In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate the frequency of advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN; abnormal growth of tissue in the bowel) in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) survivors.
This study concluded that HL survivors treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or alkylating chemotherapy have a high frequency of ACN.
Some background
Advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) is a type of abnormal and excessive growth of tissue in the area of the colon and rectum. ACN includes advanced adenomas, advanced serrated lesions (a precancerous growth) and colorectal cancer (CRC). The risk of ACN is increased in survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) who have been treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or alkylating chemotherapy such as procarbazine (Matulane). However, the actual frequency of ACN in HL survivors is still unknown.
Methods & findings
This study involved 101 HL survivors treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or procarbazine. All participants underwent a colonoscopy. The frequency of ACN was measured. The results were compared with those for 1426 Dutch people without HL that underwent a screening colonoscopy (the control group).
25% of the HL survivors experienced ACN compared to 12% in the Dutch general population. 14% of the HL survivors experienced advanced adenomas compared to 9% in the control group. 12% of the HL survivors experienced advanced serrated lesions compared to 4% in the control group.
The bottom line
This study concluded that HL survivors treated with abdominal radiotherapy and/or procarbazine have a high frequency of ACN. They suggested that a colonoscopy surveillance program should be considered in these patients.
The fine print
This study used a Dutch population for comparisons. Different populations have different colorectal cancer risks. Further studies are needed in more diverse populations.
What’s next?
If you have concerns about the risk of ACN, please consult with your physician.
Published By :
Cancer
Date :
Dec 18, 2018
