Autoimmune diseases linked with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Lymphoma :: Autoimmune diseases linked with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

According to a study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, the risk of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma) is elevated among patients with rheumatoid arthritis, Sj?gren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, or celiac disease. Some of these conditions were also linked with marginal zone lymphoma, lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma, and T-cell lymphoma.

To evaluate the relationship between autoimmune conditions and specific subtypes of NHL, researchers in Sweden and Denmark conducted a study among 3055 patients with NHL (cases) and 3187 age- and sex-matched patients without NHL (controls). The subtypes of NHL in the cases were diffuse large B-cell (796 subjects); chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (752 subjects); follicular (586 subjects); T-cell (204 subjects); mantle cell (148 subjects); marginal zone (117 subjects); and lymphoplasmacytic (116 subjects).

The researchers conclude that these results confirm that a link exists between certain autoimmune conditions and risk of NHL. The links may apply only to specific subtypes of NHL. Individuals with autoimmune diseases may wish to speak with their physician about their individual risks of developing NHL.

(Lymphoma :: Autoimmune diseases linked with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma published at SpiritIndia on Sunday, January 15, 2006)

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