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[Hodgkin's disease associated with LDH-M subunit deficiency]
1First Department of Internal Medicine, Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo.
Insights
This study reports the first case in Japan of Hodgkin's disease complicated by lactate dehydrogenase M (LDH-M) subunit deficiency. The patient achieved complete remission after C-MOPP therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lactate dehydrogenase M (LDH-M) subunit deficiency is a rare genetic disorder.
- Hodgkin's disease is a cancer of the lymphatic system.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old man presented with cervical swelling and was diagnosed with stage IA Hodgkin's disease.
- Laboratory tests revealed homogeneous type 1 lactate dehydrogenase (LDH-H4) in serum and erythrocytes, indicating LDH-M subunit deficiency.
- The patient did not exhibit typical symptoms like muscle rigidity or myoglobinuria.
Findings:
- The patient received C-MOPP chemotherapy and irradiation, achieving complete remission.
- This case represents the first reported instance of LDH-M subunit deficiency co-occurring with Hodgkin's disease in Japan.
- Only five families with LDH-M subunit deficiency have been previously reported in Japan.
Implications:
- This case expands the known clinical spectrum of LDH-M subunit deficiency.
- It highlights the importance of considering rare genetic conditions in cancer patients.
- Further research may elucidate potential links between LDH-M deficiency and cancer susceptibility or progression.
Abstract:
The patient was a 60-year-old man who had complained of left cervical swelling from the end of June, 1984. He was diagnosed as having Hodgkin's disease (mixed-cell type) by lymph node biopsy, and was admitted to our hospital for thorough examination and treatment on July 23rd. Diagnosis of stage IA Hodgkin's disease involving only the left cervical lymph node was made. On admission, laboratory data revealed that the LDH activity in his serum and erythrocytes consisted of only type 1 (LDH-H4), hence LDH-M subunit deficiency (homogeneous type) was diagnosed. However, the muscle rigidity, myoglobinuria, and skin lesions that are usually seen in this abnormality were not observed. After two course of C-MOPP therapy, beginning on August 1st. complete remission was obtained. He was subsequently given a total of 6 courses of C-MOPP therapy and 40 Gy of irradiation on an outpatient basis. He eventually died of heart failure on November 3rd, 1986. Only five families with LDH-M subunit deficiency have been reported to date in Japan. This is the first report in Japan of the condition being complicated by Hodgkin's disease.
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