Cancer Risk in IBD Patients Treated with JAK Inhibitors: Reassuring Evidence from Trials and Real-World Data

Abstract

Janus kinase inhibitors are effective oral therapies for inflammatory bowel disease. While these drugs improve treatment options, safety concerns remain, particularly regarding cardiovascular and infectious risks, especially in patients with existing risk factors. The relationship between these medications and cancer risk is less clear, with conflicting evidence from clinical trials and real-world studies. Factors like older age, smoking, and long-standing IBD may influence cancer risk more than the medications themselves. This review summarises current safety data, emphasizing the need for careful patient selection, individualised risk assessment, and monitoring during treatment.