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Malignant mesothelioma following treatment for Hodgkin's disease
L B Weissmann1, J M Corson, A I Neugut
1Department of Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
Purpose:
Asbestos exposure is the major known risk factor for mesothelioma, but several case reports have suggested a link between radiation therapy and subsequent development of malignant mesothelioma. This report explores a possible association between radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease and mesothelioma.
Patients And Methods:
Four cases of malignant mesothelioma were observed following Hodgkin's disease at the Mesothelioma Clinic of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. A fifth such patient was found after a review of the literature.
Results:
In all five cases, the mesothelioma arose in the field of prior radiotherapy. No history of asbestos exposure was elicited by careful questioning or by review of chest radiographs. Examination of lung tissue in one patient showed 250 ferruginous bodies per gram of lung tissue, consistent with no significant prior exposure. The mean interval between radiation treatment for Hodgkin's disease and development of mesothelioma was 15 years, which emphasizes the need for continued follow-up and evaluation of these patients and supports a causal relationship.
Conclusion:
Mesothelioma may need to be added to the list of second malignancies that arise following radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease. Further support is given to a causal link between radiation exposure and mesothelioma.
Insights
Radiation therapy for Hodgkin's disease may increase the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma. This study found five cases where mesothelioma developed in the radiation field, suggesting a causal link.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma.
- However, case reports suggest a potential link between radiation therapy and mesothelioma development.