Ovarian and Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma Following the Use of a Biologic IL-17 Inhibitor

Evidence suggests that IL-17, a pro-inflammatory cytokine, suppresses tumor carcinogenesis; therefore, the use of IL-17 inhibitors accelerates carcinoma growth. We present a case of a perimenopausal female who was diagnosed with synchronous primary ovarian and endometrial endometrioid carcinoma following the use of secukinumab, a monoclonal antibody against IL-17. After eight months of secukinumab, she developed progressive vaginal bleeding, left upper quadrant pain, and abdominal distention. CT imaging displayed a large abdominal mass, and biopsies produced the diagnosis. It is proposed that by inhibiting IL-17, carcinogenesis was expedited. This case highlights a relationship between secukinumab and accelerated carcinogenesis. Consequently, due to the incidence of endometrial carcinoma and the morbidity rate of ovarian carcinoma, individuals taking IL-17 inhibitors may need prophylactic screening and close monitoring.