The Risk and Predictors of Malignancies in Ankylosing Spondylitis Patients in Israel-A Retrospective Electronic Data-Based Study.

Background: Previous studies demonstrated unclear and vast variability in the association between Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS) and the risk of cancer.

Objectives: To assess the risk of overall and site-specific malignancies for AS patients in Israel, while examining the role of comorbidities and immunomodulatory therapy.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective electronic data-based study including all AS patients diagnosed between 2002 and 2018, with no history of cancer prior to enrollment, with 5:1 ratio matched-control by age, gender, and place of residence.