Are patients with follicular lymphoma more likely to develop congestive heart failure?

This study examined if patients being treated for follicular lymphoma (FL) have an increased risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF). 

This study concluded that there is an increased risk of developing CHF in patients diagnosed with FL who received anthracyclines between the ages of 66-75. 

FL a common type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. They are often treated with powerful chemotherapy drugs. Some studies have shown a link between some cancer treatments (such as anthracyclines and radiation) and cardiac problems. Anthracyclines are drugs which come from bacteria. They are used to treat FL. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body sufficiently to meet the body’s needs.  

It is not known if patients with follicular lymphoma at a higher risk of developing CHF. 

Using medical records, 6109 patients aged 66 and above when diagnosed with FL were identified. These patients were followed up for an average of 5 years. They were compared to similar people without FL. This was the control group.

37.7% of patients with FL who received anthracyclines and 29.6% of the control group developed CHF. Patients diagnosed with FL between the ages of 66-75 and treated with anthracyclines were 1.7 times more likely to develop CHF, when compared to the control group. This risk of developing CHF in both groups was increased in those who had diabetes and high blood pressure.

In patients diagnosed with FL over the age of 75, there was no increase in the likelihood of developing CHF when compared to the control group. Chest radiotherapy was not associated with an increased risk of developing CHF. 

This study found that patients with follicular lymphoma treated with anthracyclines between the ages of 66 years and 75 years had an increased risk of developing CHF. 

This study gathered information from existing patient records. It relies on those records being accurate.

If you are concerned about the link between CHF and cancer, please discuss this with your doctor.