6 times higher for lung cancer, 2.4 times higher for blood cancer; 2.2 times higher for gynaecological cancer; 57% higher for colorectal cancer; 56% higher for thyroid cancer and 55% higher for oesophagus and stomach cancer. After adjustment, current smoking (40% increased risk versus non-smokers), heavy alcohol consumption (15% increased risk versus regular alcohol consumption) chronic liver disease (42% increased risk versus no liver diseases) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (8% increased risk) were also identified as independent risk factors for cancer in people with TB.

“TB is an independent risk factor for cancer, not only lung cancer, but also various site-specific cancers, after adjusting for confounders. Screening and management for cancer should be warranted in patients with TB,” said the authors of the study.

Reference: Study finds association between TB infection and increased risk of various cancers; EUROPEAN SOCIETY OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTIOUS DISEASES; MEETING; The European Congress of Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ECCMID 2024)