Patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) often present with infections, but there are little data to assess whether a personal history of selected infections may ...act as pathogenic triggers. To additionally expand our knowledge on the role of immune stimulation in the causation of AML and MDS, we have conducted a large, population-based study to evaluate the risk of AML and MDS associated with a prior history of a broad range of infections or autoimmune diseases.
By using population-based central registries in Sweden, we included 9,219 patients with AML, 1,662 patients with MDS, and 42,878 matched controls. We used logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% CIs for the association of AML or MDS with infectious and/or autoimmune diseases.
Overall, a history of any infectious disease was associated with a significantly increased risk of both AML (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2 to 1.4) and MDS (OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.1 to 1.5). These associations were significant even when we limited infections to those occurring 3 or more years before AML/MDS. A previous history of any autoimmune disease was associated with a 1.7-fold (95% CI, 1.5 to 1.9) increased risk for AML and 2.1-fold (95% CI, 1.7 to 2.6) increased risk for MDS. A large range of conditions were each significantly associated with AML and MDS.
Our novel findings indicate that chronic immune stimulation acts as a trigger for AML/MDS development. The underlying mechanisms may also be due to a common genetic predisposition or an effect of treatment for infections/autoimmune conditions.
Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and primary myelofibrosis, have a propensity to develop acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and ...myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs). Using population-based data from Sweden, we assessed the role of MPN treatment and subsequent AML/MDS risk with special focus on the leukemogenic potential of hydroxyurea (HU).
On the basis of a nationwide MPN cohort (N = 11,039), we conducted a nested case-control study, including 162 patients (153 and nine with subsequent AML and MDS diagnosis, respectively) and 242 matched controls. We obtained clinical and MPN treatment data for all patients. Using logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) as measures of AML/MDS risk.
Forty-one (25%) of 162 patients with MPNs with AML/MDS development were never exposed to alkylating agents, radioactive phosphorous (P(32)), or HU. Compared with patients with who were not exposed to HU, the ORs for 1 to 499 g, 500 to 999 g, more than 1,000 g of HU were 1.5 (95% CI, 0.6 to 2.4), 1.4 (95% CI, 0.6 to 3.4), and 1.3 (95% CI, 0.5 to 3.3), respectively, for AML/MDS development (not significant). Patients with MPNs who received P(32) greater than 1,000 MBq and alkylators greater than 1 g had a 4.6-fold (95% CI, 2.1 to 9.8; P = .002) and 3.4-fold (95% CI, 1.1 to 10.6; P = .015) increased risk of AML/MDS, respectively. Patients receiving two or more cytoreductive treatments had a 2.9-fold (95% CI, 1.4 to 5.9) increased risk of transformation.
The risk of AML/MDS development after MPN diagnosis was significantly associated with high exposures of P(32) and alkylators but not with HU treatment. Twenty-five percent of patients with MPNs who developed AML/MDS were not exposed to cytotoxic therapy, supporting a major role for nontreatment-related factors.
The causes of myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN) are unknown. We conducted a large population-based study including 11,039 myeloproliferative neoplasm patients and 43,550 matched controls with the aim ...of assessing the associations between a personal history of a broad span of autoimmune diseases and subsequent risk of myeloproliferative neoplasm. We found a prior history of any autoimmune disease to be associated with a significantly increased risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms (odds ratio (OR)=1.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0-1.3; P=0.021). Specifically, we found an increased risk of MPNs associated with a prior immune thrombocytopenic purpura (2.9; 1.7-7.2), Crohn's disease (1.8; 1.1-3.0), polymyalgia rheumatica (1.7; 1.2-2.5), giant cell arteritis (5.9; 2.4-14.4), Reiter's syndrome (15.9; 1.8-142) and aplastic anemia (7.8; 3.7-16.7). The risk of myeloproliferative neoplasms associated with prior autoimmune diseases is modest but statistically significant. Future studies are needed to unravel the effects of these autoimmune diseases themselves, their treatment, or common genetic susceptibility.
Using population-based data from Sweden, we identified all multiple myeloma (MM) patients (n = 8740) and 5652 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) patients diagnosed between 1986 ...and 2005. We calculated standardized incidence rates (SIRs) for all subsequent hematologic and nonhematologic malignancies for MM patients diagnosed before/after 1995 (introduction of high-dose melphalan/autologous stem cell transplantation HDM-ASCT) and 2000 (introduction of immunomodulatory drugs IMiDs), respectively. MM patients had an 11.51-fold (95% confidence interval: 8.19-15.74) increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML)/myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS); risk was very similar before/after 1995 and 2000, respectively. MGUS patients had an 8.01-fold (5.40-11.43) increased risk of AML/MDS. Risk was confined to IgG/IgA, while no IgM MGUS patients developed AML/MDS; patients with monoclonal-protein (M-protein) concentrations > 1.5 g/dL (SIR = 11.12; 3.61-25.96) had higher risk than those < 1.5 g/dL (SIR = 4.67; 1.71-10.16). An excess risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer was observed subsequent to both MM (SIR = 2.22; 1.74-2.80) and MGUS (SIR = 3.30; 2.76-3.90). Our novel observations of an excess risk for AML/MDS following IgG/IgA (but not IgM) MGUS, and the highest risk associated with M-protein concentrations > 1.5 g/dL, support a role for nontreatment-related factors in plasma cell dyscrasias. AML/MDS risk following MM was the same before/after the introduction of HDM-ASCT. Longer follow-up is needed to characterize second tumor risks in the IMiD era.
Autoimmunity and lymphomagenesis Goldin, Lynn R.; Landgren, Ola
International journal of cancer,
1 April 2009, Letnik:
124, Številka:
7
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
For more than 50 years, links between autoimmunity and lymphomas have been described based on human and animal studies. Over the last 3 decades, many studies have addressed specific hypotheses about ...these associations using population level data. This has been accomplished by assessing previous autoimmune history in case–control studies of patients with lymphoma (mainly non‐Hodgkin lymphoma) and myeloma, and by following cohorts of patients with various autoimmune diseases for subsequent development of lymphoma and multiple myeloma. In this article, we review our recently published series of association studies based on data from Scandinavia and from US Veterans and other relevant findings. We also discuss what these associations have revealed about the mechanisms and pathways underlying both autoimmunity and lymphoma. Finally, we discuss the future directions involving a combination of population and molecular studies that are needed to better define underlying biological mechanisms. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Patients with multiple myeloma (MM) have an increased risk of venous thrombosis. Interestingly, excess risk of venous thromboembolism has been observed among patients with monoclonal gammopathy of ...undetermined significance (MGUS). Using population-based data from Sweden, we assessed the risks of venous and arterial thrombosis in 18 627 MM and 5326 MGUS patients diagnosed from 1958 to 2006, compared with 70 991 and 20 161 matched controls, respectively. At 1, 5, and 10 years after MM diagnosis, there was an increased risk of venous thrombosis: hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 7.5 (6.4-8.9), 4.6 (4.1-5.1), and 4.1 (3.8-4.5), respectively. The corresponding results for arterial thrombosis were 1.9 (1.8-2.1), 1.5 (1.4-1.6), and 1.5 (1.4-1.5). At 1, 5, and 10 years after MGUS diagnosis, hazard ratios were 3.4 (2.5-4.6), 2.1 (1.7-2.5), and 2.1 (1.8-2.4) for venous thrombosis. The corresponding risks for arterial thrombosis were 1.7 (1.5-1.9), 1.3 (1.2-1.4), and 1.3 (1.3-1.4). IgG/IgA (but not IgM) MGUS patients had increased risks for venous and arterial thrombosis. Risks for thrombosis did not vary by M-protein concentration (> 10.0 g/L or < 10.0 g/L) at diagnosis. MGUS patients with (vs without) thrombosis had no excess risk of MM or Waldenström macroglobulinemia. Our findings are of relevance for future studies and for improvement of thrombosis prophylaxis strategies.
No comprehensive evaluation has been made to assess the risk of viral and bacterial infections among patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance. Using population-based data from ...Sweden, we estimated risk of infections among 5,326 monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance patients compared to 20,161 matched controls. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance had a 2-fold increased risk (P<0.05) of developing any infection at 5- and 10-year follow up. More specifically, patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance had an increased risk (P<0.05) of bacterial (pneumonia, osteomyelitis, septicemia, pyelonephritis, cellulitis, endocarditis, and meningitis), and viral (influenza and herpes zoster) infections. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance with M-protein concentrations over 2.5 g/dL at diagnosis had highest risks of infections. However, the risk was also increased (P<0.05) among those with concentrations below 0.5 g/dL. Patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance who developed infections had no excess risk of developing multiple myeloma, Waldenström macroglobulinemia or related malignancy. Our findings provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind infections in patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, and may have clinical implications.
In 728 Swedish cases of monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), followed up to 30 years (median, 10 years), we estimated the cumulative risk of hematologic disorders originating ...from lymphoid and myeloid lineages. Using Cox regression models, we examined associations of demographic and laboratory factors with progression and determined the discriminatory power of 3 prediction models for progression. Eighty-four MGUS cases developed a lymphoid disorder, representing a cumulative risk of 15.4%. Multiple myeloma (MM) occurred in 53 patients, and the 30-year cumulative risk was 10.6%; an ∼0.5% annual risk. Three factors were significantly associated with progression: abnormal free light-chain (FLC) ratio (<0.26 or >1.65), M-protein concentration (≥1.5 g/dL), and reduction of 1 or 2 noninvolved immunoglobulin isotype levels (immunoparesis). A prediction model with separate effects for these 3 factors and the M-protein isotype had higher discriminatory power than other models, although the differences were not statistically significant. The 30-year cumulative risk for myeloid malignancies was <2%. Our study confirms that abnormal FLC ratio and M-protein concentration >1.5 g/dL, factors previously considered by Mayo Clinic researchers, are predictors for MM progression and suggests that separate consideration of immunoparesis and the Mayo Clinic risk factors could improve identification of MGUS patients at high risk for progression.
Key Points
1 Genetic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
2 Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Karolinska University ...Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
3 Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
Correspondence: Lynn R. Goldin, Ph.D., Genetic Epidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, 6120 Executive Blvd. Rm 7008, MSC 7236 Bethesda, MD, USA. E-mail: goldinl{at}mail.nih.gov
Background: Previous studies have shown increased familial risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. In the most comprehensive study to date, we evaluated risk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia and lymphoproliferative disorders among first-degree relatives of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cases compared to first-degree relatives of controls.
Design and Methods: Population-based registry data from Sweden were used to evaluate outcomes in 26,947 first-degree relatives of 9,717 chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients (diagnosed 1958–2004) compared with 107,223 first-degree relatives of 38,159 matched controls. Using a marginal survival model, we calculated relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals as measures of familial aggregation.
Results: Compared to relatives of controls, relatives of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients had an increased risk for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (RR=8.5, 6.1–11.7) and other non-Hodgkins lymphomas (NHLs) (RR=1.9, 1.5–2.3). Evaluating NHL subtypes, we found a striking excess of indolent B-cell NHL, specifically lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia and hairy cell leukemia. No excesses of aggressive B-cell or T-cell lymphomas were found. There was no statistical excess of Hodgkins lymphoma, multiple myeloma, or the precursor condition, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance, among chronic lymphocytic leukemia relatives.
Conclusions: These familial aggregations are striking and provide novel clues to research designed to uncover early pathogenetic mechanisms in chronic lymphocytic leukemia including studies to identify germ line susceptibility genes. However, clinicians should counsel their chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients emphasizing that because the baseline population risks are low, the absolute risk for a first-degree relative to develop chronic lymphocytic leukemia or another indolent lymphoma is low. At this time, an increased medical surveillance of first-degree relatives of chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients has no role outside research studies.
Key words: chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, familial risk.
Related Article
The molecular basis of familial chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Dalemari Crowther-Swanepoel, Richard S. Houlston
Haematologica 2009 94: 606-609.
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A role for genetic factors in the etiology of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) is implicated based on prior findings from multiply affected families and small ...case-control and cohort studies. We identified 2144 LPL/WM patients (1539 WM 72% and 605 LPL 28%) diagnosed in Sweden, 8279 population-based matched controls, and linkable first-degree relatives of patients (n = 6177) and controls (n = 24 609). Using a marginal survival model, we calculated relative risks and 95% confidence intervals as measures of familial aggregation. We found first-degree relatives of LPL/WM patients to have 20-fold (4.1-98.4), 3.0-fold (2.0-4.4), 3.4-fold (1.7-6.6), and 5.0-fold (1.3-18.9) increased risks of developing LPL/WM, non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), respectively. However, there was no evidence of an increased risk of developing multiple myeloma or Hodgkin lymphoma. In analyses stratified by type of first-degree relative (parent, sibling, offspring), age at diagnosis of the probands (greater or less than 70 years), and sex of the first-degree relative, we did not observe the risk estimates to be significantly different compared with the overall analyses. Our findings of highly increased risks of developing LPL/WM, NHL, CLL, and MGUS support the operation of shared susceptibility genes that predispose to LPL/WM and other lymphoproliferative disorders.
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