In a nutshell
This study aimed to investigate second primary cancers in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study concluded that family history influenced second primary cancers and that second primary cancers influenced survival.
Some background
Non Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) survival has improved greatly. There has been an increased frequency of second primary cancers (SPC) in NHL survivor. Second primary cancers (SPC) can occur months or years after the original (primary) cancer was diagnosed and treated. SPC represent a significant proportion of all cancer diagnoses. Family history may be a risk factor for SPCs.
If family history influences SPCs or if survival is affected in patients with NHL remain under investigation.
Methods & findings
This study included information about 14393 patients with NHL. Of these, 1866 (13%) were diagnosed with SPC. The influence of family history on the risk of SPCs was measured. Survival was also measured. Patients were followed for 25 years.
67% of the patients with SPC had a family history of any cancer. A positive family history increased the risk of breast cancer by 2.55 times, and prostate cancer by 1.88 times. Stomach cancer, melanoma, and bladder cancer were also more common in patients with a family history of cancer.
After 25-years, the survival probability for patients with SPC was only 20% of that for patients without SPC.
The bottom line
This study concluded that family history influenced SPCs and that SPCs reduced survival in patients with NHL. The authors suggest that prevention of SPCs and early detection is important to improve survival.
The fine print
What’s next?
Published By :
International Journal of Cancer
Date :
May 04, 2019
