Risk factors for melanoma among survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma

the Oncology Nurse Advisor take:

Investigators sought to quantify risks associated with specific treatments and immune-related risk factors for cutaneous melanoma among survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

This research follows previous studies that reported that survivors of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) have an increased risk of developing cutaneous melanoma.

Risk of second melanoma was evaluated in 44,870 1-year survivors of first primary NHL. A total of 202 second melanoma cases were identified among the survivors, including 91 after chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL) and 111 after other NHL subtypes.

This research revealed a significantly increased risk of melanoma among survivors of CLL/SLL who received infused fludarabine-containing chemotherapy with or without rituximab. Risk of melanoma was not associated with specific treatments among survivors of other subtypes of NHL.

The investigators conclude that immune perturbation may contribute to risk of melanoma after CLL/SLL. Survivors of NHL should be vigilantly followed to ensure early detection of melanoma.