Second malignant neoplasms in patients with Hodgkin's disease

To determine the incidence of second malignant neoplasms in patients treated for Hodgkin's disease.

The records were reviewed of all patients receiving primary treatment for Hodgkin's disease at the Oncology Service, Christchurch Hospital from 1969 to 1992. Second malignant neoplasms presenting at least six months after the diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease were noted and the cumulative risk estimated.

Twenty-two second malignant neoplasms developed in 20 of the 209 patients. The risk was 5.6 +/- 3.8% (CI) at five years, 11.4 +/- 6.2% at ten years, and 21.7 +/- 11.2% at 15 years and continued to increase thereafter. Thirteen patients have died of their second malignancy, including two of a third malignancy, while four have been followed for less than one year. Three leukaemias (CML, 1; acute non lymphocytic leukaemia, 2), three lymphomas and 16 solid tumours developed. The risk was greater after six or more cycles of MOPP-like chemotherapy and after radiation doses exceeding 30 Gray. The risk was less after laparotomy and splenectomy (p = 0.0205).

In view of the significant risk of a second neoplasm in survivors of Hodgkin's disease follow up should continue beyond ten years, after which time second malignancies were more likely than recurrence. Efforts should continue to minimise the carcinogenicity of therapy while preserving efficacy.