Thalassemia and malignancies: Updates from the literature.

Authors :: Hodroj MH
Taher A
Source :: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences [Ann N Y Acad Sci] 2023 Nov; Vol. 1529 (1), pp. 14-20. Date of Electronic Publication: 2023 Sep 07.
Publication Year :: 2023
Abstract: Thalassemia management has undergone significant development with the advancement in iron chelation therapy, which has led to a prolonged life expectancy. This has been accompanied by the emergence of several new morbidities and chronic diseases, including cancer. Over the years, multiple cases of solid and hematologic malignancies in thalassemia patients have been reported in the literature, with no clear mechanism for the development of cancer in these patients despite a number of potential mechanisms. However, the results of many studies have been contradictory regarding the risk of development of malignancies in thalassemia. The present review aims to discuss the available data on cancer and thalassemia in the literature, with the latest updates regarding possible malignancy development mechanisms, risks, and the most commonly reported types.<br /> (© 2023 The New York Academy of Sciences.)