Immune-related and inflammatory conditions and risk of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma or Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia

Impact of Gut Microbiota on Lymphoma: New Frontiers in Cancer Research

The gut microbiome (GMB), which is made up of various microorganisms, plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the host. Disruptions in this delicate ecosystem, known as microbial dysbiosis, have been linked to various diseases, including hematologic malignancies such as lymphoma. This review article explores the complex relationship between the GMB and the development of lymphoma and highlights its implications for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. It discusses how GMB influences lymphoma development directly through the presence of certain microorganisms and indirectly through changes in the immune system. The clinical relevance of GMB is highlighted and its potential utility for diagnosis, predicting treatment outcomes and developing personalized therapeutic strategies for lymphoma patients is demonstrated. The review also looks at microbiome-targeted interventions such as fecal microbiome transplantation and dietary modification, which have shown promise for treating microbial dysbiosis and improving patient outcomes. In addition, it highlights the analytical challenges and the need for further research to fully elucidate the mechanistic functions of the GMB in the context of lymphoma. This review emphasizes the critical role of GMB in lymphomagenesis and its potential for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Infections and their prognostic significance before diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or multiple myeloma

BACKGROUND

Immunodeficiency is a shared feature of B cell malignancies. The risk of infections and their prognostic significance after diagnosis are well characterized, but, conversely, less is known about prediagnostic infections in these domains.

METHODS

In matched case-control analyzes, using Danish nationwide registers, we assessed the rate of prediagnostic infections in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL), multiple myeloma (MM), follicular lymphoma (FL), marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). Survival analyzes of data from clinical registers were then used to determine the effect of infections in the year preceding diagnosis on overall survival. To yield results for as many patients as possible, antimicrobial prescriptions were used as surrogates for infections.

RESULTS

The nationwide and clinical registers comprised 30,389 patients, accumulating 213,649 antimicrobial prescriptions, and 18,560 patients accumulating 107,268 prescriptions, respectively. The relative risk of infections was increased up to 15 years prior to diagnosis of malignancy and markedly increased in the year just prior to diagnosis. More than two antimicrobials within one year prior to diagnosis were associated with significantly shorter overall survival, independently of known prognostic factors.

CONCLUSION

Patients with B cell-derived malignancies exhibit marked immunodeficiency several years prior to diagnosis such that different disease subtypes demonstrate both overlapping and distinct trends in infection risk preceding diagnosis. Moreover, multiple infections within the year preceding diagnosis are independently associated with shorter overall survival for all the examined malignancies.

Association Between Autoimmune Diseases and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance : An Analysis From a Population-Based Screening Study

BACKGROUND

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a precursor of multiple myeloma (MM) and related conditions. In previous registry-based, retrospective studies, autoimmune diseases have been associated with MGUS. However, these studies were not based on a screened population and are therefore prone to ascertainment bias.

OBJECTIVE

To examine whether MGUS is associated with autoimmune diseases.

DESIGN

A cross-sectional study within iStopMM (Iceland Screens, Treats, or Prevents MM), a prospective, population-based screening study of MGUS.

SETTING

Icelandic population of adults aged 40 years or older.

PATIENTS

75 422 persons screened for MGUS.

MEASUREMENTS

Poisson regression for prevalence ratios (PRs) of MGUS among persons with or without an autoimmune disease, adjusted for age and sex.

RESULTS

A total of 10 818 participants had an autoimmune disorder, of whom 599 had MGUS (61 with a prior clinical diagnosis and 538 diagnosed at study screening or evaluation). A diagnosis of an autoimmune disease was not associated with MGUS (PR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.97 to 1.15]). However, autoimmune disease diagnoses were associated with a prior clinical diagnosis of MGUS (PR, 2.11 [CI, 1.64 to 2.70]).

LIMITATION

Registry data were used to gather information on autoimmune diseases, and the homogeneity of the Icelandic population may limit the generalizability of these results.

CONCLUSION

The study did not find an association between autoimmune disease and MGUS in a systematically screened population. Previous studies not done in systematically screened populations have likely been subject to ascertainment bias. The findings indicate that recommendations to routinely screen patients with autoimmune disease for MGUS may not be warranted.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

The International Myeloma Foundation and the European Research Council.

Association between Periodontitis and Hematologic Cancer: An NHIRD Cohort Study in Taiwan

BACKGROUND

Chronic periodontitis, an inflammation-related disorder affecting global populations, has been revealed to be linked to diverse cancers. Numerous epidemiological studies have not shown a link between chronic periodontitis and blood cancers in Taiwan.

METHODS

This study included 601,628 patients, diagnosed with newly chronic periodontitis by the ICD-9-CM classification, who were enrolled from 2001 to 2021 in the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) in Taiwan. In this study, we employed comprehensive statistical analyses to investigate the association between chronic periodontitis and hematologic cancers. Initially, we calculated incidence density and used a Poisson regression to analyze relative risk. Subsequently, we compared the cumulative incidence of hematological cancer in both chronic and non-chronic periodontitis groups using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

The results revealed a significantly lower cumulative incidence of hematologic cancer in individuals with non-chronic periodontitis over a 12-year follow-up period. To further explore the risk factors, a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was conducted. Being male (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.42; p = 0.014) and having hypertension (aHR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.69; p = 0.015) were demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of hematologic cancers, respectively. In addition, in a subtype multivariate analysis for categorizing hematologic cancers into lymphoma and leukemia, the aHR for leukemia was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.13 to 1.93; p = 0.004) and aHR for lymphoma was 1.15 (95% CI: 0.96 to 1.37; p = 0.140).

CONCLUSIONS

This study found that being male and having hypertension were the significant risk factors for hematological malignancies. Moreover, the association between chronic periodontitis and specific subtypes of hematologic cancers was confirmed.

The epidemiology of Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by the presence of lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) in the bone marrow accompanied by a monoclonal immunoglobulin type M (IgM) in the serum. WM was first described only 80 years ago and became reportable in the US as a malignancy in 1988. Very little systematic research was conducted prior to 2000 to characterize incidence, clinical characteristics, risk factors or diagnostic and prognostic criteria, and there were essentially no WM-specific clinical interventional trials. Since the inaugural meeting of the International Workshop in Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia (IWWM) in 2000, WM has become the focus of a steadily increasing and productive body of research, engaging a growing number of investigators throughout the world. This introductory overview provides summary of the current understanding of the epidemiology of WM/LPL as a backdrop for a series of consensus panel recommendations arising from research presented at the 11th IWWM.

Single-cell profiles reveal tumor cell heterogeneity and immunosuppressive microenvironment in Waldenström macroglobulinemia

BACKGROUND

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare and incurable indolent B-cell malignancy. The molecular pathogenesis and the role of immunosuppressive microenvironment in WM development are still incompletely understood.

METHODS

The multicellular ecosystem in bone marrow (BM) of WM were delineated by single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and investigated the underlying molecular characteristics.

RESULTS

Our data uncovered the heterogeneity of malignant cells in WM, and investigated the kinetic co-evolution of WM and immune cells, which played pivotal roles in disease development and progression. Two novel subpopulations of malignant cells, CD19+CD3+ and CD138+CD3+, co-expressing T-cell marker genes were identified at single-cell resolution. Pseudotime-ordered analysis elucidated that CD19+CD3+ malignant cells presented at an early stage of WM-B cell differentiation. Colony formation assay further identified that CD19+CD3+ malignant cells acted as potential WM precursors. Based on the findings of T cell marker aberrant expressed on WM tumor cells, we speculate the long-time activation of tumor antigen-induced immunosuppressive microenvironment that is involved in the pathogenesis of WM. Therefore, our study further investigated the possible molecular mechanism of immune cell dysfunction. A precursor exhausted CD8-T cells and functional deletion of NK cells were identified in WM, and CD47 would be a potential therapeutic target to reverse the dysfunction of immune cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study facilitates further understanding of the biological heterogeneity of tumor cells and immunosuppressive microenvironment in WM. These data may have implications for the development of novel immunotherapies, such as targeting pre-exhausted CD8-T cells in WM.

SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions: Waldenström Macroglobulinemia - 2021 Update on Management and Future Directions

Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder. It is defined by having ≥ 10% bone marrow infiltration with lymphoplasmacytic cells and/or an immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal gammopathy of ≥3g/dL. Risk factors include a personal history of IgM MGUS, and a family history of WM or a related disorder. Race, sex, and chronic antigen stimulation also appear to influence risk. Between 93 to 97% of patients with WM have a somatic mutation of the MYD88 gene. Of these, approximately 30% also have a mutation of CXCR4. The presence of a MYD88 mutation is associated with higher 10-year overall survival (90% vs. 73%; P < .001), while CXCR4 mutation status does not appear to have a similar effect. Based on consensus guidelines, WM patients with a disease-related hemoglobin level of less than 10g/dL, a platelet count of less than 100×10 9/L, bulky adenopathy or organomegaly, symptomatic hyperviscosity, severe neuropathy, amyloidosis, cryoglobulinemia, cold agglutinin disease, or evidence of disease transformation, should be considered for immediate therapy. Patients not meeting these criteria may be observed, with monitoring at 3 to 6 month intervals. When treatment is warranted, combinations of rituximab with alkylating agents and proteasome inhibitors are often effective, as are Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors. Selection among available regimens should take patients' gene mutation profile, disease-related features, and co-morbid conditions into account. Promising novel therapies in development include non-covalent BTK inhibitors, CXCR4 antagonists, BCL 2 inhibitors, bi-specific antibodies, radioimmunoconjugates, and CD19- and CD20-Targeted Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cells.

Inflammatory Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia: A French monocentric retrospective study of 67 patients

Waldenström's macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a B-cell neoplasm resulting from bone marrow lymphoplasmacytic infiltration and monoclonal IgM secretion. Some patients present concomitant inflammatory syndrome attributed to the disease activity; we named this syndrome inflammatory WM (IWM). We retrospectively analysed all WM patients seen in a single tertiary referral centre from January 2007 to May 2021, and after excluding aetiologies for the inflammatory syndrome using a pertinent blood workup, including C-reactive protein (CRP), and imaging, we identified 67 (28%) IWM, 166 (68%) non-IWM, and nine (4%) WM with inflammatory syndrome of unknown origin. At treatment initiation, IWM patients had more severe anaemia (median Hb 90 vs 99 g/l; p < 0.01), higher platelet count (median 245 vs 196 × 109/l; p < 0.01) and comparable serum IgM level (median 24.9 vs 23.0 g/l; p = 0.28). A positive correlation was found between inflammatory and haematological responses (minimal response or better) (odds ratio 32.08; 95% confidence interval 8.80-98.03; p < 0.001). Overall survivals (OS) were similar (median OS: 17 vs 20 years; p = 0.11) but time to next treatment (TNT) was significantly shorter for IWM (TNT1: 1.6 vs 4.8 years, p < 0.0001). IWM mostly shared the same presentation and outcome as WM without inflammatory syndrome.

AllergoOncology: Role of immune cells and immune proteins

Background

Immune cells and immune proteins play a pivotal role in host responses to pathogens, allergens and cancer. Understanding the crosstalk between allergic response and cancer, immune surveillance, immunomodulation, role of immunoglobulin E (IgE)‐mediated functions and help to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Allergy and oncology show two opposite scenarios: whereas immune tolerance is desired in allergy, it is detrimental in cancer.

Aim

The current review provides an update on the role of immune cells and immune proteins in allergy and cancer fields.

Methods

Authors investigated the role of relevant immunological markers and the correlation with cancer progression or cancer suppression.

Results

Activated immune cells such as macrophages ‘M1’, dendritic cells (DCs), innate lymphoid cells (ILC2), NK cells, Th1, follicular T helper cells (TFH), TCD8+, B lymphocytes and eosinophils have inhibitory effects on tumourigenesis, while tolerogenic cells such as macrophages ‘M2,’ tolerogenic DCs, ILC3, T and B regulatory lymphocytes appear to favour carcinogenesis. Mastocytes and alarmins can have both effects. RIgE antibodies and CCCL5 chemokine have an anticancer role, whereas IgG4, free light chains, Il‐10, TGF‐β, lipocalin‐2, CCL1 chemokine promote cancer progression. Fundamental is also the contribution of epigenetic changes regulated by the microRNA in cancer progression.

Conclusion

This knowledge represents the key to developing new anticancer therapies.

Genetic Polymorphisms and the Clinical Response to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Treatment Towards Personalized Medicine

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations, an aberrant autoimmune response to self-antigens, which affect organs and tissues. There are several immune-pathogenic pathways, but the exact one is still not well known unless it is related to genetics. SLE and other autoimmune diseases are known to be inseparable from genetic factors, not only pathogenesis but also regarding the response to therapy. Seventy-one human studies published in the last 10 years were collected. Research communications, thesis publication, reviews, expert opinions, and unrelated studies were excluded. Finally, 32 articles were included. A polymorphism that occurs on the genes related to drugs pharmacokinetic, such as CYP, OATP, ABC Transporter, UGT, GST or drug-target pharmacodynamics, such as FCGR, TLR, and BAFF, can change the level of gene expression or its activity, thereby causing a variation on the clinical response of the drugs. A study that summarizes gene polymorphisms influencing the response to SLE therapy is urgently needed for personalized medicine practices. Personalized medicine is an effort to provide individual therapy based on genetic profiles, and it gives better and more effective treatments for SLE and other autoimmune disease patients.

Blurry Vision as a Presentation of Waldenström's Macroglobulinemia: A Case Report With Review of Current Management

A patient was diagnosed with Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia (WM) after the initial findings of anemia and ophthalmological findings of retinal hemorrhage. Upon further workup, the patient was found to have an IgM predominant monoclonal gammopathy on serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) and urine protein electrophoresis (UPEP). This highlights the need for open communication between different specialties, streamlining rapid and accurate diagnosis. Also highlighted are the unique pathophysiological changes involved in the development of WM. A patient’s primary complaint was blurry vision. After the patient was noted to have a monoclonal gammopathy on SPEP, bone marrow biopsy was performed. The bone marrow biopsy findings were consistent with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL). The patient received plasmapheresis and chemotherapy. The disease course is described. The patient saw rapid improvement in all lab abnormalities after the beginning of the appropriate therapy of plasmapheresis and chemotherapy. Remission is common with WM. Regular follow-up with this patient is important.

Waldenström macroglobulinemia and relationship to immune deficiency

Primary or secondary immune deficiency (ID) is a risk factor, although rare, to develop Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM). We aimed to better understand the incidence of this occurrence in the real-life and the outcome of either entity. We conducted a review of 194 WM in the Poitou-Charentes registry and identified 7 (3.6%) with a prior history of ID. Across the 7 WM with ID, 4 progressed to active WM disease and required treatment for WM with a median time between WM diagnosis and the first treatment of 1.5 years (range 0-3). The median time from ID to WM occurrence was 8 years (1-18). WM could develop from ID, although a rare event. Our first action was to systematically decrease immunosuppression with long-term control of ID. Half of indolent WM remained indolent despite ID and for remaining WM none appeared of poor risk WM.

Autoimmune disease is associated with a lower risk of progression in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS

We conducted a population-based study including 19 303 individuals diagnosed with MGUS in Sweden from 1985 to 2013, with the aim to determine whether a prior history of autoimmune disease, a well-described risk factor for MGUS is a risk factor for progression of MGUS to multiple myeloma (MM) or lymphoproliferative diseases (LPs). Using the nationwide Swedish Patient registry, we identified MGUS cases with versus without an autoimmune disease present at the time of MGUS diagnosis and estimated their risk of progression.

RESULTS

A total of 5612 (29.1%) MGUS cases had preceding autoimmune diseases. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we found the risk of progression from MGUS to MM (HR = 0.83, 95% CI 0.73-0.94) and LPs (HR = 0.84, 95% CI 0.75-0.94) to be significantly lower in MGUS cases with prior autoimmune disease (compared to MGUS cases without).

CONCLUSIONS

In this large population-based study, a history of autoimmune disease was associated with a reduced risk of progression from MGUS to MM/other LPs. Potential underlying reason is that MGUS caused by chronic antigen stimulation is biologically less likely to undergo the genetic events that trigger progression. Our results may have implications in clinical counseling for patients with MGUS and underlying autoimmune disease.

Pathogenetic Mechanisms Implicated in Sjögren's Syndrome Lymphomagenesis: A Review of the Literature

Sjögren's Syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by focal mononuclear cell infiltrates that surround the ducts of the exocrine glands, impairing the function of their secretory units. Compared to other autoimmune disorders, SS is associated with a notably high incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and more frequently mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates. High risk features of lymphoma development include systemic extraepithelial manifestations, low serum levels of complement component C4 and mixed type II cryoglobulinemia. The discrimination between reactive and neoplastic lymphoepithelial lesion (LEL) is challenging, probably reflecting a continuum in the evolution from purely inflammatory lymphoid infiltration to the clonal neoplastic evolution. Early lesions display a predominance of activated T cells, while B cells prevail in severe histologic lesions. This strong B cell infiltration is not only a morphologic phenomenon, but it is also progressively associated with the presence of ectopic germinal centers (GCs). Ectopic formation of GCs in SS represents a complex process regulated by an array of cytokines, adhesion molecules and chemokines. Chronic antigenic stimulation is the major driver of specific B cell proliferation and increases the frequency of their transformation in the ectopic GCs and marginal zone (MZ) equivalents. B cells expressing cell surface rheumatoid factor (RF) are frequently detected in the salivary glands, suggesting that clonal expansion might arise from antigen selection of RF-expressing B cells. Abnormal stimulation and incomplete control mechanisms within ectopic lymphoid structures predispose RF MZ like cells to lymphoma development. Immunoglobulin recombination, somatic mutation and isotype switching during B cell development are events that may increase the translocation of oncogenes to immunoglobulin loci or tumor suppressor gene inactivation, leading to monoclonal B cell proliferation and lymphoma development. Concerning chronic antigenic stimulation, conclusive data is so far lacking. However immune complexes containing DNA or RNA are the most likely candidates. Whether additional molecular oncogenic events contribute to the malignant overgrowth remains to be proved.

Human MYD88L265P is insufficient by itself to drive neoplastic transformation in mature mouse B cells

MYD88 L265P is the most common mutation in lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM) and one of the most frequent in poor-prognosis subtypes of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although inhibition of the mutated MYD88 pathway has an adverse impact on LPL/WM and DLBCL cell survival, its role in lymphoma initiation remains to be clarified. We show that in mice, human MYD88L265P promotes development of a non-clonal, low-grade B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder with several clinicopathologic features that resemble human LPL/WM, including expansion of lymphoplasmacytoid cells, increased serum immunoglobulin M (IgM) concentration, rouleaux formation, increased number of mast cells in the bone marrow, and proinflammatory signaling that progresses sporadically to clonal, high-grade DLBCL. Murine findings regarding differences in the pattern of MYD88 staining and immune infiltrates in the bone marrows of MYD88 wild-type (MYD88WT) and MYD88L265P mice are recapitulated in the human setting, which provides insight into LPL/WM pathogenesis. Furthermore, histologic transformation to DLBCL is associated with acquisition of secondary genetic lesions frequently seen in de novo human DLBCL as well as LPL/WM-transformed cases. These findings indicate that, although the MYD88L265P mutation might be indispensable for the LPL/WM phenotype, it is insufficient by itself to drive malignant transformation in B cells and relies on other, potentially targetable cooperating genetic events for full development of lymphoma.

Incidence, prevalence, mortality, and causes of death in Waldenström macroglobulinemia: a nationwide, population-based cohort study

BACKGROUND

The epidemiological features of Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) have seldom been investigated at a national level, particularly in East Asia. The goal of our study is to present the incidence, prevalence, mortality, survival with competing risks, and causes of death of patients with WM.

METHODS

We used a national population-based database, operated by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service of the Korean government. This data includes information on all WM patients diagnosed according to uniform criteria, between 2003 and 2016.

RESULTS

The total number of patients newly diagnosed with WM during the study period was 427, with a male-to-female ratio of 3.2:1. The incidence increased from 0.03 to 0.10 per 105 between 2003 and 2016, and the prevalence was 0.42 per 105 in 2016. A total of 217 patients with WM died during the study period (standardized mortality ratio = 7.57), and the overall survival (OS) of WM patients was 47.5%. On multivariate analysis, older age was associated with worse OS (P <  0.0001). WM was the most common cause of death (n = 102, 48.6%), followed by other malignant neoplasms (n = 82, 39.0%).

CONCLUSIONS

The national incidence of WM in Korea, a racially homogeneous country in Asia, was lower than that in previous reports from other countries, reflecting ethnic disparities. However, the incidence increased, and mortality was the highest ever reported. The main cause of death was WM in itself. This study reflects the need for greater awareness of WM, particularly in Asian countries.

Cause-specific mortality in individuals with lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström macroglobulinaemia, 2000-2016

Data on cause-specific mortality after lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) and Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) are lacking. We identified causes of death amongst 7289 adults diagnosed with incident first primary LPL (n = 3108) or WM (n = 4181) during 2000-2016 in 17 USA population-based cancer registries. Based on 3132 deaths, 16-year cumulative mortality was 23·2% for lymphomas, 8·4% for non-lymphoma cancers and 14·7% for non-cancer causes for patients aged <65 years at diagnosis of LPL/WM, versus 33·4%, 11·2% and 48·7%, respectively, for those aged ≥75 years. Compared with the general population, patients with LPL/WM had a 20% higher risk of death due to non-cancer causes (n = 1341 deaths, standardised mortality ratio [SMR] 1·2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1·1-1·2), most commonly from infectious (n = 188; SMR 1·8, 95% CI 1·6-2·1), respiratory (n = 143; SMR 1·2, 95% CI 1·0-1·4), and digestive (n = 80; SMR 1·8, 95% CI 1·4-2·2) diseases, but no excess mortality from cardiovascular diseases (n = 477, SMR 1·1, 95% CI 1·0-1·1). Risks were highest for non-cancer causes within 1 year of diagnosis (n = 239; SMR_<1year 1·3, 95% CI 1·2-1·5), declining thereafter (n = 522; SMR_≥5years 1·1, 95% CI 1·1-1·2). Myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukaemia deaths were notably increased (n = 46; SMR 4·4, 95% CI 3·2-5·9), whereas solid neoplasm deaths were only elevated among ≥5-year survivors (n = 145; SMR_≥5years 1·3, 95% CI 1·1-1·5). This work identifies new areas for optimising care and reducing mortality for patients with LPL/WM.

Hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers in patients with periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Numerous studies have explored the correlation of periodontal disease (PD) with risk of hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers, but the findings were inconsistent. Therefore, we did a meta-analysis to ascertain the correlation of PD with risk of incident hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers.

Material and Methods

The authors searched relevant studies in databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and MEDLINE). The summary relative risk (RR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated by use of random or fixed effects models.

Results

Six studies were included in qualitative synthesis. The pooled analysis revealed that PD was significantly associated with an increased risk of hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers (RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.07–1.27; P = 0). Stratified analysis showed the association of PD with hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers remained significant in the never smokers (RR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.07–1.54; P = 0.007), and in the American population (RR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.05–1.30; P = 0.003), respectively.

Conclusions

Never smokers population and the American population with PD have a higher risk of developing hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers. PD might be considered as a risk factor for hematopoietic and lymphatic cancers.

Key words:Periodontal disease, hematopoietic and lymphatic cancer, meta-analysis, systematic review.

Potential risk of certain cancers among patients with Periodontitis: a supplementary meta-analysis of a large-scale population

Background: Some studies have reported biological linkages between periodontitis and esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, hematological malignancy, and melanoma of the skin. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the relationship between periodontitis and the aforementioned five cancers. Methods: Eligible studies on the association between periodontitis and the aforementioned five kinds of cancers were retrieved. The statistical analysis was conducted using Stata 12.0. Results: Ten articles (more than 100,000 samples for most cancers) were included. With statistical significance, participants with periodontitis might have enhanced risks of esophageal cancer (HR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.15-2.79), prostate cancer (HR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.09-1.31), hematological malignancy (HR = 1.19, 95% CI: 1.09-1.29), and melanoma of skin (HR = 1.21, 95% CI: 1.03-1.42), compared with those without periodontitis. However, the evidence regarding the correlation between periodontitis and the susceptibility to kidney cancer was lacking (HR=1.30, 95% CI: 0.96-1.76). Conclusions: The present meta-analysis revealed a potential link between periodontitis and esophageal cancer, prostate cancer, hematological malignancy, and melanoma of the skin. However, multi-center studies with large sample sizes and multivariable adjustments are still needed to support the conclusion.

Network Pharmacology Approach Uncovering Pathways Involved in Targeting Hsp90 Through Curcumin and Epigallocatechin to Control Inflammation

AIMS

To fetch pathways involved in targetting Hsp90 through Curcumin and Epigallocatechin through Network pharmacological approach.

BACKGROUND

Hsp90 is a molecular chaperone involved in stabilizing inflammatory protein which may lead to chronic diseases. The herbal compounds Curcumin and Epigallocatechin processing antiinflammatory properties are known to follow a common pathway and control the expression of Hsp90.

OBJECTIVE

To collect the gene targets of Hsp90, Curcumin and Epigallocatechin in order to understand protein-protein interactions of gene targets by constructing the interactome to identify the hub proteins. Hub proteins docking was performed with curcumin and epigallocatechin. Finally, hub proteins involvement with various human diseases were identified.

METHODS

The gene targets of Hsp90, Curcumin and Epigallocatechin were obtained from there respective databases. Protein-protein interactions of Pkcδ-Nrf2 and Tlr4 pathway gene targets were collected from String database. Protein interaction network was constructed and merged to get intercession network in cytoscape and Cluego was used to predict the disease related target genes. Docking of ligands to target proteins was carried out using Autodock vina tool.

RESULT

The main key regulators of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin were identified particularly from Pkcδ-Nrf2 and Tlr4 pathway.

CONCLUSION

The combined action of Curcumin and Epigallocatechin can reduce the expression of Hsp90 eventually controlling the inflammation.

Elevated IgM and abnormal free light chain ratio are increased in relatives from high-risk chronic lymphocytic leukemia pedigrees

Abnormal serum immunoglobulin (Ig) free light chains (FLC) are established biomarkers of early disease in multiple B-cell lymphoid malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Heavy chains have also been shown to be biomarkers in plasma cell disorders. An unanswered question is whether these Ig biomarkers are heritable, i.e., influenced by germline factors. CLL is heritable but highly heterogeneous. Heritable biomarkers could elucidate steps of disease pathogenesis that are affected by germline factors, and may help partition heterogeneity and identify genetic pleiotropies across malignancies. Relatives in CLL pedigrees present an opportunity to identify heritable biomarkers. We compared FLCs and heavy chains between relatives in 23 high-risk CLL pedigrees and population controls. Elevated IgM (eIgM) and abnormal FLC (aFLC) ratio was significantly increased in relatives, suggesting that these Ig biomarkers are heritable and could offer risk stratification in pedigree relatives. Within high-risk CLL pedigrees, B-cell lymphoid malignancies were five times more prevalent in close relatives of individuals with eIgM, prostate cancer was three times more prevalent in relatives of individuals with aFLC, and monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis increased surrounding individuals with normal Ig levels. These different clustering patterns suggest Ig biomarkers have the potential to partition genetic heterogeneity in CLL and provide insight into distinct heritable pleiotropies associated with CLL.

Associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancer risk among elderly US adults

Growing evidence suggests that people with autoimmune conditions may be at increased risk of hepatobiliary tumors. In the present study, we evaluated associations between autoimmune conditions and hepatobiliary cancers among adults aged ≥66 in the United States. We used Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare data (1992-2013) to conduct a population-based, case-control study. Cases (n = 32,443) had primary hepatobiliary cancer. Controls (n = 200,000) were randomly selected, cancer-free adults frequency-matched to cases by sex, age and year of selection. Using multivariable logistic regression, we calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for associations with 39 autoimmune conditions identified via Medicare claims. We also conducted separate analyses for diagnoses obtained via inpatient versus outpatient claims. Sixteen conditions were associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer. The strongest risk estimates were for primary biliary cholangitis with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR: 31.33 [95% CI: 23.63-41.56]) and primary sclerosing cholangitis with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (7.53 [5.73-10.57]), extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (5.59 [4.03-7.75]), gallbladder cancer (2.06 [1.27-3.33]) and ampulla of Vater cancer (6.29 [4.29-9.22]). Associations with hepatobiliary-related conditions as a group were observed across nearly all cancer sites (ORs ranging from 4.53 [95% CI: 3.30-6.21] for extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma to 7.18 [5.94-8.67] for hepatocellular carcinoma). Restricting to autoimmune conditions diagnosed via inpatient claims, 6 conditions remained associated with at least one hepatobiliary cancer, and several risk estimates increased. In the outpatient restricted analysis, 12 conditions remained associated. Multiple autoimmune conditions are associated with hepatobiliary cancer risk in the US Medicare population, supporting a shared immuno-inflammatory etiology to these cancers.

Two high-risk susceptibility loci at 6p25.3 and 14q32.13 for Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM)/lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (LPL) is a rare, chronic B-cell lymphoma with high heritability. We conduct a two-stage genome-wide association study of WM/LPL in 530 unrelated cases and 4362 controls of European ancestry and identify two high-risk loci associated with WM/LPL at 6p25.3 (rs116446171, near EXOC2 and IRF4; OR = 21.14, 95% CI: 14.40-31.03, P = 1.36 × 10-54) and 14q32.13 (rs117410836, near TCL1; OR = 4.90, 95% CI: 3.45-6.96, P = 8.75 × 10-19). Both risk alleles are observed at a low frequency among controls (~2-3%) and occur in excess in affected cases within families. In silico data suggest that rs116446171 may have functional importance, and in functional studies, we demonstrate increased reporter transcription and proliferation in cells transduced with the 6p25.3 risk allele. Although further studies are needed to fully elucidate underlying biological mechanisms, together these loci explain 4% of the familial risk and provide insights into genetic susceptibility to this malignancy.

How we manage patients with Waldenström macroglobulinaemia

Waldenström macroglobulinaemia (WM) is a rare, indolent B-cell lymphoproliferative disorder characterized by cellular involvement in bone marrow and monoclonal IgM production. Symptoms can be related to cytopenias, tumoural involvement, or IgM-related disorders. Somatic mutations in the MYD88 gene have been described in the majority of WM cases. The mutation is responsible for a gain-of-function and induces activation of nuclear factor-κB, for DNA transcription and cell survival. It seems that MYD88 mutation is associated with better prognosis and better response to some treatment. Treatments are started when WM is symptomatic, following systematic biological and morphological assessments. Therapeutic choice depends on age, frailty and urgent efficacy need. In first line, the majority of patients are treated with monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody-based regimens combined with cytotoxic chemotherapy. Rituximab, cyclophosphamide and dexamethasone remain the most commonly used regimen with good safety. Nevertheless, increasing numbers of new drugs are becoming available or are in development. Proteasome inhibitors, such as bortezomib or carfilzmib, showed good and rapid responses. Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor demonstrated excellent results and is now available for relapse/refractory disease or as first line for some patients. This review highlights the diagnostic procedures and therapeutic approaches in WM.

Association between rheumatic diseases and cancer: results from a clinical practice cohort study

The association between cancer and immune-mediated rheumatic conditions is controversial, especially as far as polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is concerned. Furthermore, no clinical feature has been shown to be suggestive of a paraneoplastic rheumatic syndrome. With the present study, we aim to address both these issues. The study population comprised N = 1750 patients, including N = 100 with PMR, who attended our tertiary immuno-rheumatology clinic between January 1, 2005 and November 30, 2012. A rheumatic disease was deemed paraneoplastic if cancer had been diagnosed in the 2 years preceding or following its onset. The probability of a significant association between a specific rheumatic disease and cancer was evaluated by computing the odds ratio (OR): N = 702 patients with osteoarthritis serving as controls. Furthermore, clinical features distinguishing paraneoplastic rheumatic diseases were searched for by univariate and multivariate analysis. Sjogren's syndrome (SS) [OR 3.6 (CI 95% 1.7-7.5)], PMR (OR 5.1 CI 95% 2.9-8.9), dermatomyositis/polymyositis [OR 12.09 (CI 95% 2.6-55.8)] and vasculitis [OR 3.70 (CI 95% 1.81-7.52)] are associated with cancer. At multivariate analysis, older age is associated with cancer among SS patients (p = 0.03), while in the PMR group, older age, male gender, and ≥6 tender joints are independent predictors of paraneoplastic PMR (p < 0.0004). Cancer frequently either heralds or follows rheumatic manifestations, including PMR. Older age, male gender and a more extensive joint involvement should be considered red flags for paraneoplastic PMR.

History of autoimmune disease is associated with impaired survival in multiple myeloma and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance: a population-based study

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a plasma cell disorder preceded by monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). Incidence of MM and MGUS is higher among patients with autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to determine whether a history of autoimmunity has an impact on survival in MM and MGUS. Using high-quality national Swedish registries, we identified 8367 patients with MM, 18,768 patients with MGUS, and 110,251 matched control subjects, and obtained information on previous autoimmune disease in patients and controls. Cox regression was used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) for overall survival with 95 % confidence intervals (CIs). In patients with MM and a prior autoimmune disease, the risk of death was significantly increased, HR = 1.2 (95 % CI 1.2-1.3) compared to MM patients with no history of autoimmunity. In MGUS patients, a prior autoimmune disease was associated with a significantly 1.4-fold elevated risk of death (95 % CI 1.3-1.4). When analyzing different types of autoimmune diseases, a history of ulcerative colitis had a stronger impact on survival in MM than in controls. Our findings that a history of autoimmune disease has a negative impact on survival in MM and MGUS could be due to shared underlying common genetic factors, or that patients with a history of autoimmunity develop more severe cases of MM and MGUS, or cumulative comorbidity in the individual. Our results suggest that more attention should be paid to comorbidity as a prognostic factor in MGUS and MM, and underlines the need for studies aimed at tailoring therapy according to comorbidity.

Periodontal disease and risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study

Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that has been associated with chronic diseases, including cancer. In an earlier prospective cohort analysis within the Health Professionals Follow-Up Study (HPFS), we observed a 31% higher risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) among participants with severe periodontal disease at baseline. Here, we extend the study with an additional 8 years of follow-up, and conduct analyses with updated periodontal disease status and NHL subtypes. The HPFS is an ongoing prospective cohort study of 51,529 men in the USA Between baseline in 1986 and 2012, 875 cases of NHL were diagnosed, including 290 chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphomas (CLL/SLL), 85 diffuse large B-cell lymphomas and 91 follicular lymphomas. We performed multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate associations of interest. History of periodontal disease at baseline was positively associated with risk of NHL overall (hazard ratio (HR) = 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06-1.49) and CLL/SLL (HR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.04-1.90). With updated periodontal status, HRs were 1.30 (95% CI: 1.11-1.51) for NHL overall and 1.41 (95% CI: 1.08-1.84) for CLL/SLL. In contrast, after adjusting for periodontal disease, tooth loss was inversely associated with NHL, suggesting that other causes or consequences of tooth loss may have different implications for NHL etiology. Our findings suggest that periodontal disease is a risk factor for NHL. Whether periodontal disease is a direct or indirect cause of NHL, or is a marker of underlying systemic inflammation and/or immune dysregulation, warrants further investigation.

Increased prevalence of prior malignancies and autoimmune diseases in patients diagnosed with chronic myeloid leukemia

We recently reported an increased incidence of second malignancies in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI). To elucidate whether this increase may be linked, not to TKI but rather to a hereditary or acquired susceptibility to develop cancer, we estimated the prevalence of malignancies, autoimmune disease (AD) and chronic inflammatory disease (CID) in CML patients prior to their CML diagnosis. Nationwide population-based registers were used to identify patients diagnosed with CML in Sweden 2002-2012 and to estimate the prevalence of other malignancies, AD and CID prior to their CML diagnosis. For each patient with CML, five matched controls were selected from the general population. Conditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (OR). Nine hundred and eighty-four CML patients were assessed, representing more than 45 000 person-years of follow-up. Compared with matched controls, the prevalence of prior malignancies and AD was elevated in CML patients: OR 1.47 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.20-1.82) and 1.55 (95% CI 1.21-1.98), respectively. No associations were detected between CML and previous CID. An increased prevalence of other malignancies and AD prior to the diagnosis of CML suggest that a hereditary or acquired predisposition to cancer and/or autoimmunity is involved in the pathogenesis of CML.

Herpes Zoster and Risk of Cancer in the Elderly U.S. Population

BACKGROUND

Herpes zoster (HZ) arises in older people due to age-related decline in immunity. We assessed whether HZ, as a marker of immune suppression, is associated with increased cancer risk.

METHODS

We conducted a case-control study in U.S. adults with ages ≥ 65 years using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare linked database. Cases (n = 1,108,986) were people with first cancers identified in cancer registries (1992-2005). Controls (n = 100,000) were cancer-free individuals frequency matched to cases on age, sex, and year of selection. We identified HZ diagnosis using Medicare claims. Logistic regression models were constructed to determine adjusted associations between cancer and HZ.

RESULTS

HZ prevalence was modestly higher in cases than controls (1.4% vs. 1.2%). We identified significant associations between HZ and oral cavity/pharyngeal [adjusted OR (aOR) = 1.21], colon (aOR = 1.10), lung (aOR = 1.11), and non-melanoma skin (aOR = 1.46) cancers; myeloma (aOR = 1.38); diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (aOR = 1.30); lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (aOR = 1.99); and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (aOR = 1.55). Among solid cancers, HZ was mostly associated with regional and/or distant stage tumors. Associations were strongest when HZ was diagnosed 13 to 35 months before cancer diagnosis/selection; they were significant for some cancers in the 36 to 59 months period, and 60+ months for lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma (OR = 1.99).

CONCLUSION

HZ is associated with modestly increased risk of a few cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies. Associations were strongest at short latency intervals for many cancers, and for regional/distant stages among solid cancers, perhaps reflecting reverse causality.

IMPACT

Age-related immune decline does not play a major role in cancer development in older people, but it may be important for some lymphomas.

Familial Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia and relation to immune defects, autoimmune diseases, and haematological malignancies--A population-based study from northern Sweden

BACKGROUND

Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM) is a rare lymphoprolipherative disorder with geographic and ethnic disparities in incidence. The cause of WM remains mostly unknown although a role for genetic, immune-related, and environmental factors has been suggested. Most cases of WM are sporadic although familial cases occur.

AIM

This study estimated the incidence of WM in northern Sweden and identified and described patients with familial WM in this area.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The Swedish and Northern Lymphoma Registry, the Swedish Cancer Registry (1997-2011), and medical records were used to identify patients with WM in two counties (Norrbotten and Västerbotten) in northern Sweden and to calculate the overall age-adjusted incidence (2000-2012). We identified 12 families with a family history of WM, IgM monoclonal gammophathy (MGUS), and/or multiple myeloma (MM).

RESULTS

In Norrbotten and Västerbotten, the age-adjusted incidence of WM/LPL is 1.75 and 1.48 per 100,000 persons per year, respectively (2000-2012), rates that are higher than the overall incidence of WM/LPL in Sweden (1.05 per 100,000 persons per year; 2000-2012). Autoimmune diseases and other haematological malignancies in the medical history (their own or in relatives) were reported in 9/12 and 5/12 families, respectively. A high proportion of abnormal serum protein electrophoresis was found in the relatives; 12/56 (21%) had a MGUS and 13/56 (25%) showed abnormalities in the immunoglobulin levels (i.e. subnormal levels and poly/oligoclonality).

CONCLUSION

The incidence of WM in Norrbotten and Västerbotten counties was higher than expected. We found a strong correlation between autoimmune/inflammatory diseases, other haematological malignancies, and familial WM and a high frequency of serum immunoglobulin abnormalities in the relatives of the WM patients, findings that strengthen the hypothesis that the aetiology of WM depends on both immune-related and genetic factors.

The cellular origin and malignant transformation of Waldenström macroglobulinemia

Benign (ie, IgM MGUS and smoldering WM) clonal B cells already harbor the phenotypic and molecular signatures of the malignant WM clone. Multistep transformation from benign (ie, IgM MGUS and smoldering WM) to malignant WM may require specific copy number abnormalities.

Hodgkin lymphoma risk following infectious and chronic inflammatory diseases: a large population-based case-control study from Sweden

Patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) have a well-characterized immune deficiency of T cell function, originally identified by increased susceptibility to certain infections. Epidemiological evidence has long pointed to infectious etiologies in younger HL patients. With the aim of expanding our knowledge on the potential role of pre-existing immune deficiency in HL and an infectious/inflammatory etiology, we conducted a comprehensive population-based case-control study in HL patients diagnosed in Sweden in the period 1965-2004, and their matched controls. In a large population-based study including 7,414 HL patients and 29,240 matched controls, we evaluated the subsequent risk of HL in relation to a broad range of infectious and inflammatory conditions, using unconditional logistic regression. A previous history of any reported infection was associated with an 11 % increased risk of HL (P < 0.05). More specifically, we found sinusitis (odds ratio = 1.81; 95 % confidence interval = 1.06-3.07), tuberculosis (1.76; 1.01-3.07), encephalitis (7.88; 1.97-31.5), and herpes zoster (2.20; 1.11-4.35) to be associated with excess HL risk. A personal prior history of chronic inflammatory condition was not associated with an increased risk of HL (0.94; 0.71-1.14). Our results suggest that underlying immune deficiency is a primary phenomenon in HL. Alternatively, certain infectious agents may be potential HL triggers.

Follicular lymphoma: too many reminders for a memory B cell

Memory B cells are a dynamic subset of the mature B cell population that in some cases can reenter germinal centers (GCs) in response to iterative infections. Such a reactivation can lead to accumulation of genetic lesions in these cells, potentially from repetitive activation of the B cell mutator enzyme AID. Normal memory B cells do not survive repeated reentries into GCs. In this issue, Sungalee et al. demonstrate that memory B cells harboring the oncogenic BCL2:IGH translocation, which results in constitutive BCL2 expression, survive multiple GC entries upon repetitive immunization. Through these multiple GC reentries, the hallmark BCL2:IGH translocation enables AID-induced hypermutation and propagates clonal evolution toward malignant follicular lymphoma.

The role of parotidectomy in Sjögren's syndrome

Sjögren's syndrome, a chronic and progressive autoimmune disorder mainly characterized by xerophthalmia, xerostomia, and parotid enlargement, is primarily managed medically, but some patients will require surgical management. Patients with Sjögren's syndrome have an increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Superficial parotidectomy is indicated for diagnostic purposes and can be therapeutic in limited circumstances. Surgical indications for parotidectomy in Sjögren's syndrome include recurrent parotitis refractory to medical management; salivary gland malignancy; and severe, refractory pain. Surgical complications include transient or permanent facial nerve injury, post-operative pain, persistent inflammation of remnant parotid tissue, Frey syndrome, and facial scarring.

Allergy and risk of hematologic malignancies: associations and mechanisms

Increasing evidence indicates that a dysregulated immune system, as the one found in allergic disorders, can affect survival of tumor cells. A possible association between allergies and risk of hematologic malignancies has been examined in several epidemiological studies; however, results were not always consistent. The aim of this review is to report the preclinical and clinical data, which support a correlation between allergy and hematologic neoplasms. Immune system modulation could represent a powerful tool in the prevention and treatment of hematologic malignancies.

Medical history, lifestyle, family history, and occupational risk factors for lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström's macroglobulinemia: the InterLymph Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Subtypes Project

BACKGROUND

Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma/Waldenström's macroglobulinemia (LPL/WM), a rare non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype, shows strong familial aggregation and a positive association with chronic immune stimulation, but evidence regarding other risk factors is very limited.

METHODS

The International Lymphoma Epidemiology Consortium (InterLymph) pooled data from 11 predominantly population-based case-control studies from North America, Europe, and Australia to examine medical history, lifestyle, family history, and occupational risk factors for LPL/WM. Age-, sex-, race/ethnicity-, and study-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using logistic regression for a total of 374 LPL/WM cases and 23 096 controls.

RESULTS

In multivariate analysis including all putative risk factors, LPL/WM risk was associated with history of Sjögren's syndrome (OR = 14.0, 95% CI = 3.60 to 54.6), systemic lupus erythematosus (OR = 8.23, 95% CI = 2.69 to 25.2), hay fever (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.54 to 0.99), positive hepatitis C serology (OR = 2.51, 95% CI = 1.03 to 6.17), hematologic malignancy in a first-degree relative (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.02 to 2.64), adult weight (OR = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.44 to 0.85 for highest vs. lowest quartile), duration of cigarette smoking (OR = 1.46, 95% CI = 1.04 to 2.05 for ≥ 40 years vs. nonsmokers), and occupation as a medical doctor (OR = 5.54, 95% CI = 2.19 to 14.0). There was no association with other medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or occupations.

CONCLUSIONS

This pooled analysis confirmed associations with immune conditions and family history of hematologic malignancy, and identified new associations with hay fever, weight, smoking, and occupation, and no association with other lifestyle factors. These findings offer clues to LPL/WM biology and prevention.