In a nutshell
This study assessed the development of osteonecrosis in patients who were treated for Hodgkin lymphoma. The main finding was that patients treated with steroids were more likely to develop osteonecrosis.
Some background
Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer which affects system. Many patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) are cured by treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation. However, there are long-term side effects associated with these treatments. Osteonecrosis is a side effect associated with long-term treatment of HL. Osteonecrosis is a condition which occurs due to the blood-supply to bones being lost. As a result the bone can die. It is important to research the long-term effects of HL treatment on the development of ostenecrosis by patients with HL.
Methods & findings
Two studies which included 11,330 patients with HL were analysed in this paper. These patients were investigated between 1998 and 2014. The study evaluated how often patients developed osteonecrosis, and the factors and timing associated with developing it. The location of the osteonecrosis, the treatment plan for the osteonecrosis and the outcome of this treatment were also assessed.
Of these patients, 66 developed osteonecrosis after standard treatment for HL. Over 80% of these patients developed osteonecrosis in the three years after treatment. Osteonecrosis was five times less common in patients with early-stage HL than in those with late-stage HL. Patients who were treated with steroids and who were younger were more likely to develop osteonecrosis. Obesity and treatment with radiation did not increase the likelihood of developing osteonecrosis.
The bottom line
This study found that factors such as steroid therapy, disease stage and age appear to affect the development of ON in patients treated for HL.
The fine print
As ON is not a major focus of the studies analysed in this paper, the results may not be accurately reported. Therefore, the findings of this study may not apply to all patients with HL.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the management of HL, please ask your doctor.
Published By :
Leukemia
Date :
Aug 21, 2018
