In a nutshell
This study investigated the risk factors of developing lung problems after bleomycin (Blenoxane) treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). It was found that older age may increase the risk of developing lung problems.
Some background
Bleomycin is an anti-cancer drug, used to treat many types of cancer. Bleomycin is commonly used to treat HL. Bleomycin is effective for the treatment of HL. However patients often experience serious side effects. Lung problems are one of the side effects associated with bleomycin treatment. This may present as inflammation in the lungs, pneumonia, and thickening of the lung walls. Risk factors for the development of bleomycin related-Lung problems include older age, higher doses of bleomycin and treatment with granulocyte-colony stimulating factor (G-CSF; Filgrastim). G-CSF is a protein therapy which stimulates the body to produce immune cells. G-CSF is used to treat many forms of cancer, including HL. It is important to investigate the development of bleomycin-associated lung problems.
Methods & findings
This study included 412 patients with HL. Patients included had been treated with bleomycin for HL between 1990 and 2014. The development of lung problems and its effects on cancer progression and survival were investigated.
Eight percent of patients treated with bleomycin developed lung problems. Development of lung problems was associated with the cancer spreading to different tissues. It was also associated with side-effects such as sweating, fever and weight-loss. Patients who were over 45 were more likely to develop lung problems. However, smoking did not appear to influence the development of bleomycin-related lung problems. Patients who received G-CSF were also more likely to develop lung problems. Lung problems did not appear to influence HL worsening or survival in patients treated with bleomycin.
The bottom line
This study found that bleomycin-associated lung problems were more common in patients with HL, who were over the age of 45 or were treated with G-CSF.
The fine print
Some patients were treated with different anti-cancer drugs before this study. This may have influenced the results.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the managment of HL, please consult your doctor.
Published By :
Leukemia & lymphoma
Date :
Oct 02, 2018
