Potentially Elevated Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk due to Chemotherapy-Induced Inflammation in Prostate Cancer With Bone Metastasis

Abstract

Background: Chronic inflammation plays a crucial role in the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Prostate cancer with bone metastasis (PCa-BM) is the most common metastatic form of advanced prostate cancer in the elderly, significantly affecting prognosis and quality of life Although chemotherapy is commonly used for PCa-BM, the chronic inflammation it causes may exacerbate the risk of joint injuries to induce RA and related complications. Therefore, exploring the risk of chemotherapy-induced chronic inflammation on RA risk in PCa-BM patients holds critical importance.

Methods: In vitro and in vivo experiments were used to evaluate the inflammatory response triggered by chemotherapy and its potential impact on RA in PCa-BM. Anti-inflammatory interventions were introduced to assess their effects on cytokine modulation. In vivo, the inflammatory and immunological alterations within the tumor microenvironment of PCa-BM were evaluated.

Results: Chemotherapy significantly activated inflammatory factors within the tumor microenvironment of PCa-BM. Elevated levels of inflammatory biomarkers, including TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, and p-STAT3, were observed. Anti-inflammatory intervention resulted in a significant reduction in these chronic inflammatory cytokines induced by chemotherapy, which were associated with RA.

Conclusion: Combining anti-inflammatory therapy with chemotherapy effectively reduced inflammatory factors in the tumor microenvironment, which not only delayed tumor progression but also alleviated the chronic inflammatory injury on joints. It is suggested that combining chemotherapy with anti-inflammatory therapy could play a crucial role in managing RA risk in PCa-BM patients, particularly among the elderly with musculoskeletal disorders.

Keywords: bone metastasis; chemotherapy; inflammation; prostate cancer; rheumatoid arthritis.