Risk of second malignant neoplasms after cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy for non-Hodgkin lymphoma

Treatment-specific risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms in five-year survivors of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

The introduction of rituximab significantly improved the prognosis of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), emphasizing the importance of evaluating the long-term consequences of exposure to radiotherapy, alkylating agents and anthracycline-containing (immuno)chemotherapy among DLBCL survivors.

METHODS

Long-term risk of subsequent malignant neoplasms (SMNs) was examined in a multicenter cohort comprising 2373 5-year DLBCL survivors treated at ages 15-61 years in 1989-2012. Observed SMN numbers were compared with expected cancer incidence to estimate standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and absolute excess risks (AERs/10 000 person-years). Treatment-specific risks were assessed using multivariable Cox regression.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 13.8 years, 321 survivors developed one or more SMNs (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.3-1.8, AER 51.8). SIRs remained increased for at least 20 years after first-line treatment (SIR ≥20-year follow-up 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2, AER 81.8) and were highest among patients ≤40 years at first DLBCL treatment (SIR 2.7, 95% CI 2.0-3.5). Lung (SIR 2.0, 95% CI 1.5-2.7, AER 13.4) and gastrointestinal cancers (SIR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2-2.0, AER 11.8) accounted for the largest excess risks. Treatment with >4500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide/>300 mg/m2 doxorubicin versus ≤2250 mg/m2/≤150 mg/m2, respectively, was associated with increased solid SMN risk (hazard ratio 1.5, 95% CI 1.0-2.2). Survivors who received rituximab had a lower risk of subdiaphragmatic solid SMNs (hazard ratio 0.5, 95% CI 0.3-1.0) compared with survivors who did not receive rituximab.

CONCLUSION

Five-year DLBCL survivors have an increased risk of SMNs. Risks were higher for survivors ≤40 years at first treatment and survivors treated with >4500 mg/m2 cyclophosphamide/>300 mg/m2 doxorubicin, and may be lower for survivors treated in the rituximab era, emphasizing the need for studies with longer follow-up for rituximab-treated patients.

Group I pharmaceuticals of IARC and associated cancer risks: systematic review and meta-analysis

We aimed to summarize the cancer risk among patients with indication of group I pharmaceuticals as stated in monographs presented by the International Agency for Research on Cancer working groups. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed database. Pharmaceuticals with few studies on cancer risk were identified in systematic reviews; those with two or more studies were subjected to meta-analysis. For the meta-analysis, a random-effects model was used to calculate the summary relative risks (SRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). Heterogeneity across studies was presented using the Higgins I square value from Cochran's Q test. Among the 12 group I pharmaceuticals selected, three involved a single study [etoposide, thiotepa, and mustargen + oncovin + procarbazine + prednisone (MOPP)], seven had two or more studies [busulfan, cyclosporine, azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, methoxsalen + ultraviolet (UV) radiation therapy, melphalan, and chlorambucil], and two did not have any studies [etoposide + bleomycin + cisplatin and treosulfan]. Cyclosporine and azathioprine reported increased skin cancer risk (SRR = 1.32, 95% CI 1.07-1.62; SRR = 1.56, 95% CI 1.25-1.93) compared to non-use. Cyclophosphamide increased bladder and hematologic cancer risk (SRR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.32-6.23; SRR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.65-3.58). Busulfan increased hematologic cancer risk (SRR = 6.71, 95% CI 2.49-18.08); melphalan was associated with hematologic cancer (SRR = 4.43, 95% CI 1.30-15.15). In the systematic review, methoxsalen + UV and MOPP were associated with an increased risk of skin and lung cancer, respectively. Our results can enhance persistent surveillance of group I pharmaceutical use, establish novel clinical strategies for patients with indications, and provide evidence for re-categorizing current group I pharmaceuticals into other groups.

Clinical features and prognosis of double primary malignant neoplasms in patients with non-hodgkin lymphoma

To investigate the clinical features, survival, and prognostic factors of patients with double primary malignant neoplasms (DPMNs) comprising non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and malignant solid tumors. Of the 2352 patients diagnosed with NHL, 105 (4.46%) patients were diagnosed with DPMNs, 42 (40.0%) had NHL first (the NHL-first group) and 63 (60.0%) had solid tumor first (the ST-first group). Females were more frequent in the ST-first group, and the interval time between the two tumors was longer. More NHLs in early stages and originating from extranodal sites were observed in the NHL-first group. Male, age ≥ 55 years at diagnosis of the first tumor, interval time <60 months, NHL diagnosed first, NHL arising from an extranodal site, DPMNs without breast cancer, and no surgery for the first primary tumor were associated with poorer overall survival (OS). Interval time <60 months and NHL diagnosed first were independent risk factors that affected the prognosis of patients with DPMNs. Therefore, careful monitoring and follow-up are especially important for these patients. 50.5% (53/105) of patients with DPMNs did not receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy prior to the diagnosis of the second tumor. We further compared the baseline characteristics of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma(DLBCL) patients with and without solid tumors, the former had a higher proportion of extranodal DLBCL, suggesting that extranodal DLBCL is more likely to develop solid tumors than nodal DLBCL.

Second primary malignancies in non-Hodgkin lymphoma: epidemiology and risk factors

With the advancements in therapeutics for non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), the long-term survival of patients with NHL has markedly increased. Second primary malignancies (SPMs) have become an increasingly relevant long-term concern for NHL survivors. The etiology of SPMs is multifactorial and involves multiple steps. Germline alterations, immune dysregulation, and clonal hematopoiesis contribute to the accumulation of intrinsic adverse factors, and external factors such as lifestyle; exposure to infectious factors; and late effects of radiotherapy, chemotherapy, high-dose therapy, and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation further increase SPM risk. Therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MNs) are a devastating complication of cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents. However, as targeted therapies begin to replace cytotoxic chemotherapy, the incidence of t-MNs is likely to decline, particularly for indolent B-cell NHL.

Synchronous/Metachronous Multiple Primary Malignancies: Review of Associated Risk Factors

The incidence of secondary primary malignancy (SPM) has been reported to range from 1.33% to 5.8%, according to the location of the primary cancer and the follow-up duration. The highest occurrence rate of SPM, of 36.6% within 6 months, has been reported in lung cancer. Genitourinary malignancies were reported to be the third-most-common SPM in several reports. However, the incidence of genitourinary malignancy as the first primary cancer associated with SPM has not been reported. Several risk factors are related to the occurrence of SPM, including viral infection chemotherapy, radiation, genetics, smoking, betel quid chewing, and environmental factors. An early survey for SPM is indicated in first primary malignancy patients with these associated factors. In this study, we summarize several risk factors related to the occurrence of SPMs and preventive tests, which may help in their early detection and, consequently, better survival.

The Nitrogen Mustards

The nitrogen mustards are powerful cytotoxic and lymphoablative agents and have been used for more than 60 years. They are employed in the treatment of cancers, sarcomas, and hematologic malignancies. Cyclophosphamide, the most versatile of the nitrogen mustards, also has a place in stem cell transplantation and the therapy of autoimmune diseases. Adverse effects caused by the nitrogen mustards on the central nervous system, kidney, heart, bladder, and gonads remain important issues. Advances in analytical techniques have facilitated the investigation of the pharmacokinetics of the nitrogen mustards, especially the oxazaphosphorines, which are prodrugs requiring metabolic activation. Enzymes involved in the metabolism of cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide are very polymorphic, but a greater understanding of the pharmacogenomic influences on their activity has not yet translated into a personalized medicine approach. In addition to damaging DNA, the nitrogen mustards can act through other mechanisms, such as antiangiogenesis and immunomodulation. The immunomodulatory properties of cyclophosphamide are an area of current exploration. In particular, cyclophosphamide decreases the number and activity of regulatory T cells, and the interaction between cyclophosphamide and the intestinal microbiome is now recognized as an important factor. New derivatives of the nitrogen mustards continue to be assessed. Oxazaphosphorine analogs have been synthesized in attempts to both improve efficacy and reduce toxicity, with varying degrees of success. Combinations of the nitrogen mustards with monoclonal antibodies and small-molecule targeted agents are being evaluated. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The nitrogen mustards are important, well-established therapeutic agents that are used to treat a variety of diseases. Their role is continuing to evolve.

Development of Organ-Preserving Radiation Therapy in Gastric Marginal Zone Lymphoma

Simple Summary

Gastric marginal zone lymphoma of the stomach is a rare cancer type primarily treated with oral proton pump inhibitors. If the disease does not respond to this, radiation is the treatment of choice. This review presents the development of radiation therapy over the last decades. Earlier, the stomach was surgically removed and irradiation was performed using large-field techniques and high doses of radiation. Currently, the standard treatment is the use of small-volume radiation therapy (with few side effects) with the preservation of the stomach, which provides excellent outcomes. In addition, this paper provides an outlook on current studies and possible future developments.

Abstract

Gastric marginal zone lymphoma (gMZL) of mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) may persist even after H. pylori eradication, or it can be primarily Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) independent. For patients without the successful eradication of lymphoma, or with progressive disease, treatment options have historically included partial or total gastrectomy. Presently, in these instances, curative radiation therapy (RT) is the current standard of care. This review emphasizes the historically changing role of radiation therapy in gMZL, progressing from large-volume RT without surgery, to localized RT, on its own, as a curative organ-preserving treatment. This overview shows the substantial progress in radiation therapy during the recent two to three decades, from high-dose, large-field techniques to low-dose, localized target volumes based on advanced imaging, three-dimensional treatment planning, and advanced treatment delivery techniques. RT has evolved from very large extended field techniques (EF) with prophylactic treatment of the whole abdomen and the supradiaphragmatic lymph nodes, applying doses between 30 and 50 Gy, to involved-field RT (IF), to the current internationally recommended involved site radiation therapy (ISRT) with a radiation dose of 24–30 Gy in gMZL. Stage-adapted RT is a highly effective and safe treatment with excellent overall survival rates and very rare acute or late treatment-related toxicities, as shown not only in retrospective studies, but also in large prospective multicenter studies, such as those conducted by the German Study Group on Gastrointestinal Lymphoma (DSGL). Further de-escalation of the radiation treatments with low-dose 20 Gy, as well as ultra-low-dose 4 Gy radiation therapy, is under investigation within ongoing prospective clinical trials of the International Lymphoma Radiation Oncology Group (ILROG) and of the German Lymphoma Alliance (GLA).

Cancers after HLA-matched related bone marrow transplantation for aplastic anemia

We analyzed subsequent cancers in 329 patients with aplastic anemia given HLA-matched related marrow grafts. Median follow-up: 26 (range 1-47) years. Conditioning: cyclophosphamide ± antithymocyte globulin; graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) prevention: methotrexate ± cyclosporine. The long follow-up and homogeneous treatment allowed definitive analyses of incidence, nature, time of onset, and potential causes of cancers. Fifty-three cancers occurred in 46 patients, 42 had solid tumors and 4 blood cancers. Of the 42, 22 had non-melanoma skin and 7 oropharyngeal cancers. The remainder had a spectrum of other cancers including two liver cancers from pre-transplant hepatitis C. The 26-year cumulative incidence (CI) of cancer was 11% and mortality 5%. Excluding non-melanoma skin cancers, the 26-year CI of cancer was 7%. Cancers were 2.03-fold more than expected from SEER data; that number was 1.89-fold after excluding liver cancers. Nearly all cancers developed between 14 and 34 years. Skin and oropharyngeal cancers showed significant association with chronic GVHD, whereby GVHD had resolved in most patients within 7 years of transplantation. Thus, tumors evolved after a lag time of 7-27 years. Other cancers showed no clear associations with chronic GVHD or drugs used for transplantation. Results reemphasize the importance of preventing chronic GVHD.

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for therapy-related myeloid neoplasms following treatment of a lymphoid malignancy

Advances in lymphoma treatment lead to increasing numbers of long-term survivors. Thus, secondary therapy-related myeloid neoplasms (t-MN) gain clinical relevance. We analyzed 38 t-MN patients receiving an allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) after successful cytotoxic treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 9), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 24), and multiple myeloma (n = 5), who had developed t-AML (n = 20) or t-MDS (n = 18). Overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival at 3 years after allogeneic SCT were 43% and 39%. The cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 3 years were 19% and 42%. More than one therapy line for the lymphoid malignancy resulted in a significantly higher NRM rate and inferior 3-year-OS. Our data indicate that allogeneic SCT for patients with t-MN after treatment of a lymphoid malignancy leads to OS rates comparable to patients transplanted for de novo MN. Multiple lines of lymphoma therapy increase NRM and lead to inferior survival after allogeneic SCT.

Cyclophosphamide induced physiological and biochemical changes in mice with an emphasis on sensitivity analysis

The widespread use of cyclophosphamide (CP) in medical treatment had caused ubiquitous contamination in the environment. To data, many studies have been carried out on the toxic effect of CP. However, among these toxic effects of CP, which are the most sensitive remains unclear. Present study aimed to investigate the toxicity of CP on mice and evaluate the sensitivity of physiological-biochemical parameters upon exposure of mice to CP. Results showed that as compared with the control group, CP caused significant reduction in body weight (p < 0.01), spleen coefficient (p < 0.01), leukocyte density (p < 0.01) and alanine transaminase (ALT) in kidney (p < 0.01); However superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), ALT in liver and creatinine (Cr) in kidney significantly (p < 0.05) increased. Among the suppressed physiological and biochemical parameters, the sensitivity to CP toxicity was generally ranked as body weight > leukocyte density > ALT in kidney > spleen coefficient; while among the stimulated parameters, the sensitivity was ranked as MDA (liver) > Cr (kidney) > ALT (liver). Overall, the most sensitive parameters to CP toxicity may be associated with growth, immune system and the normal function of liver and kidney.

Current Status of Management and Outcome for Patients with Ewing Sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common bone sarcoma in children after osteosarcoma. It is a very aggressive malignancy for which systemic treatment has greatly improved outcome for patients with localized disease, who now see survival rates of over 70%. However, for the quarter of patients presenting with metastatic disease, survival is still dismal with less than 30% of patients surviving past 5 years. Patients with disease relapse, local or distant, face an even poorer prognosis with an event-free 5-year survival rate of only 10%. Unfortunately, Ewing sarcoma patients have not yet seen the benefit of recent years' technical achievements such as next-generation sequencing, which have enabled researchers to study biological systems at a level never seen before. In spite of large multinational studies, treatment of Ewing sarcoma relies entirely on chemotherapeutic agents that have been largely unchanged for decades. As many promising modern therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, small molecules, and immunotherapy, have been disappointing to date, there is no clear candidate as to which drug should be investigated in the next large-scale clinical trial. However, the mechanisms driving tumor development in Ewing sarcoma are slowly unfolding. New entities of Ewing-like tumors, with fusion transcripts that are related to the oncogenic EWSR1-FLI1 fusion seen in the majority of Ewing tumors, are being mapped. These tumors, although sharing much of the same morphologic features as classic Ewing sarcoma, behave differently and may require a different treatment. There are also controversies regarding local treatment of Ewing sarcoma. The radiosensitive nature of the disease and the tendency for Ewing sarcoma to arise in the axial skeleton make local treatment very challenging. Surgical treatment and radiotherapy have their pros and cons, which may give rise to different treatment strategies in different centers around the world. This review article discusses some of these controversies and reproduces the highlights from recent publications with regard to diagnostics, systemic treatment, and surgical treatment of Ewing sarcoma.

The impact of prior malignancies on the development of second malignancies and survival in follicular lymphoma: A population‐based study

We assessed the impact of a prior malignancy diagnosis (PMD) – as a potential proxy for genetic cancer susceptibility – on the development of a second primary malignancy (SPM) and mortality in follicular lymphoma (FL) patients. From the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry, we selected all adult FL patients diagnosed in 1994‐2012 (n = 8028) and PMDs and SPMs relative to FL, with follow‐up until 2017. We constructed two Fine and Gray models – with death as a competing risk – to assess the association between a PMD and SPM incidence. A PMD was associated with an increased incidence of SPMs (subdistribution hazard ratio [SHR], 1.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03‐1.64) – especially carcinomas of the respiratory tract (SHR, 1.83; 95% CI, 1.10‐3.05) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SHR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.01‐2.45) – and a higher risk of mortality in a multivariable model (HR, 1.43; 95% CI, 1.19‐1.71). However, when additionally adjusted for the receipt of systemic therapy and/or radiotherapy before FL diagnosis, only patients who received such therapies had an increased incidence of SPMs (SHR, 1.40; 95% CI, 1.02‐1.93). In conclusion, patients with a PMD had a higher rate of SPMs and mortality than those without a PMD, which might have resulted from therapy‐related carcinogenesis.

Lymphoma masquerading as occlusive retinal vasculitis: A case study

Purpose

To describe a case of retinal lymphoma presenting as an occlusive retinal vasculitis without vitritis that was exquisitely responsive to intravitreal dexamethasone implant (IVDI).

Observation

A 66-year old male presented with decreased vision in the right eye and was diagnosed with occlusive retinal vasculitis and prominent cystoid macular edema though he lacked vitritis. A complete systemic workup for infectious, inflammatory, and infiltrative etiologies was unremarkable. Intravenous methylprednisolone and cyclophosphamide had no clinical effect. Due to persistent perivascular exudates and refractory macular edema, IVDI was administered with marked improvement in vision and clinical findings. Subsequent retinal vasculitis in the left eye responded to IVDI as well. The patient remained disease free for months while on weekly adalimumab. He then presented with acute vision loss in the left eye due to a lymphomatous subretinal infiltration and a new lesion in the corpus callosum. He has remained disease free for more than two years after intravitreal methotrexate injections and rituximab with an autologous stem cell transplant.

Conclusion and importance

Lymphoma may present as an occlusive retinal vasculitis without vitritis and can be masked due to its response to IVDI.

Challenges and Opportunities for High-grade B-Cell Lymphoma With MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6 Rearrangement (Double-hit Lymphoma)

The most common subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, is cured in approximately two thirds of patients after initial therapy. The remaining one-third of patients who suffer relapse or become refractory have very poor survival outcomes despite salvage chemotherapy with or without stem cell transplantation. A considerable proportion of relapsed or refractory large B cells belong to the WHO subtype known as high-grade B-cell lymphoma with rearrangement of MYC and BCL2 and/or BCL6, also known as double-hit lymphoma (DHL). Most DHL patients present with Ann Arbor's stage III/IV, a comparatively higher rate of extranodal involvement including bone marrow and central nervous system infiltration, high levels of lactate dehydrogenase, and an elevated Ki67 expression in the tumor cells. Newer therapeutic approaches, including targeted therapy against BCL2, MYC, or other associated pathways, are needed. In addition, recent therapies that harness the immune system, such as checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, are changing the paradigm of treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma and could impact the outcome of DHL.

Electroacupuncture regulates the DREAM/NF-κB signalling pathway and ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in mice

BACKGROUND

Immune responses inhibit invasion by pathogens and antigens. Thus, it is important to promote the immune response in immunosuppressed patients.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether electroacupuncture (EA) promotes the immune response by regulating the downstream regulatory element antagonist modulator / nuclear factor kappa B (DREAM/NF-κB) signalling pathway in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced immunosuppression, and determine the most effective frequency.

METHODS

Twenty-four Kunming mice were intraperitoneally injected with CP to establish an immunosuppression model and six mice were injected with the same volume of normal saline as a control. The 24 mice were randomly divided into four groups: manual acupuncture, 2 Hz EA treatment, 100 Hz EA treatment and alternating 2/100 Hz EA treatment. After EA treatment for 3 days, immune response, natural killer (NK) cell toxicity and the expression of cytokines and DREAM/NF-κB were assessed.

RESULTS

EA treatment, especially at alternating 2/100 Hz frequency, improved spleen and thymus indices, increased lactate dehydrogenase and acid phosphatase levels, promoted concanavalin A- and lipopolysaccharide-induced splenocyte proliferation, increased NK cell toxicity and ameliorated CP-induced immunosuppression in mice. Additionally, 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, IL-12, tumour necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ levels and decreased IL-10 levels in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice. Finally, it was found that 2/100 Hz EA treatment increased p-IκBα and NF-κB expression and decreased DREAM and IκBα expression, suggesting that this treatment activates the NF-κB signalling pathway.

CONCLUSION

2/100 Hz EA treatment might be an effective way to enhance immune responses in CP-induced immunosuppressed mice.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis associated with multiple primary malignant tumors in non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients

OBJECTIVE

Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) occasionally present with multiple primary malignant tumors (MPMTs). This study aimed to determine the clinical characteristics, survival, and risk factors of these patients.

METHODS

The median follow-up of 92 patients was 13.5 months (range 0.3-72). Overall, 21 patients had synchronous MPMTs and 71 had metachronous MPMTs. We classified patients in the latter group into metachronous first group (n=27) and metachronous second group (n=44).

RESULTS

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma was the most frequent histologic lymphoma type. The digestive system was the commonest site affected by the solid cancer. The 1- and 2-year survival rates were 86.5% and 70.5%, respectively. The overall survival (OS) rates were 67.9% and 36.2% at 2 and 3 years, respectively, in the metachronous first group; 73.8% and 73.8%, respectively, in the metachronous second group; and 68.1% and 56.7%, respectively, in the synchronous tumor group. There was no difference in the survival rate among the 3 groups before 2 years, but after 2 years, a shorter OS rate was observed in the metachronous first group than in the metachronous second group and synchronous tumor group. For all patients, age >60 years, male sex, and ⩾3 involved nodal sites were considered independent prognostic factors associated with survival.

CONCLUSIONS

OS time was shorter in patients with NHL who developed a second tumor than in those who were diagnosed with solid cancer synchronously and second neoplasm after previous solid tumors. Long-term follow-up and effective treatment should be provided to these patients.

Clinicopathological aspects of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome

Therapy-related myeloid neoplasm (t-MN) is a rare but devastating consequence of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy used for the treatment of solid cancers and various hematologic malignancies. Our current understanding of the etiology is that hematopoietic clones that are contemporaneous with the primary cancer and resistant to the cytotoxic exposure have the potential to undergo selective expansion and transformation to t-MN. Consequently, a large proportion of cases are associated with adverse risk factors, resulting in limited effective treatment options. Despite the emergence of some therapies with promising activity in t-MN, most effects are short-lived and allogeneic stem cell transplantation remains the only curative option for eligible patients. This review summarizes the current literature on t-AML and t-MDS, with the aim of providing practical recommendations on the clinical evaluation and management of these conditions.

Second cancer incidence in primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma treated with methotrexate with leucovorin rescue, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin regimen with or without rituximab and mediastinal radiotherapy: Results from a monoinstitutional cohort analysis of long-term survivors

Our aim is to assess the incidence of second cancer in long-time surviving primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma (PMBCL) patients treated with combined radiochemoimmunotherapy (standard methotrexate with leucovorin rescue, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, and bleomycin with rituximab and mediastinal radiation therapy at a dose of 30 to 36 Gy). For this purpose, 92 points were evaluated. After a median overall survival of 137 months (range 76-212), we recorded second cancer in 3 of 80 long-surviving patients (3.75%) with cumulative incidence of 3.47% at 15 years and 11% at 17 years, with a 17-year second cancer-free survival of 82%. We observed 2 papillary thyroid cancers with a standardized incidence ratio (SIR) of 7.97 and an absolute excess risk (AER) of 17. 84 and 1 acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with an SIR of 66.53 and an AER of 10.05. No breast cancer occurred. Although we should take into account the limits of the proposed statistical analysis, combined modality treatment was related to a significant SIR and AER for thyroid cancer and acute myeloid leukemia.

Effect of rituximab on malignancy risk in patients with ANCA-associated vasculitis

OBJECTIVES

Patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV) treated with cyclophosphamide have an increased malignancy risk compared with the general population. We investigated whether treatment with rituximab instead of cyclophosphamide has decreased the malignancy risk in patients with AAV.

METHODS

The study included patients with AAV treated at a tertiary vasculitis referral centre between 2000 and 2014. The malignancy incidence in these patients was compared with the incidence in the general population by calculating standardised incidence ratios (SIRs), adjusted for sex, age and calendar year. Malignancy incidence was compared between rituximab-treated and cyclophosphamide-treated patients.

RESULTS

Of the 323 included patients, 33 developed a total of 45 malignancies during a mean follow-up of 5.6 years. This represented a 1.89-fold increased (95% CI 1.38 to 2.53) malignancy risk, and a non-significantly increased risk if non-melanoma skin cancer was excluded (SIR, 1.09; 95% CI 0.67 to 1.69). The risk of non-melanoma skin cancer was 4.58-fold increased (95% CI 2.96 to 6.76). Cyclophosphamide-treated patients had an increased malignancy risk compared with the general population (SIR, 3.10; 95% CI 2.06 to 4.48). In contrast, rituximab-treated patients had a malignancy risk similar to the general population (SIR, 0.67; 95% CI 0.08 to 2.43). The malignancy risk in cyclophosphamide-treated patients was 4.61-fold higher (95% CI 1.16 to 39.98) than in rituximab-treated patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The malignancy risk in patients with AAV was lower in rituximab-treated patients than in cyclophosphamide-treated patients. Notably, rituximab treatment was not associated with an increased malignancy risk compared with the general population. Rituximab could therefore be a safe alternative to cyclophosphamide in the treatment of AAV.

Therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes, or are they?

The incidence of therapy-related myelodysplastic syndromes (t-MDS) is increasing as the number of cancer survivors is increasing. While t-MDS is currently defined descriptively by prior receipt of chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, some forms of MDS that occur post localized radiation monotherapy, biologically and clinically resemble de novo (d)-MDS more than t-MDS, and therefore may not be truly therapy-related. Although patients with t-MDS, as a group, fare worse than patients with d-MDS, a variation in individual outcomes of patients with t-MDS has increasingly been appreciated. As such, accurate risk stratification is important for counseling of patients and for clinical decision making. Most of the current clinical tools used for prognostication in t-MDS were developed for d-MDS and were not specifically validated in patients with t-MDS. The management of patients with t-MDS remains challenging, highlighting the importance of developing effective prevention strategies as well as newer, targeted, and rationally-designed therapeutic interventions.

[Radiotherapy in localized stages of follicular and diffuse non-Hodgkin's lymphomas]

Treatment with monoclonal antibodies, especially rituximab, is more and more frequent and questions the interest of radiotherapy in limited stages of diffuse B-cell large cell and follicular non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. From a review of literature, it appears that radiotherapy is of interest in bulky disease, patients with incomplete metabolic response, elderly patients receiving short chemotherapy and those with recurrence after exclusive chemotherapy. Finally, this article gives recommendations on available techniques of radiotherapy and doses to be delivered.

Risk Factors for Melanoma Among Survivors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

PURPOSE

Previous studies have reported that survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have an increased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma; however, risks associated with specific treatments and immune-related risk factors have not been quantified.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We evaluated second melanoma risk among 44,870 1-year survivors of first primary NHL diagnosed at age 66 to 83 years from 1992 to 2009 and included in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database. Information on NHL treatments, autoimmune diseases, and infections was derived from Medicare claims.

RESULTS

A total of 202 second melanoma cases occurred among survivors of NHL, including 91 after chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and 111 after other NHL subtypes (cumulative incidence by age 85 years: CLL/SLL, 1.37%; other NHL subtypes, 0.78%). Melanoma risk after CLL/SLL was significantly increased among patients who received infused fludarabine-containing chemotherapy with or without rituximab (n=18: hazard ratio [HR], 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09 to 3.40; n=10: HR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.42 to 6.01, respectively). Significantly elevated risks also were associated with T-cell activating autoimmune diseases diagnosed before CLL/SLL (n=36: HR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.34 to 3.84) or after CLL/SLL (n=49: HR, 2.92; 95% CI, 1.66 to 5.12). In contrast, among patients with other NHL subtypes, melanoma risk was not associated with specific treatments or with T-cell/B-cell immune conditions. Generally, infections were not associated with melanoma risk, except for urinary tract infections (CLL/SLL), localized scleroderma, pneumonia, and gastrohepatic infections (other NHLs).

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest immune perturbation may contribute to the development of melanoma after CLL/SLL. Increased vigilance is warranted among survivors of NHL to maximize opportunities for early detection of melanoma.

Development of second primary malignancy in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma: a nationwide population-based study

BACKGROUND

With the improved survival of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients, development of second primary malignancy (SPM) has become an increasingly important issue in these long-term survivors.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study to analyze NHL patients diagnosed between January 1997 and December 2010 in Taiwan. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) were applied to compare the risk of SPMs in NHL patients and the general population. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine the independent predictors of SPM.

RESULT

NHL patients have a significantly greater risk of developing SPM [SIR 1.43; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.32-1.55; p < 0.001). A significantly high SIR was noted for leukemia, myeloma, and neoplasms of the bone and soft tissue, thyroid, central nervous system, skin, stomach, head and neck, liver and biliary tract, and the lungs and mediastinum. Multivariate analysis revealed that age ≥60 years [hazard ratios (HR) 2.04], being male (HR 1.22), comorbidities of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (HR 1.34), liver cirrhosis (HR 1.50), hepatitis C infection (HR 1.94) and therapy containing radiotherapy (HR 1.38) were the significant predictors for SPM occurrence. The median follow-up time and survival time were 3.37 and 9.45 years, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This Taiwanese population-based study provides updated data about the risk of SPM in NHL patients, demonstrating an approximately 1.5 time greater risk of SPM compared to the general population. A high risk of SPM for myeloma and hepatocellular carcinoma is unique to Asian patients.

Gemcitabine, navelbine, and doxorubicin as treatment for patients with refractory or relapsed T-cell lymphoma

T-cell lymphoma (TCL) is resistant to conventional chemotherapy. We retrospectively evaluated the therapeutic efficiency and toxicity of gemcitabine, navelbine, and doxorubicin (GND) in patients with refractory or relapsed TCL. From 2002 to 2012, 69 patients with refractory or relapsed TCL received GND treatment in our hospital. The treatment protocol comprised gemcitabine (800 mg/m², group 1; 1000 mg/m², group 2) on days 1 and 8, navelbine (25 mg/m²) on day 1, and doxorubicin (20 mg/m²) on day 1, repeated every 3 weeks. The overall response rate (ORR) was 65.2%. The median overall survival (OS) was 36 months. The 5-year estimated OS rate was 32.4%. The GND regimen was well tolerated. Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the ORR and CR for group 1 were similar. A longer median OS was observed for group 1. Significant difference in grades 3-4 toxicities was observed between groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.035). Our study indicated that gemcitabine (800 mg/m²) on days 1 and 8 every 21 days was favorable for pretreated TCL patients.

Secondary cancer in a survivor of Hodgkin's lymphoma: A case report and review of the literature

Hodgkin’s lymphoma (HL) is one of the most curable malignant diseases in adults. However, HL patients have a higher risk of developing second malignancies compared with the general population. The population of adult cancer survivors is growing, thus, the long-term effects of cancer treatment, including secondary cancer development, have become an increasingly important concern in the field of oncology. The current study presents the case of a female HL survivor who developed two secondary malignancies within 29 years of follow-up. Furthermore, a review of the literature was conducted, which focused on secondary breast and gastrointestinal cancers in HL survivors.

Second cancers in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia who received frontline fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab therapy: distribution and clinical outcomes

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are known to have an increased incidence of second cancers, but the contribution of commonly used frontline therapies to the incidence of second cancers is unclear. We report on the characteristics, incidence, outcomes and factors associated with second cancers in 234 patients receiving fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and rituximab (FCR) based regimens in the frontline setting. The risk of second cancers was 2.38 times higher than the expected risk in the general population. Ninety-three patients (40%) had other cancers before and 66 patients (28%) after FCR. Rates of therapy related acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome (t-AML/MDS) (5.1%) and Richter transformation (RT) (9%) were high, while solid tumors were not increased. Overall survival of patients with second cancers after frontline FCR was shorter (median of 4.5 years) compared to patients with and without prior cancers. Second cancer risk after frontline FCR is mainly due to high rates of t-AML/MDS and RT, and as speculated the survival of affected patients is shorter.

Current knowledge and future research directions in treatment-related second primary malignancies

Currently, 17-19% of all new primary malignancies occur in survivors of cancer, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. Research has shown that cancer treatments are important contributors to second malignant neoplasm (SMN) risk. In this paper we summarise current knowledge with regard to treatment-related SMNs and provide recommendations for future research. We address the risks associated with radiotherapy and systemic treatments, modifying factors of treatment-related risks (genetic susceptibility, lifestyle) and the potential benefits of screening and interventions. Research priorities were identified during a workshop at the 2014 Cancer Survivorship Summit organised by the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Recently, both systemic cancer treatments and radiotherapy approaches have evolved rapidly, with the carcinogenic potential of new treatments being unknown. Also, little knowledge is available about modifying factors of treatment-associated risk, such as genetic variants and lifestyle. Therefore, large prospective studies with biobanking, high quality treatment data (radiation dose-volume, cumulative drug doses), and data on other cancer risk factors are needed. International collaboration will be essential to have adequate statistical power for such investigations. While screening for SMNs is included in several follow-up guidelines for cancer survivors, its effectiveness in this special population has not been demonstrated. Research into the pathogenesis, tumour characteristics and survival of SMNs is essential, as well as the development of interventions to reduce SMN-related morbidity and mortality. Prediction models for SMN risk are needed to inform initial treatment decisions, balancing chances of cure and SMNs and to identify high-risk subgroups of survivors eligible for screening.

A dose-escalating phase I of imatinib mesylate with fixed dose of metronomic cyclophosphamide in targeted solid tumours

Background:

Preclinical findings suggest that imatinib mesylate (IM) and metronomic cyclophosphamide (MC) combination provides synergistic antiangiogenic activity on both pericytes and endothelial cells.

Methods:

We have designed a 3+3 dose-escalating phase I trial with a fixed dose of MC (50 mg two times daily) plus IM (400 mg per day; 300 and 400 mg two times daily). Enrolled patients had IM- and sutininib-refractory advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) (n=17), chordoma (n=7) and mucosal melanoma (n=2). Dose-limiting toxicities were monitored for the first 6 weeks. Progression-free survival (PFS) and response assessment are based on RECIST 1.0 guidelines. Pharmacokinetics of IM were measured before and after exposure to MC.

Results:

No dose-limiting toxicity was observed. Fourteen patients of the expanded cohort received 400 mg two times daily of IM with MC. Apart from a case of possibly related acute leukaemia occurring after 4 years of treatment, we did not see unexpected toxicity. No drug–drug pharmacokinetic interaction was observed. There was no objective response. We have observed long-lasting stable disease in chordoma patients (median PFS=10.2 months; range, 4.2–18+) and short-term stable disease in heavily GIST pretreated patients (median PFS=2.3 months; range, 2.1–6.6).

Conclusion:

This combination is feasible and may warrant further exploration in refractory GIST or chordoma patients.