Systemic lupus erythematosus and gastric carcinoma: a report of two cases and a critical review of the literature

Abstract

Two cases of systemic lupus erythematosus in association with primary gastric adenocarcinoma are presented. A pathological analysis of the two cases of gastric cancer does not support the hypothesis that lupus and its associated vasculitis is involved in the pathogenesis of gastric carcinoma. A critical review of the literature reveals numerous case reports suggesting the association of systemic lupus erythematosus with various malignancies; however, there is no definitive study which substantiates the association of gastric or other cancers with lupus. Future studies will be required to assess appropriately the possibility of an association between lupus and cancer.