Second malignant neoplasms among long-term survivors of Hodgkin's disease: a population-based evaluation over 25 years

Combined modality treatment improves tumor control and overall survival in patients with early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma: a systematic review

Combined modality treatment (CMT) of chemotherapy followed by localized radiotherapy is standard treatment for patients with early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, the role of radiotherapy has been questioned recently and some clinical study groups advocate chemotherapy only for this indication. We thus performed a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing chemotherapy alone with CMT in patients with early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma with respect to response rate, tumor control and overall survival (OS). We searched Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library as well as conference proceedings from January 1980 to February 2009 for randomized controlled trials comparing chemotherapy alone versus the same chemotherapy regimen plus radiotherapy. Progression free survival and similar outcomes were analyzed together as tumor control. Effect measures used were hazard ratios for OS and tumor control as well as relative risks for complete response (CR). Meta-analyses were performed using RevMan5. Five randomized controlled trials involving 1,245 patients were included. The hazard ratio (HR) was 0.41 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.25 to 0.66) for tumor control and 0.40 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.59) for OS for patients receiving CMT compared to chemotherapy alone. CR rates were similar between treatment groups. In sensitivity analyses another 6 trials were included that did not fulfill the inclusion criteria of our protocol but were considered relevant to the topic. These trials underlined the results of the main analysis. In conclusion, adding radiotherapy to chemotherapy improves tumor control and OS in patients with early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Hodgkin lymphoma

Hodgkin disease was first described more than 175 years ago. Clinically and histomorphologically, the features of Hodgkin lymphoma are unusual for a lymphoma or for other malignancies. The incidence of Hodgkin lymphoma is estimated to be 7400 new cases per year in the United States, resulting in an age-adjusted yearly rate of 2.7 per 100,000 per year. There have been numerous classifications of non-Hodgkin lymphoma over the years, but the organizational schemes of Hodgkin lymphoma have been stable. This article reviews the diagnosis of the various types of Hodgkin lymphoma classification, diagnosis and differential.

Bladder cancer in cancer patients: population-based estimates from a large Swedish study

Background:

This study quantified the risk of urinary bladder neoplasms in cancer patients taking into account the age at first diagnosis, the gender of the patients and the lead time between diagnoses.

Methods:

We used standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) to compare the incidence of bladder tumours in 967 767 cancer patients with the incidence rate in the general Swedish population. A total of 3324 male and 1560 female patients developed bladder tumours at least 1 year after first cancer diagnosis.

Results:

After bladder and renal pelvis cancers, the SIRs of bladder neoplasms were higher in female than in male patients. Men affected by lung, stomach and larynx tumours belonged to the population at high risk for bladder cancer. Treatment of breast, ovarian and cervical cancers seems to contribute to the subsequent development of bladder neoplasms. Long latencies (16–25 years) were observed after testicular, cervical and endometrial cancers. Detection bias had an important role after prostate cancer. Chemotherapy with cyclophosphamide and cisplatin, and also radiotherapy, seem to increase the risk of subsequent neoplasms in the bladder.

Conclusions:

These population-based results may help urologists to assess the risk of bladder neoplasms in cancer survivors. Our data should guide ongoing studies that investigate the effectiveness of bladder cancer screening in cancer patients.

The UK national breast cancer screening programme for survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma detects breast cancer at an early stage

Background:

Supradiaphragmatic radiotherapy (SRT) to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) at a young age increases the risk of breast cancer (BC). A national notification risk assessment and screening programme (NRASP) for women who were treated with SRT before the age of 36 years was instituted in the United Kingdom in 2003. In this study, we report the implementation and screening results from the largest English Cancer Network.

Methods:

A total of 417 eligible women were identified through cancer registry/hospital databases and from follow-up (FU) clinics. Screening results were collated retrospectively, and registry searches were used to capture BC cases.

Results:

Of the 417 women invited for clinical review, 243 (58%) attended. Of these 417 women, 23 (5.5%) have been diagnosed with BC, a standardised incidence ratio of 2.9 compared with the age-matched general population. Of five invasive BCs diagnosed within the NRASP, none involved axillary lymph nodes compared with 7 of 13 (54%) diagnosed outside the programme (P<0.10). The mean latency for BC cases was 19.5±8.35 years and the mean FU duration for those unaffected by BC was 14.6±9.11 years (P<0.01), suggesting that those unaffected by BC remain at high risk. Recall and negative biopsy rates were acceptable (10.5 and 0.8%, respectively).

Conclusions:

The NRASP appears to detect BC at an early stage with acceptable biopsy rates, although numbers are small. Determination of NRASP results on a national basis is required for the accurate evaluation of screening efficacy in women previously treated with SRT.

Current insight on trends, causes, and mechanisms of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) has a unique and distinct history, epidemiology, treatment, and biology. A viral agent or infectious agent has long been considered as the etiologic agent and Epstein-Barr virus is the main candidate for the infectious agent causing HL; however, Epstein-Barr virus genome is found within the tumor in only about 20% to 40% of HL cases with a prior diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. Recently, autoimmune and related conditions have drawn attention to a potential role for immune-related and inflammatory conditions in the etiology and pathogenesis of the malignancy. Evidence from multiply-affected families, a twin study, a case-control study, and population-based registry studies implicate genetic factors. Data from Eastern Asia and among Chinese immigrants in North America indicate increasing incidence trends for HL being associated with westernization. These results emphasize an interaction between environmental and genetic risk factors in HL.

Breast cancer risk in female survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma: lower risk after smaller radiation volumes

PURPOSE

We assessed the long-term risk of breast cancer (BC) after treatment for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL). We focused on the volume of breast tissue exposed to radiation and the influence of gonadotoxic chemotherapy (CT).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a cohort study among 1,122 female 5-year survivors treated for HL before the age of 51 years between 1965 and 1995. We compared the incidence of BC with that in the general population. To assess the risk according to radiation volume and hormone factors, we performed multivariate Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 17.8 years, 120 women developed BC (standardized incidence ratio [SIR], 5.6; 95% CI, 4.6 to 6.8), absolute excess risk 57 per 10,000 patients per year. The overall cumulative incidence 30 years after treatment was 19% (95% CI, 16% to 23%); for those treated before age 21 years, it was 26% (95% CI, 19% to 33%). The relative risk remained high after prolonged follow-up (> 30 years after treatment: SIR, 9.5; 95% CI, 4.9 to 16.6). Mantle field irradiation (involving the axillary, mediastinal, and neck nodes) was associated with a 2.7-fold increased risk (95% CI, 1.1 to 6.9) compared with similarly dosed (36 to 44 Gy) mediastinal irradiation alone. Women with >or= 20 years of intact ovarian function after radiotherapy at young ages (< 31 years) experienced significantly higher risks for BC than those with fewer than 10 years of intact ovarian function.

CONCLUSION

Reduction of radiation volume appears to decrease the risk for BC after HL. In addition, shorter duration of intact ovarian function after irradiation is associated with a significant reduction of the risk for BC.

Comparison of dose contribution to normal pelvic tissues among conventional, conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapy techniques in prostate cancer

High-energy external radiotherapy has become one of the most common treatment in localized prostate cancer. We compared the difference of dose distribution, mainly at the 5-30 Gy dose level, in the irradiated pelvic volume among three modalities of radiotherapy for patients with prostate cancer: conventional, conformal and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). We selected six patients with prostate cancer treated by conformal radiotherapy at the doses of 46 Gy to PTVN (prostate and seminal vesicles), and 70 Gy to PTV-T (prostate). The conventional technique": an 8-field arrangement was used; the conformal technique 4 fields with a boost through 6 fields. For IMRT, a five-beam arrangement was used. Dose-volume histograms (DVH) were analyzed and compared among the three techniques. The IMRT technique significantly increased the pelvic volume covered by the isodose surfaces below 15 Gy as compared with the conventional and conformal techniques. The mean absolute increase for the pelvic volume included between 5-30 Gy for the IMRT technique, was about 2 900 ml as compared with the conventional technique. However, IMRT significantly reduced the irradiated volume of the rectum in the dose range of 5 to 40 Gy, also significantly reduced the irradiated volume of bladder and femoral heads, and obtained a similar or improved isodose distribution in the PTVs. In addition, the use of IMRT slightly increased the relative dose delivered to the body volume outside the pelvis, as estimated by the use of specific software. A long-term follow-up will be needed to evaluate potential late treatment complications related to the use of IMRT and the low or moderate irradiation dose level obtained in the pelvis and in the whole body.

The potential of proton beam therapy in paediatric cancer

A group of Swedish oncologists and hospital physicists have estimated the number of patients in Sweden suitable for proton beam therapy. The estimations have been based on current statistics of tumour incidence, number of patients potentially eligible for radiation treatment, scientific support from clinical trials and model dose planning studies and knowledge of the dose-response relations of different tumours and normal tissues. It is estimated that in paediatric cancers, proton beams are of potential importance in 80-100 children annually in Sweden. About 20 of the patients have medulloblastoma. The main purpose is to reduce late sequelae, but these are also increased chances to avoid myelosupression during e.g. concomitant chemo-radiation and to further intensify the chemotherapy.

The potentials of proton beam radiation therapy in malignant lymphoma, thymoma and sarcoma

A group of Swedish oncologists and hospital physicists have estimated the number of patients in Sweden suitable for proton beam therapy. The estimations have been based on current statistics of tumour incidence, number of patients potentially eligible for radiation treatment, scientific support from clinical trials and model dose planning studies and knowledge of the dose-response relations of different tumours and normal tissues. Besides sarcomas of the base of skull, which are classical sites for proton beam therapy, it is estimated that about 40 patients yearly in Sweden with sarcomas at other sites are candidates for proton beam therapy. About 20 patients each with malignant lymphomas, chiefly in the mediastinum, and thymomas are also candidates to decrease doses to surrounding heart and lungs.

Busulfan in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

The development of intravenous busulfan (Bu) and its incorporation in the preparative regimens for allogeneic stem cell transplantation has changed transplantation for myelogenous malignancies. Bypassing the oral route to achieve 100% bioavailability translated into improved control over drug administration, with increased safety and reliability of generating therapeutic Bu levels, maximizing antileukemic efficacy. Bu-nucleoside analog-based conditioning chemotherapy, thus far represented by fludarabine (Flu), is becoming the conditioning chemotherapy regimen of choice for patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) at many transplant centers. The use of busulfan Bu-based conditioning is extending rapidly also to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for lymphoid malignancies, genetic diseases, and umbilical cord blood transplantation.

Subsequent malignant neoplasms in cancer survivors

In the past 3 decades, the number of cancer survivors in the United States has tripled, reaching approximately 10.7 million in 2004. Although cancer survivors now comprise about 3.5% of the population, subsequent malignancies among this high-risk group account for about 16% (or 1 in 6) of all cancer incidence. Multiple primary cancers can reflect the influence of antecedent cancer therapy, shared etiologic factors, environmental exposures, genetic susceptibility, lifestyle choices, other factors, and the combinations of effects, including gene-environment and gene-gene interactions. Survivors of individual types of primary cancers are at increased risk for distinctive types of subsequent neoplasms. Careful documentation of the magnitude and temporal patterns of these site-specific excess risks, as well as delineation of the contribution of treatment exposures and other factors, will facilitate the development of optimal follow-up plans. Management approaches should include patient education, screening, and prevention strategies. An improved understanding of those malignancies that are largely treatment-related will facilitate the formulation of customized therapeutic approaches for newly diagnosed cancer patients aimed at minimizing the risk of subsequent neoplasms and other late effects, without compromising cure rates.

Can we reduce the incidence of second primary malignancies occurring after radiotherapy? A critical review

Second primary malignancies (SPMs) occurring after oncological treatment have become a major concern during the past decade. Their incidence has long been underestimated because most patients had a short life expectancy after treatment or their follow-up was shorter than 15 years. With major improvement of long-term survival, longer follow-up, cancer registries and end-result programs, it was found that the cumulative incidence of SPM could be as high as 20% of patients treated by radiotherapy. This cumulative proportion varies with several factors, which ought to be studied more accurately. The delay between irradiation and solid tumor emergence is seldom shorter than 10 years and can be as long as half a century. Thus, inclusion in a cohort of patients with a short follow-up leads to an underestimation of the proportion of SPM caused by treatment, unless actuarial cumulative incidence is computed. The incidence varies with the tissue and organs, the age of the patient at treatment, hereditary factors, but also, and probably mainly, with dose distribution, size of the irradiated volume, dose, and dose-rate. An effort toward a reduction in their incidence is mandatory. Preliminary data suggest that SPMs are mainly observed in tissues having absorbed doses above 2 Gy (fractionated irradiation) and that their incidence increases with the dose. However, in children thyroid and breast cancers are observed following doses as low as 100 mGy, and in adults lung cancers have been reported for doses of 500 mGy, possibly due to interaction with tobacco. The dose distribution and the dose per fraction have a major impact. However, the preliminary data regarding these factors need confirmation. Dose-rates appear to be another important factor. Some data suggest that certain patients, who could be identified, have a high susceptibility to radiocancer induction. Efforts should be made to base SPM reduction on solid data and not on speculation or models built on debatable hypotheses regarding the dose-carcinogenic effect relationship. In parallel, radiation therapy philosophy must evolve, and the aim of treatment should be to deliver the minimal effective radiation therapy rather than the maximal tolerable dose.

Risk of radiation-related salivary gland carcinomas among survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma: a population-based analysis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) increases the risk of salivary gland carcinomas (SGC). To the authors' knowledge, however, the magnitude of the risk has not been assessed to date.

METHODS

The risks of SGC among 20,928 1-year survivors of HL who were diagnosed between 1973 and 2003 were evaluated in 11 population-based cancer registry areas of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program. Observed-to-expected ratios (O/E) were assessed by radiation treatment, sex, age at the time of HL diagnosis, calendar year of diagnosis, attained age, time since HL diagnosis, histologic type of SGC, and site of occurrence in the major salivary glands.

RESULTS

Among 11,047 HL patients who received radiotherapy as part of their initial treatment for HL, 21 developed subsequent invasive SGC (O/E = 16.9; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 10.4-25.8). The risk of radiation-related SGC was highest for younger HL patients (age <20 years) (O/E = 45.5; 95% CI, 12.4-116.5) and among 10-year survivors (O/E = 23.9; 95% CI, 13.1-40.1), with risks remaining elevated for at least 2 decades after irradiation. Significant differences in risk by histologic type were observed, with a particularly high risk of developing mucoepidermoid carcinomas (O = 14; O/E = 44.2 [95% CI, 24.2-74.2]) and adenocarcinomas (O = 4; O/E = 30.6 [95% CI, 8.3-78.2]) noted.

CONCLUSIONS

HL patients treated with radiotherapy experienced a significantly increased risk of SGC, particularly when exposed at young ages or for at least 2 decades after exposure. Although the results of the current study reflect the late effects of former HL treatment approaches, they point to the importance of long-term follow-up and a heightened awareness of SGC risk in this population.

Epidemiology of multiple primary cancers

Cancer patients have a 20% higher risk of new primary cancer compared with the general population. Approximately one third of cancer survivors aged >60 years were diagnosed more than once with another cancer. As the number of cancer survivors and of older people increases, occurrence of multiple primary cancers is also likely to increase. An increasing interest from epidemiologic and clinical perspectives seems logical. This chapter begins with the risk pattern of multiple cancers in the population of a developed country with high survival rates. Multiple cancers comprise two or more primary cancers occurring in an individual that originate in a primary site or tissue and that are neither an extension, nor a recurrence or metastasis. Studies of multiple cancers have been mainly conducted in population-based settings, and more recently in clinical trials and case control studies leading to further understanding of risk factors for the development of multiple primary cancers. These factors include an inherited predisposition to cancer; the usual carcinogenic or cancer-promoting aspects of lifestyle, hormonal, and environmental factors; treatment of the previous primary cancer; and increased surveillance of cancer survivors. Finally, implication on research strategies and clinical practice are discussed, covering the whole range of epidemiologic approach.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria on Hodgkin's lymphoma: favorable prognosis stage I and II

The treatment for favorable-prognosis stage I and II Hodgkin's lymphoma has evolved over the past several years. Studies have attempted to reduce long-term treatment-related side effects, such as second malignancies and cardiac toxicity, through reduced chemotherapy or reduced radiotherapy. Randomized trials have compared radiation therapy alone with combined-modality therapy (chemotherapy followed by involved-field radiotherapy). Recent and ongoing trials have evaluated the optimal regimen and number of cycles of chemotherapy and the optimal radiotherapy dose and field size as part of combined-modality therapy, as well as the elimination of radiation therapy. Combined-modality therapy represents the current standard of care for most patients with favorable-prognosis early-stage Hodgkin's lymphoma. Chemotherapy alone could also be an option for selected patients who are at low risk for relapse and high risk for late effects from radiotherapy. This article reviews recent and ongoing studies on treatment for favorable-prognosis early stage Hodgkin's lymphoma. Representative clinical cases are presented, with treatment recommendations from an expert panel of radiation oncologists and medical oncologists.

Genetic susceptibility to radiogenic cancer in humans

The clinical benefits associated with the use of ionizing radiation for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes are well established, particularly in cancer medicine. Unfortunately, it is now clear that prior exposure to radiation is associated with an excess risk of developing malignancy in the exposure field. Indeed, the development of a second primary malignancy is a devastating side effect that can often be attributed to radiotherapy for a first cancer. Research has focused on elucidating the relationship between therapeutic radiation dose and site-specific cancer risk, and how this relationship is affected by host factors such as age, sex, and exposure to other potential carcinogens. By contrast, there is a relative paucity of data on host genetic susceptibility to cancer following cytotoxic and mutagenic radiation exposure. Animal model systems suggest a strong genetic basis underlying susceptibility to radiogenic cancer. In humans, research has focused on investigating loci with relatively rare putative high penetrance risk alleles. However, genetic susceptibility to radiogenic cancer and other late effects of radiation exposure may be determined predominantly by co-inheritance of low penetrance risk alleles, and how these interact with each other (gene-gene interactions), with radiation dose (gene-exposure interactions) and other risk factors.

Solid cancers after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation

Transplant recipients have been reported to have an increased risk of solid cancers but most studies are small and have limited ability to evaluate the interaction of host, disease, and treatment-related factors. In the largest study to date to evaluate risk factors for solid cancers, we studied a multi-institutional cohort of 28 874 allogeneic transplant recipients with 189 solid malignancies. Overall, patients developed new solid cancers at twice the rate expected based on general population rates (observed-to-expected ratio 2.1; 95% confidence interval 1.8-2.5), with the risk increasing over time (P trend < .001); the risk reached 3-fold among patients followed for 15 years or more after transplantation. New findings showed that the risk of developing a non-squamous cell carcinoma (non-SCC) following conditioning radiation was highly dependent on age at exposure. Among patients irradiated at ages under 30 years, the relative risk of non-SCC was 9 times that of nonirradiated patients, while the comparable risk for older patients was 1.1 (P interaction < .01). Chronic graft-versus-host disease and male sex were the main determinants for risk of SCC. These data indicate that allogeneic transplant survivors, particularly those irradiated at young ages, face increased risks of solid cancers, supporting strategies to promote lifelong surveillance among these patients.

Risk of second primary cancer among esophageal cancer patients: a pooled analysis of 13 cancer registries

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study is to assess the risk of second primary cancers following a first primary esophageal cancer as well as the risk of esophageal cancer as a second primary, following first primary cancers of other sites.

METHODS

The present investigation is a multicenter study of 13 population-based cancer registries in Europe, Australia, Canada, and Singapore. To assess excess occurrence of second cancers after esophageal cancers, we calculated standardized incidence ratios (SIR) by dividing the observed numbers of second cancers by the expected number of cancers calculated from the accumulated person-years and the age-, sex-, calendar period-, and registry-specific first primary cancer incidence rates.

RESULTS

During the study period, 959 cases of second primary cancers occurred after an initial esophageal cancer, resulting in a SIR of 1.15 (95% confidence interval, 1.08-1.22). Second primary stomach cancers were associated with first primary esophageal adenocarcinomas (SIR, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-3.37) and second primary cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx (6.68; 5.33-8.26), stomach (1.53; 1.14-2.01), larynx (3.24; 1.88-5.18), lung (1.55; 1.28-1.87), kidney (1.88; 1.18-2.85), and thyroid (2.92; 1.18-6.02) were associated with first primary squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus. An excess of esophageal cancer as a second primary were observed following first primary cancers of the aerodigestive tract, female breast, cervix, testis, bladder, Hodgkin's lymphoma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

CONCLUSION

We observed associations of esophageal cancer with second primary head and neck cancers and lung cancer regardless of years of follow-up, which may suggest that common risk factors play a role in multiple tumor development.

Subsequent malignancies in children treated for Hodgkin's disease: associations with gender and radiation dose

PURPOSE

Subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) are a dominant cause of morbidity and mortality in children treated for Hodgkin's disease (HD). We evaluated select demographic and therapeutic factors associated with SMNs, specifically gender and radiation dose.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

A total of 930 children treated for HD at five institutions between 1960 and 1990 were studied. Mean age at diagnosis was 13.6 years, and mean follow-up was 16.8 years (maximum, 39.4 years). Treatment included radiation alone (43%), chemotherapy alone (9%), or both (48%).

RESULTS

We found that SMNs occurred in 102 (11%) patients, with a 25-year actuarial rate of 19%. With 15,154 patient years of follow-up, only 7.18 cancers were expected (standardized incidence ratio [SIR] = 14.2; absolute excess risk [AER] = 63 cases/10,000 years). The SIR for female subjects, 19.93, was significantly greater than for males, 8.41 (p < 0.0001). After excluding breast cancer, the SIR for female patients was 15.4, still significantly greater than for male patients (p = 0.0012). Increasing radiation dose was associated with an increasing SIR (p = 0.0085). On univariate analysis, an increased risk was associated with female gender, increasing radiation dose, and age at treatment (12-16 years). Using logistic regression, mantle radiation dose increased risk, and this was 2.5-fold for female patients treated with more than 35 Gy primarily because of breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Survivors of childhood HD are at risk for SMNs, and this risk is greater for female individuals even after accounting for breast cancer. Although SMNs occur in the absence of radiation therapy, the risk increases with RT dose.

Unilateral and bilateral breast cancer in women surviving pediatric Hodgkin's disease

PURPOSE

To define demographic and therapeutic associations with the risk of breast cancer in children treated for Hodgkin's disease (HD), particularly the frequency and interval to the development of contralateral breast cancer.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

All 398 female patients (<19 years) treated for HD in five institutions during the accrual period were evaluated. Mean follow-up was 16.9 years. The standardized incidence ratio (SIR) was calculated as the ratio of the observed number of cases to the expected number of cases, estimated using age-matched controls from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database.

RESULTS

A total of 29 women developed breast cancer (25 invasive, 4 ductal carcinoma in situ; SIR, 37.25; 95% confidence interval, 24.96-53.64). Time to diagnosis was 9.4 to 36.1 years. Cumulative incidence was 24% at 30 years. Ten patients (34%) had bilateral disease (9 metachronous, 1 synchronous). The interval to contralateral breast cancer was 12 to 34 months. On univariate analysis, significant variables included stage of HD, mantle radiation dose, pelvic radiation (protective), and follow-up time. On multivariate analysis, early stage and older age at diagnosis of HD (<or=12 vs. >12 years) were significant predictors of secondary breast cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

Women surviving pediatric HD were found to have a 37-fold increase in the risk of breast cancer and a high likelihood of rapidly developing bilateral disease. Early-stage HD and age greater than 12 years at diagnosis of HD were independent risk factors. Higher radiation doses may augment risk, and pelvic radiation may be protective. Breast cancer screening methodology and frequency, plus the role of prophylaxis in patients with unilateral disease, require definition.

Beliefs about cancer causation and prevention as a function of personal and family history of cancer: a national, population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Research suggests individuals possess multifaceted cognitive representations of various diseases. These illness representations consist of various beliefs, including causal attributions for the disease, and are believed to motivate, guide, and shape health-related behavior. As little research has examined factors associated with beliefs about cancer causation, this study examined the relationship between personal and family history of cancer and beliefs about the causes and prevention of malignant disease.

METHODS

Data were obtained from 6369 adult respondents to the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey, a national population-based survey. Information about personal and family history of cancer and beliefs regarding cancer causation and prevention was obtained.

RESULTS

Results showed both a personal and family history of cancer were associated with differences in beliefs about the causes of cancer. In general, a personal history of cancer was not significantly linked to causal attributions for cancer relative to those without a personal history. In contrast, a family history of cancer tended to increase the likelihood a respondent viewed a particular cause as increasing cancer risk. Thus, personal and vicarious experience with cancer had dramatically diverging influences on attributions of cancer causation, which may be due to differing self-protection motives.

CONCLUSION

Results support the belief that illness representations, in this case the causal belief component, are influenced by both personal and vicarious experience with a disease and also suggest illness representations may influence receptivity to messages and interventions designed to increase appropriate cancer risk reduction behavior.

Multiple primary malignancies in patients with sporadic pancreatic endocrine tumors

BACKGROUND

To investigate the appearance of multiple primary malignancies in patients with sporadic neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors (NEPTs).

METHODS

One hundred forty-five patients with NEPTs were treated at the Department of Surgery, Philipps-University Marburg. Multiple primary malignancies included tumors that were not considered to be a metastasis, invasion, or recurrence of NEPTs. Data on sex, age at diagnosis of cancer, follow-up time after diagnosis, and death rate were collected.

RESULTS

Of 115 patients with sporadic NEPTs, 15 (13.0%) patients were identified with at least one malignant tumor, other than a NEPT. The median age at diagnosis of the associated tumor(s) was 57 years (range, 10-72 years). Two of the 15 patients had insulinomas, 5 had gastrinomas and 8 had non-functioning NEPTs, respectively. The risk of developing multiple cancers was the highest for patients with gastrinoma (21.7%), followed by patients with non-functioning NFPTs (20.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with NEPTs multiple primary malignancies are found more frequently than in the general population. The etiology of the increased risk of other primaries is not clearly defined, but it may be the result of accumulated growth stimulation by the secreted hormones or a genetic alteration that leads to tumorogenesis in these patients.

Coronary artery disease after radiation therapy for Hodgkin's lymphoma: coronary CT angiography findings and calcium scores in nine asymptomatic patients

OBJECTIVE

Long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma treated with radiation therapy have an increased incidence of coronary artery disease. The purpose of this study is to describe the coronary CT angiography findings and calcium scores of asymptomatic patients who had mediastinal irradiation for Hodgkin's lymphoma and to evaluate the impact of coronary CT angiography on patient management.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated nine consecutive patients, age range 35-60 years, who had been treated for Hodgkin's lymphoma by radiation therapy between the ages of 11 and 27 years. The total mediastinal dose ranged from 34 to 45 Gy. All patients were evaluated with 64-MDCT with calcium scoring followed by CT angiography of the coronary arteries. Imaging findings and clinical follow-up were analyzed.

RESULTS

Eight of nine patients had coronary artery disease. CT showed long segments of diffuse disease; areas of stenosis from soft plaque; and calcification in the proximal right coronary, left anterior descending, and left circumflex arteries. Calcium scores were significantly higher than in other patients of this age group. Additional tests, including selective coronary angiography, were necessary in patients with diffuse disease with calcifications. CT evaluation led to bypass surgery and angioplasty in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Coronary CT angiography and calcium scores are useful tools for evaluation of irradiation-related coronary artery disease. Complementary tests might be necessary in selected patients. Prospective larger studies are needed to better define the role of coronary CT angiography and calcium scores and to establish an algorithm for evaluation and treatment of these patients.

Multiple diagnostic X-rays for spine deformities and risk of breast cancer

BACKGROUND

Ionizing radiation is a well-established human mammary carcinogen. Women historically monitored by radiography at young ages for abnormal spinal curvature are an exposed population suitable for investigating radiation-related risk and its variation by modifying factors. In this historic cohort, 95% of daily dose increments (when exposure to the breast occurred) were under 2.4 cGy, with mean 1.1 cGy.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of 3,010 women, diagnosed with spinal curvature between 1912 and 1965 in 14 U.S. pediatric orthopedic centers and who completed a questionnaire by telephone interview or mail survey in 1992, were studied for risk of breast cancer by radiation dose to the breast (mean, 12 cGy) after adjustment for established breast cancer risk factors.

RESULTS

A borderline-significant radiation dose response (excess relative risk/Gy = 2.86; P = 0.058; one-tailed P = 0.029) was observed during 118,905 woman-years of follow-up (median, 35.5 years) based on 78 cases of invasive breast cancer. The dose response was significantly greater (P = 0.03) for women who reported a family history of breast cancer in first- or second-degree relatives (excess relative risk/Gy = 8.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.50-28.16). Radiation-related risk did not vary significantly by stage of reproductive development at exposure.

CONCLUSIONS

Assuming that repair of radiation-related DNA damage requires at most a few hours, our data argue against existence of a low-dose threshold on the order of 1 to 3 cGy for radiation exposure contributing to breast carcinogenesis. The possibility that a family history of breast cancer may have enhanced a carcinogenic radiation effect requires confirmation in other studies.

Cancer risk estimates from the combined Japanese A-bomb and Hodgkin cohorts for doses relevant to radiotherapy

Most information on the dose-response of radiation-induced cancer is derived from data on the A-bomb survivors who were exposed to gamma-rays and neutrons. Since, for radiation protection purposes, the dose span of main interest is between 0 and 1 Gy, the analysis of the A-bomb survivors is usually focused on this range. However, estimates of cancer risk for doses above 1 Gy are becoming more important for radiotherapy patients and for long-term manned missions in space research. Therefore in this work, emphasis is placed on doses relevant for radiotherapy with respect to radiation-induced solid cancer. The analysis of the A-bomb survivor's data was extended by including two extra high-dose categories (4-6 Sv and 6-13 Sv) and by an attempted combination with cancer data on patients receiving radiotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. In addition, since there are some recent indications for a high neutron dose contribution, the data were fitted separately for three different values for the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of the neutrons (10, 35 and 100) and a variable RBE as a function of dose. The data were fitted using a linear, a linear-exponential and a plateau-dose-response relationship. Best agreement was found for the plateau model with a dose-varying RBE. It can be concluded that for doses above 1 Gy there is a tendency for a nonlinear dose-response curve. In addition, there is evidence of a neutron RBE greater than 10 for the A-bomb survivor data. Many problems and uncertainties are involved in combing these two datasets. However, since very little is currently known about the shape of dose-response relationships for radiation-induced cancer in the radiotherapy dose range, this approach could be regarded as a first attempt to acquire more information on this area. The work presented here also provides the first direct evidence that the bending over of the solid cancer excess risk dose response curve for the A-bomb survivors, generally observed above 2 Gy, is due to cell killing effects.

Family history of cancer as a risk factor for second malignancies after Hodgkin's lymphoma

This study estimated the risk of second primary malignancies after Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) in relation to family history of cancer, age at diagnosis and latency, among 6946 patients treated for HL in Sweden in 1965-1995 identified through the Swedish Cancer Register (SCR). First-degree relatives (FDRs) to the HL patients and their malignancies were then ascertained together with their malignancies through the Multi-Generation Registry and SCR. The HL patient cohort was stratified on the number of FDRs with cancer, and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of developing SM were analysed. In the HL cohort, 781 SM were observed 1 year or longer after HL diagnosis. The risk for developing SM increased with the number of FDRs with cancer, SIRs being 2.26, 3.01, and 3.45 with 0, 1, or >or=2 FDRs with cancer, respectively. Hodgkin's lymphoma long-term survivors treated at a young age with a family history of cancer carry an increased risk for developing SM and may represent a subgroup where standardised screening for the most common cancer sites could be offered in a stringent surveillance programme.

Health practice in long-term survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma

PURPOSE

To compare the health practice of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) survivors and their siblings, and to assess the impact of socioeconomic status and disease history on health practice of HL survivors.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

We conducted a questionnaire study on long-term HL survivors and their siblings on health care utilization, health habits, and screening behavior.

RESULTS

A total of 511 HL survivors (response rate of 50%, including survivors lost to contact) and 224 siblings (response rate, 58%) participated. Median time from HL diagnosis was 15 years. Significantly more survivors than siblings had a physical examination in the past year (63% vs. 49%, p = 0.0001). Male survivors were significantly more likely than siblings to perform monthly self-testicular examinations (19% vs. 9%, p = 0.02). Among survivors, higher household income (p = 0.01) independently predicted for having had a physical examination in the past year. Lower educational level (p = 0.0004) and history of relapsed HL (p = 0.03) were independent predictors for smoking, moderate/heavy alcohol use, and/or physical inactivity.

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with siblings, long-term HL survivors have a higher level of health care utilization and better screening practice. Survivors from lower socioeconomic background had lower adherence to routine health care and greater report of unhealthy habits. Survivors with history of relapsed HL were also more likely to engage in unhealthy habits.

Individualized estimates of second cancer risks after contemporary radiation therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Estimates of radiation-related second cancer risk among Hodgkin lymphoma survivors are largely based on radiation therapy (RT) fields and doses no longer in use, and these estimates do not account for differences in normal tissue dose among individual patients. This study gives individualized estimates for the risks of lung and female breast cancer expected with contemporary involved-field RT and low-dose (20 Gy) RT for mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma.

METHODS

Three RT plans were constructed for 37 consecutive patients with mediastinal Hodgkin lymphoma: 35 Gy mantle RT, 35 Gy involved-field RT (IFRT), and 20 Gy IFRT. For each of the 111 RT plans, individual-level dosimetry data were incorporated into a cell initiation/inactivation/proliferation model to estimate the excess relative risk (ERR) and cumulative incidence of radiation-induced second cancer.

RESULTS

ERR estimates were compatible with results of epidemiological studies. Compared with 35 Gy mantle radiation therapy, 35 Gy IFRT was predicted to reduce the 20-year ERRs of breast and lung cancer by 63% and 21%, respectively, primarily because of lower normal tissue doses with the omission of axillary RT. Low-dose (20 Gy) IFRT was associated with a 77% and 57% decrease in these ERRs. Patient-specific differences in normal tissue dose with IFRT led to 11-fold and 3.6-fold variations among individual's estimates of breast and lung cancer ERR, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Contemporary IFRT is predicted to substantially reduce risk of secondary breast and lung cancer compared with mantle RT, with considerable variation in risk among individuals. Individualized prospective risk estimates could facilitate patient-specific counseling and the development of more effective RT techniques.

Screening mammography for young women treated with supradiaphragmatic radiation for Hodgkin’s lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Female survivors of Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) treated with supradiaphragmatic radiation therapy (SRT) are at increased risk of breast cancer (BC), but there is little data on the optimal screening strategy.

PATIENT AND METHODS

We report a prospective surveillance study of women treated for HL with SRT before age 30 participating in a high-risk screening clinic. Starting 8 years after treatment, women received annual mammography and clinical follow-up from 1997 to 2006. Method of detection and characteristics of BCs were identified.

RESULTS

In all, 115 female HL survivors attended at least one clinic; 100 participated in annual surveillance. The majority had mammography alone; adjunctive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used more frequently in women with high breast density (P = 0.025). Median age at first mammogram was 36 years and decreased with more recent year of diagnosis. Twelve of the 100 participating women (12%) were diagnosed with BC after a median of 5 years of surveillance (range, 1-9). Seven BCs presented as palpable masses [six invasive, one ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)], five were detected by mammography (one invasive, four DCIS).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite earlier initiation of mammographic screening, most BCs were detected clinically and had unfavorable pathologic characteristics. Evaluation of more intensive screening and the contribution of MRI for earlier detection is warranted.

Squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis after curative retroperitoneal radiotherapy for seminoma

We report the case of a 71-year-old male who presented with squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis in a solitary functioning kidney, 34 years after orchidectomy and adjuvant retroperitoneal radiotherapy for stage II seminoma. This rare second malignancy occurred in the radiation treatment field. Second malignancies are an uncommon but serious sequela of radiotherapy, with potential for significant health problems in patients with complete remission of primary disease. To our knowledge, this is the first report of squamous cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis occurring after radiation treatment.

New aspects in descriptive, etiologic, and molecular epidemiology of Hodgkin's lymphoma

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has remained the main candidate suggested as the infection causing Hodgkin's lymphoma for several years. However, EBV genome has been found only within the tumor in about 20%-40% of Hodgkin's lymphoma cases with a prior diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis. Recently, autoimmune and related conditions have drawn attention to a potential role for immune-related and inflammatory conditions in the etiology and pathogenesis of the malignancy. Evidence from multiple affected families from case series, a twin study, a case-control study, and population-based registry studies implicate a role for genetic factors. Simultaneously, data from Eastern Asia and among Chinese immigrants in North America indicate increasing incidence trends for Hodgkin's lymphoma being associated with westernization. These results emphasize an interaction between environmental and genetic risk factors in Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Childhood thyroid cancers and radioactive iodine therapy: necessity of precautious radiation health risk management

One of the lessons from Chernobyl's legacy on health impact beyond 20 years is not only how to detect and treat the patients with radiation-associated thyroid cancers but how to follow up those who received radioactive iodine treatment repetitively after surgery in order to monitor any recurrence/worsening and also how to predict the risk of secondary primary cancers for their lifetime period. To evaluate the possibility of second primary tumors after radioactive iodine treatment, we reviewed the reports on risks from both external and internal radiation exposure, especially at high doses during childhood through an internet service of the National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health, PubMed by the end of June, 2007, together with our own experience of Chernobyl childhood thyroid cancers. Children who were internally exposed after Chernobyl accident have a long-term risk of well differentiated thyroid cancers. Once they have disease, ironically radioactive iodine ablation is one of the useful therapies after surgical treatment. Elevated risks of solid cancers and leukemia have been found in radioiodine-treated patients, however, so far precious few reports from Chernobyl thyroid cancer patient were published. To reduce the adverse effects of radioactive iodine therapy on non-target tissues, recombinant human TSH has been applied and proved effective. Period of latency of second primary cancers may be very long. Therefore patients treated with high activities of radioactive iodine, especially children cases, should be carefully followed up during their whole lifespan.