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Tuberculosis in cancer patients: an update
H I Libshitz1, H K Pannu, L S Elting
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA.
Journal of Thoracic Imaging
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Tuberculosis (TB) is nine times more common in cancer patients than the general population, particularly in leukemia patients. This study analyzed TB occurrence in 56 cancer patients between 1989-1994.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Significant shifts in cancer therapy and tuberculosis (TB) epidemiology necessitate updated reviews.
- Previous studies on TB in cancer patients predate recent advancements in malignancy treatment and demographic changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the frequency and characteristics of TB in cancer patients.
- To compare TB incidence in cancer patients versus the general population.
- To identify demographic and clinical factors associated with TB in malignancy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 56 patients diagnosed with both TB and malignancy.
- Data collected from January 1989 to December 1994 from 61,931 newly registered cancer patients.
- Analysis of TB timing relative to cancer diagnosis and therapy, affected cancer types, and patient demographics.
Main Results:
- TB occurred in 90 per 100,000 cancer patients, nine times higher than the general population.
- TB was more prevalent in foreign-born and minority patients.
- Pulmonary TB was most common (89%); TB developed during therapy in 48%, synchronously in 30%, and after therapy in 21%.
Conclusions:
- Tuberculosis is significantly more common in cancer patients, especially those with leukemia.
- Demographic and clinical factors influence TB risk in cancer patients.
- Early detection and management of TB are crucial in cancer care.