Extraintestinal malignancies in inflammatory bowel disease – deciphering hazardous relationships: A literature review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, systemic disease with complex and unclear pathogenesis, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with a wide spectrum of extraintestinal complications, among which cancer is of particular importance. It is well known that IBD is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer (CRC). Yet, the incidence of CRC in this group of patients has decreased due to the development of surveillance techniques and therapy. In contrast, the relationship between IBD and extraintestinal malignancies (EMs) remains unclear, and it is taking on new significance in light of the rise in the incidence of malignant tumors, both in IBD patients and in the general population. Based on the literature review, it can be stated that the available studies suggest a possible association between IBD and oral, pancreatic and hepatobiliary malignancies. However, the dynamic epidemiological situation, combined with the methodological limitations of many existing studies, underscores the need for further research to better understand the relationship between IBD and cancer. In this group of patients, special oncological vigilance, the employment of the available prevention methods (e.g., vaccination), patient education, and, when recommended, screening tests are required. A clinical challenge involving a multidisciplinary approach is the treatment of IBD in cancer patients, especially during disease exacerbation, as well as cancer therapy in IBD patients.