Second Primary Cancers in Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): P Brennan, G Scélo, K Hemminki, L Mellemkjaer, E Tracey, A Andersen, D H Brewster, E Pukkala, M L McBride, E V Kliewer, J M Tonita, A Seow, V Pompe-Kirn, C Martos, J G Jonasson, D Colin, P Boffetta
Primary Institution: International Agency for Research on Cancer
Hypothesis
What is the risk of developing second primary cancers after a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?
Conclusion
There is a 47% overall increase in the risk of developing a second primary cancer after a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Supporting Evidence
- There was a 47% overall increase in the risk of a primary cancer after NHL.
- A strongly significant increase was observed for 18 separate cancers.
- Patterns of risk indicate a treatment effect for several cancer types.
- Common risk factors may be involved for cancers of the lung, bladder, and nasal cavity.
- An increased risk of Hodgkin's lymphoma was observed after NHL.
- Detection bias may explain some of the increased risks for kidney and small intestine cancers.
Takeaway
If someone has non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, they are more likely to get another type of cancer later on.
Methodology
The study analyzed data from 13 cancer registries, comparing observed second cancers to expected rates based on various demographic factors.
Potential Biases
There may be detection bias, particularly for kidney and small intestine cancers, which showed increased risk shortly after NHL diagnosis.
Limitations
The study could not analyze specific subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma due to varying data quality across registries.
Participant Demographics
The study included 109,451 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a slight majority being men (54.5%).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 43–51%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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