A very recent article in the journal Nature, ‘Cancer history and second cancer risk in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia‘ reminds us of the risk that PV and ET patients face regarding other cancers.
The conclusion from the study states that….
“In conclusion, the current study demonstrates that SC (skin cancer) represent a frequent and clinically relevant complication in patients with PV and ET, with NMSC (non melanoma skin cancer) emerging as the dominant malignancy subtype. Prior cancer history, particularly prior NMSC, together with older age, male sex, and hyperlipidemia (having abnormally high levels of fats, such as cholesterol and trigylcerides, in your blood), identifies patients at increased risk of subsequent malignancy.
These findings support the implementation of risk-adapted surveillance strategies and highlight the importance of integrating oncologic and metabolic risk assessment into the long -term management of patients with MPN. Future prospective studies with comprehensive molecular profiling and longitudinal treatment data are needed to refine risk stratification and clarify mechanisms of cancer susceptibility.”
The article ‘Cancer history and second cancer risk in polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia‘ is free to access in full via a downloadable PDF at that link.
