The risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) associated with treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma was assessed

08-24-2006

"Treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma are associated with large relative risks of AML, but there are few estimates of the excess absolute risk (EAR), a useful measure of disease burden. One-year Hodgkin lymphoma survivors (N=35,511) were identified within 14 population-based cancer registries in Nordic countries and North America from January 1, 1970, through December 31, 2001," researchers in the United States reported.

"We used Poisson regression analysis to model the EAR of ANI L, per 10,000 person-years. A total of 217 Hodgkin lymphoma survivors were diagnosed with AML (10.8 expected; unadjusted EAR=6.2; 95% confidence interval 5.4 to 7.1). Excess absolute risk for AML was highest during the first 10 years after Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis but remained elevated thereafter. In subsequent analyses, adjusted for time since Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis and presented for the 5-9 year interval, the EAR was statistically significantly (p<.001) larger in patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma at age 35 years and older than in those diagnosed before 35 years of age," explained S.J. Schonfeld and colleagues, U.S. National Cancer Institute.

The researchers concluded, "The EAR of AML declined statistically significantly after 1984 (7.0 to 4.2 and 16.4 to 9.9 in the <35 and {{>=}}35 age groups, respectively), which may be associated with modifications in chemotherapy."

Schonfeld and colleagues published their study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute (Acute myeloid leukemia following Hodgkin lymphoma: A population-based study of 35,511 patients. J Natl Cancer Inst, 2006;98(3):215-218).

For additional information, contact L.B. Travis, U.S. National Cancer Institute, Division Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, NIH, DHHS, 6120 Execut Blvd., EPS 7086, MSC 7238, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.

This article was prepared by Clinical Oncology Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2006, Clinical Oncology Week via NewsRx.com.