The risk of second primary cancers in survivors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia

This study aimed to evaluate the risk for second primary cancers in chronic lymphocytic leukemia survivors compared to the general population. 

This study concluded that active survivorship plans and long-term surveillance for second primary cancers is crucial for improved outcomes in survivors of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. 

There is now improved survivorship in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). This is due to improved therapies and cancer detection strategies. The risk of second primary cancers (SPCs) has not been addressed sufficiently in this population. SPCs can occur months or years after the original (primary) cancer was diagnosed and treated.  

The risk factors for SPCs in CLL survivors are still under investigation.

This study involved 38,754 patients diagnosed with CLL over a period of 42 years. They were compared to the general United States population.

There was a 20% higher risk of SPCs in both solid and hematological (blood) cancers in CLL survivors compared to the general population. The highest risk for SPCs was between 2 and 5 months after CLL diagnosis. This risk was higher for patients between 50 and 79 years old. 

The risk of SPCs was higher in CLL patients who received prior chemotherapy compared to those who were untreated or treatment status was unknown. Factors that indicated a higher risk of developing SPCs were male gender, post-chemotherapy, recent years of diagnosis, advanced age, and non-white race. 

This study concluded that active survivorship plans and long-term surveillance for SPCs is crucial for improved outcomes in survivors of CLL.