Current overview and special considerations for second breast cancer in Hodgkin lymphoma survivors

Crit Rev Oncol Hematol. 2021 Jan:157:103175. doi: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103175. Epub 2020 Nov 17.

Abstract

Second breast cancer (SBC) is the most common solid cancer among Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) female survivors. We reviewed the related modifying risk factors, radiation-induced carcinogenesis, tumors characteristics, management specificities, prevention and surveillance modalities based on current evidence. The risk of developing SBC may be influenced essentially by the age at HL treatment, follow-up latency, dose of irradiation received and the extent of irradiated field. SBCs generally develop at younger age, they are often bilateral, and exhibit more aggressive biological features and worse prognosis. No firm answer about the benefits of breast surveillance is provided by literature, but compelling evidence tends toward a clinical benefit in early detection. Increasing awareness among health providers' care and current survivors as well as the implementation of screening measures is crucial. Great efforts are ongoing in individualizing treatment strategies for future HL patients and response-adapted approaches are holding promise in prevention of these second malignancies.

Keywords: Breast cancer; Cancer survivorship; Childhood; Hodgkin lymphoma; Malignancy; Radiation therapy; Second cancer; Young adulthood malignancy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Breast
  • Breast Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Breast Neoplasms* / epidemiology
  • Breast Neoplasms* / therapy
  • Female
  • Hodgkin Disease* / diagnosis
  • Hodgkin Disease* / epidemiology
  • Hodgkin Disease* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / epidemiology
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary* / etiology
  • Survivors