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Glomerulonephritis and malignancy: a population-based analysis
Sven Arvid Birkeland1, Hans H Storm
1Department of Nephrology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Copenhagen, Denmark. S.A.Birkeland@Birkeland.dk
Kidney International
|March 13, 2003
Summary
This study found a two- to threefold excess of cancer in patients with glomerulonephritis within five years of biopsy, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, suggesting a potential link to underlying viral causes.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Previous studies have yielded conflicting results regarding the association between glomerulonephritis and malignant tumors.
- This association has not been previously investigated in a population-based setting.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between glomerulonephritis and subsequent cancer occurrence in a population-based setting.
- To determine if patients with glomerulonephritis have an increased risk of developing cancer.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Danish Kidney Biopsy Registry, linking it to the National Population Registry and Danish Cancer Registry.
- Compared cancer occurrence in 1958 patients with glomerulonephritis to the general Danish population.
- Calculated observed-to-expected cancer rates, stratified by time since biopsy (<1, 1-4, and >=5 years).
Main Results:
- A two- to threefold excess of cancer was observed within 1-4 years after biopsy, but not after 5 years.
- Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas showed a six- to eightfold excess.
- Increased cancer risk was noted in glomerulonephritides with suspected viral etiology.
Conclusions:
- The excess cancer risk may stem from undiagnosed tumors triggering glomerulonephritis or from immunosuppressive therapy.
- Findings suggest a potential association between persistent viruses causing both glomerulonephritis and malignancies.
- Further research with detailed patient data is warranted to explore this common pathogenesis.