Second primary head and neck cancer after Hodgkin lymphoma: a population-based study of 44,879 survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma

Integrative bioinformatics and machine learning identify key crosstalk genes and immune interactions in head and neck cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with complex molecular underpinnings. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), another distinct cancer type, shares several biological characteristics with HNSCC, particularly regarding immune system involvement. However, the molecular crosstalk between HNSCC and HL remains largely unexplored. This study aims to elucidate shared molecular mechanisms, identify potential diagnostic biomarkers, and uncover therapeutic targets through an integrative approach combining bioinformatics and machine learning techniques. Publicly available RNA sequencing datasets were utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in HNSCC, while weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to uncover HL-associated gene modules. The intersection of HNSCC DEGs and HL-related modules was evaluated using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis. Candidate hub genes were selected via machine learning algorithms, including LASSO regression, random forest, and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination (SVM-RFE). Prognostic and diagnostic values were assessed using survival analysis and ROC curves. Furthermore, scRNA-seq data were analyzed to assess gene expression in the tumor microenvironment, and drug sensitivity was evaluated to identify potential therapeutic agents. A total of 150 shared genes were identified at the intersection of HNSCC DEGs and HL-associated gene modules. PPI network analysis highlighted 16 candidate hub genes, among which IL6, CXCL13, and PLAU were prioritized through machine learning methods. Survival analysis revealed that high expression of CXCL13 and PLAU, and low expression of IL6, were significantly associated with poor prognosis in HNSCC patients. ROC curve analysis validated their diagnostic performance. Single-cell RNA-seq data confirmed the expression of these biomarkers in macrophages, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts within the tumor microenvironment. Drug sensitivity analysis identified Andrographolide, Rituximab, and Amiloride as potential therapeutic agents. This study identified IL6, CXCL13, and PLAU as critical biomarkers involved in immune regulation and tumor progression in both HNSCC and HL. These findings provide valuable insights into the shared molecular mechanisms and suggest novel therapeutic strategies for patients affected by these diseases.

Coexistence of Hodgkin Lymphoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Tongue: A Case Report and Literature Review

We report an unusual case of a 39-year-old male patient with a previous history of treated classical Hodgkin lymphoma, presenting with tongue ulcer and left ear pain who was subsequently diagnosed with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx. This case highlights the importance of vigilance in patients with a history of lymphoma and the potential for the development of secondary malignancies. We discuss the clinical, radiological, and pathological findings and emphasize the need for close monitoring and early intervention in such cases.

Lifetime risks of second primary malignancies after pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma

OBJECTIVES

Survivors after pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are with lifetime risk for second primary malignancy (SPM). This necessitates a thorough analysis to better understand the potential long-term health implications for these individuals.

METHODS

We used a US-wide population-based cancer registry data to quantify the SPM risk and identify its incidence patterns among pediatric lymphoma patients.

RESULTS

We observed 4.74-fold (95% CI 4.27-5.25) and 3.40-fold (95% CI 2.78-4.10) increased risks of SPM in survivors after pediatric HL and NHL, respectively. Through over 40 years' follow-up, the cumulative incidence of SPM for pediatric lymphoma was persistently increasing, and here we firstly report the high 40-year cumulative incidence rates of SPM, 22.2% for HL and 12.6% for NHL, suggesting that SPM accounts for a great proportion of deaths among survivors. Of 6805 pediatric lymphomas, 462 (6.36%) developed a SPM, especially second breast and thyroid cancer, followed by hematologic neoplasms including leukemia and NHL. The competing risk analysis demonstrated gender, lymphoma subtype and radiotherapy were significantly associated with SPM. Different risk patterns of SPM were identified between pediatric HL and NHL. Chemotherapy accelerated SPM development but did not increase its incidence risk.

CONCLUSION

Overall, patients after pediatric lymphoma can be with high lifetime risk of SPM, and more attention should be paid to SPM-related signs for early detection and intervention.

Correlation between lymphoma and second primary malignant tumor

Although studies have investigated the risk of second primary malignancies (SPMs) associated with lymphoma of various sites, limited studies have investigated risk of lymphoma with different SPMs and risk factors related to different SPMs. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the cumulative incidence and risk factors of different secondary SPMs in patients previously diagnosed as lymphoma, and to compare the survival rates of SPMs and primary malignant tumors. Retrospective analysis was performed on data obtained from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database. Patients with an initial primary malignancy diagnosis of lymphoma between 2000 and 2019 were included in the study. The statistical analysis was conducted from March 2022 to January 2023. The development of an SPM defined as any type of malignant tumor 292,210 patients remained in final cohort, including 35,220 patients with secondary primary malignant tumor. The cumulative incidence of SPMs during 20 years of follow-up is 1.95% in combined respiratory system, 0.14% in central nervous system, is 0.82% hepatobiliary pancreatic system, is 1.31% in urinary system, is 1.92% digestive tract. Multivariate competitive risk model analysis showed that Different characteristics of lymphoma patients were associated with secondary different types of SPMS. The risk of secondary SPMs in lymphoma patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy varies with the change of diagnosis time, diagnosis age and incubation period. Propensity score matching and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that the survival rate of secondary tumor was significantly lower than that of matched primary malignant tumor. This study reminds us to consider the possibility of SPMs in the initial treatment of lymphoma patients, and develop a follow-up plan according to the characteristics of patients to reduce the risk of SPMs. Occurring more than 6 months after the diagnosis of lymphoma. The cumulative incidence of SPMs was estimated by Fine-Gray competing risk regression. Poisson regression was used to evaluate the therapeutic factors associated risk for SPMs in patients undergoing radiotherapy or chemotherapy. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the survival outcomes of patients with SPMs.

Risk and outcome of second primary malignancy in patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin lymphoma survivors demonstrated increased risk of secondary primary malignancies (SPMs), but comprehensive analysis of the risk and outcome of SPMs in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) patients has not yet been reported.

METHODS

Patients with cHL from 1975 to 2017 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database. Standardized incidence ratios were calculated for the risk of solid and hematologic SPMs in cHL patients compared to the general population. The outcome of cHL patients developing SPMs were assessed by performing survival, competing risks regression, and cox proportional regression analyses.

RESULTS

In a follow-up of 26,493 cHL survivors for 365,156 person years, 3866 (14.59%) secondary cancers were identified, with an standardized incidence ratio of 2.09 (95% CI: 2.02-2.15). The increased risk was still notable after follow-up of 10 years or more, and the risk is more pronounced for patients with female gender, younger age, advanced stage, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The overall survival is worse for cHL patients with SPMs after 11 years of follow-up (P < .0001). The main cause of death for cHL patients with SPMs is not cHL but other causes including SPMs. Multivariate Cox regression analysis confirmed SPMs as an independently adverse prognostic factor for cHL survivors (hazard ratio, 1.13; 95% CI, 1.05-1.21, P = .001).

CONCLUSIONS

There is a significantly increased risk of developing SPMs for cHL survivors. The overall survival is worse for cHL patients and SPMs is an independent prognostic factor for cHL.

Twenty-seven years of primary salivary gland carcinoma in Wales: an analysis of histological subtype and associated risk factors

Objective

Risk factors for salivary gland carcinoma are poorly understood. Although links between background radiation, smoking and obesity have been previously suggested, no studies have so far established any significant results. This study aimed to establish correlations between common environmental and lifestyle risk factors and different subtypes of salivary gland carcinoma.

Method

A study of population data in Wales spanning 27 years was conducted; 2 national databases were used to identify 356 cases of primary salivary gland carcinoma over this period. Histological subtype of cancer and geographical location of each case was recorded. Public health data was used to establish radon levels, smoking, obesity and activity levels of populations in each geographical location. A population matched multivariate analysis of variance analysis was performed using histological subtype and risk factor data for each geographical location.

Results

A significantly higher incidence of mucoepidermoid cancer in populations with higher background radon levels (p = 0.006), epithelial-myoepithelial cancer in populations with higher smoking levels (p = 0.029) and adenoid cystic cancer in populations with higher obesity levels (p = 0.028) was found.

Conclusion

To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to establish significant links between background radiation, smoking and obesity with different subtypes of salivary gland carcinoma.

A Primary Parotid Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma in a Patient With Sjogren Syndrome

The salivary gland tumors are rare entities and the majority of these are benign. However, there are some entities such as prior neck radiation, certain infections, and systemic diseases which should raise the clinical suspicion for a malignant lesion. Patients with Sjogren syndrome are at increased risk for a salivary gland neoplasm, specifically non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While clinical findings play an important role in the initial workup, imaging plays a critical role in the diagnosis and management. This case describes a patient with Sjogren syndrome who presented with a left face mass where imaging was able to confidently diagnose her with a suspicious parotid neoplasm with lymphoma as the favored diagnosis. After histological evaluation, she was diagnosed with primary parotid mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) non-Hodgkin lymphoma after which she went on to non-operative management.

Clinicopathological analysis and survival outcomes of primary salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland tumors are a diverse group of uncommon neoplasms that are rare in pediatric patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinicopathological profile and survival outcomes of pediatric patients affected by salivary gland tumors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An extensive search was carried out using the MEDLINE/PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus databases, and grey literature. The risk of bias was available in all papers included.

RESULTS

A total of 2,830 articles were initially retrieved with 54 remaining for data extraction, resulting in 2,937 cases. This comprised forty-five case series' and nine cohort studies. These tumors were slightly more prevalent in females (57.4%). The patients' age ranged from 0.3 to 19 years old, with a mean age of 13.3 years. Parotid was the most affected site (81.9%), and 99.2% of cases clinically exhibited a swelling. Presence of pain/tenderness was reported in 13.5% of the cases, with an average duration of 12.6 months for the appearance of symptoms. Most of the reported cases were malignant tumors (75.4%), with mucoepidermoid carcinoma the most common tumor of all tumors (44.8%), followed by pleomorphic adenoma (24.1%). Surgery alone was the leading treatment choice in 74.9% cases, and the 5-year overall survival rate of patients was 93.1%. Patients with symptoms (P = .001), local recurrence (P < .001), metastasis (P < .001), and those not undergoing surgery or surgery combined with radiotherapy (P < .001) showed lower survival rates.

CONCLUSION

The pediatric patients present a high frequency of malignant salivary neoplasms and a high overall survival rate.

Multidisciplinary Management of Radiation-Induced Salivary Gland Carcinomas in the Modern Radiotherapy Era

Simple Summary

Etiopathogenesis of salivary gland cancers [SGCs] is largely unknown, even if exposition to ionizing radiation is a recognized risk factor for SGCs development. To date, exhaustive data to guide clinicians in managing patients with radiation-induced [ri] SGCs are scarce and their treatment remains challenging. The purpose of this work is to describe and to analyze clinical and histopathological features, delivered treatments, and outcome of a series of patients with ri-SGCs treated at two Italian cancer referral sites. Given the rarity of ri-SGCs, this retrospective analysis conducted on a case series of 13 patients adds further knowledge to the paucity of literature. The management of these malignancies is extremely complex requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Abstract

Clinical data of ri-SGCs patients treated between 2015 and 2019 at a tertiary cancer center and a national hadron therapy facility were reviewed. Latent time (LT) from first RT to ri-SGCs diagnosis, overall (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were assessed. Thirteen patients developed 14 ri-SGCs (one patient had 2 synchronous ri-SCGs), after a median LT of 23 years (range 16–34). Parotid was the primary site in 8 cases (57%) and salivary duct carcinoma was the most frequent histotype (29%). Nine patients (69%) underwent surgery (Sx). Among them, 4 patients (31%) underwent Sx alone, 5 received post-operative treatments: 3 (23%) photon-based (X) reRT, one (8%) protons and carbon ions, one (8%) carbon ions only. One patient (8%) received definitive XRT. The remaining 3 patients (23%) received androgen deprivation therapy. With a median follow-up of 48 months (range 24–72), median OS and PFS were 74 and 24 months, respectively. In the subgroup of AR⁺ ri-SGCs, median PFS and OS were 12 and 74 months, respectively. Given the rarity of ri-SGCs, this work adds further knowledge to the paucity of literature. The management of these malignancies is extremely complex requiring a multidisciplinary treatment approach.

Risk of Head and Neck Cancer in Patients With Prior Hematologic Malignant Tumors

Importance

More than 1.3 million people in the United States have a hematologic malignant tumor currently or in remission. Previous studies have demonstrated an increased risk of secondary neoplasms in patients with hematologic malignant tumors, but research specifically on the risk of head and neck solid tumors in patients with prior hematologic malignant tumors is limited.

Objectives

To examine a possible association between prior hematologic malignant tumors and risk of head and neck cancer and to assess the overall survival (OS) among these patients.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This retrospective analysis used the Veterans Affairs (VA) Corporate Data Warehouse (CDW) to identify patients with diagnoses of hematologic malignant tumors and head and neck cancers. All patients in the VA CDW with a birthdate between January 1, 1910, and December 31, 1969, were included, for a cohort of 30 939 656 veterans. Data analysis was performed from August 15, 2018, to January 31, 2019.

Exposures

Outpatient problem lists were queried for diagnoses of hematologic malignant tumor and associated malignant tumors using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9) and International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes to categorize patients by history of hematologic malignant tumors.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Presence of head and neck cancer was determined from ICD-9 and ICD-10 codes of outpatient problem lists, and cancers were grouped by subsite. The OS was determined from date of death or last outpatient visit date.

Results

Of 30 939 656 patients (27 636 683 [89.3%] male; 13 971 259 [45.2%] white), 207 322 patients had a hematologic malignant tumor, of whom 1353 were later diagnosed with head and neck cancer. A history of hematologic malignant tumors was significantly associated with overall aerodigestive tract cancer, with a relative risk (RR) of 1.6 (95% CI, 1.5-1.7), as well as oral cavity (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9), oropharynx (RR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.5-1.9), larynx (RR, 1.3; 95% CI, 1.2-1.5), nasopharynx (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.1-3.9), sinonasal (RR, 3.0; 95% CI, 2.2-4.1), salivary gland (RR, 2.8; 95% CI, 2.4-3.3), and thyroid (RR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.9-2.4) tumors on subsite analysis. A prior hematologic malignant tumor was also negatively associated with 2-year and 5-year OS for multiple subsites.

Conclusions and Relevance

A prior diagnosis of hematologic or associated malignant tumors was associated with an increased risk of solid head and neck cancers in a range of subsites. In addition, for several head and neck cancer subsites, patients with prior hematologic malignant tumors had worse 2-year and 5-year OS. These results indicate that a prior hematologic malignant tumor may be an adverse risk factor in the development and progression of head and neck cancer.

Second primary tumors in proliferative verrucous leukoplakia: a series of 33 cases

OBJECTIVES

To describe the number of second primary malignancies in a series of 33 patients with proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL), detailing the mean time between primary malignancies and their clinical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two groups of patients were included in this study: group 1 comprised 33 PVL patients who had developed ≥ 2 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and group 2 comprised 48 PVL patients without malignant degeneration. We compared the groups with regard to age, gender, oral location, and number of oral sites affected. For patients in group 1, we determined the locations, clinical forms, and TNM stages of oral cancers. We also recorded the intervals of time between instances of oral cancer for all patients.

RESULTS

The groups did not differ significantly in age; however, group 1 included more women (p < 0.05). The follow-up period and number of oral PVL locations were greater in group 1 (p < 0.01). Moreover, in group 1, as the number of OSCCs increased, the intervals between them became shorter. The gingiva was the most common site. The mean number of cancers in group 1 was 3.15; five second primary tumors were diagnosed in one patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Multiple cancers in PVL patients were more frequently located on the gingiva in the form of erythroleukoplastic areas. In addition, the interval between new cancers decreased over time.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This is the series with the highest number of cases described with second primary tumors in PVL.

Use of recommended posttreatment services for adolescent and young adult survivors of Hodgkin lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) is a leading cancer diagnosis for adolescents and young adults (AYAs), with an overall 5-year survival rate of >80%. However, to the authors' knowledge, little is known regarding posttreatment patterns of care. In the current study, the authors characterized the use of guideline-recommended services in a cohort of AYA survivors of HL in Kaiser Permanente Southern California.

METHODS

Patients with HL who were diagnosed between ages 15 and 39 years between 2000 and 2010 were identified. The authors calculated the number of patients who received recommended short-term care within 2 years after treatment cessation for those who remained enrolled and alive from 2001 through 2015. Use of recommended late-effects screening for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease was examined. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between receipt of recommended care and patient, cancer, and treatment characteristics.

RESULTS

A total of 354 patients were identified, with a mean age at the time of diagnosis of 26 years (standard deviation, 6.9 years). Approximately 12% of patients had stage I disease, 59% had stage II disease, 17% had stage III disease, and 13% of patients had stage IV disease. Nearly all patients received chemotherapy (95%), 51% received radiotherapy, and 5% received care from a pediatric oncologist. Overall, approximately 49% of patients received recommended short-term care. Of those patients eligible for cardiovascular screening at 10 years posttreatment (60 patients), 53% received at least 1 screening. Of those patients eligible for breast cancer screening (21 patients), approximately 50% underwent at least 1 screening. Regression results indicated that those patients treated by a pediatric oncologist were >3 times as likely to receive recommended short-term care.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of the current study highlight gaps in the delivery of posttreatment care to AYA survivors of HL. By determining areas in need of improvement, these findings can guide the development of tailored interventions with which to improve care.

Survival after subsequent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-small cell lung cancer in patients with malignant thymoma

BACKGROUND

Survivors of malignant thymoma (MT) are at an increased risk of developing subsequent neoplasms. We compare overall survival (OS) between MT survivors who developed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and patients with first primary NHL (NHL-1) or NSCLC (NSCLC-1), respectively.

METHODS

Using the population-based Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for 1973 through 2013, 273,313 patients who had NHL-1, 21 patients with MT-NHL, 566,819 patients with NSCLC-1, and 38 patients with MT-NSCLC were identified. Univariate and multivariate models were used to assess the impact of various factors on OS.

RESULTS

The observed-to-expected ratio among MT patients was 2.63 [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.40-4.49; P<0.05] for NHL and 1.90 (95% CI, 1.33-3.63; P<0.05) for lung cancer. On univariate analysis, MT history did not worsen OS for NHL [hazard ratio (HR), 1.46; 95% CI, 0.87-2.47; P=0.16] or NSCLC (HR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.61-1.29; P=0.53). On multivariate analysis, MT history was found to be an adverse prognostic indicator on OS for NHL (HR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.20-3.42; P=0.008), but not NSCLC (HR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.60-1.25; P=0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients who develop NHL after MT have inferior survival than those with first primary NHL. A history of MT does not have an adverse prognostic impact on subsequent NSCLC. Clinicians must be aware of the intrinsic risk for subsequent malignancies after MT and the potential adverse impact of MT history on NHL prognosis but not NSCLC.