Arthritis and Cancer

To the Editor:— In your recent issue ( JAMA 179 :186 [Jan. 13] 1962), in your Questions and Answers section, a query was made concerning the concomitant occurrence of rheumatoid arthritis and prostatic carcinoma. A most important factor was not pointed out by your consultant. The appearance of a rheumatoid-like arthritis in an 80-year-old male should certainly alert the clinician to the possibility of an underlying prostatic carcinoma. While the accompanying rheumatic disorder resembles rheumatoid arthritis, in all probability the symptoms are brought about by an unknown mechanism associated with the malignancy. Several case histories have been reported recently which substantiate this statement. The use of corticosteroids is not indicated, as the arthritis will improve with either removal of the prostate or hormonal treatment of the carcinoma.