Risk factors for the development of secondary malignancies after marrow transplantation

Abstract

Bone marrow transplantation is associated with several risk factors that may predispose patients to the development of a new malignancy post-transplant. Several types of malignancies, including lymphoproliferative disorders, new leukemias, and solid tumors have been observed. Risk factors include treatment of acute graft-versus-host disease with monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies, total body irradiation, HLA nonidentity, and T-cell depletion. It is currently unknown whether longer follow-up will show a further increase or decline in the incidence of secondary tumors.