In a nutshell
This study examined whether Hodgkin lymphoma survivors were more likely to develop more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer than the general population. The authors concluded that a history of Hodgkin lymphoma was not associated with aggressive subtypes or worse outcomes of thyroid cancer.
Some background
Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are at a higher risk of developing second cancers. Outcomes with a second cancer may be worse compared to outcomes in the general population.
Patients who underwent radiation therapy to the head and neck region are at a higher risk of developing thyroid cancer. It is not clear if a history of Hodgkin lymphoma increases the risk of developing a more aggressive subtype of this disease, or if it is associated with worse outcomes.
Methods & findings
This study included information from a database on 26,194 Hodgkin lymphoma survivors. 174 developed thyroid cancer. Of these, the majority (70%) were diagnosed between ages 15 and 39. 53% received radiation therapy. These patients were compared to 139,297 patients who developed thyroid cancer as a first cancer.
Previous Hodgkin lymphoma was not associated with a more aggressive form of thyroid cancer. It was also not associated with an increase in mortality risk.
The bottom line
This study concluded that a history of Hodgkin lymphoma is not associated with worse outcomes or more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer.
Published By :
Leukemia & lymphoma
Date :
May 01, 2018
