Lymphoma patients at high risk of infections after diagnosis
Every year, around 100 people are affected by mantle cell lymphoma. A study from IGP shows that these patients are more vulnerable to other diseases and that the risk of infection for this type of patient should therefore be carefully evaluated. The results of have been published in the journal Hemasphere.
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a very rare and incurable type of cancer of the lymphatic system. Recent advances in treatment have greatly improved patients’ chances of survival, but they are more vulnerable to other diseases, especially infections, due to the intensive chemotherapy and the weakened immune system.
In the current study, the researchers examined infection rates before and after an MCL diagnosis and they found that the MCL patients had twice as many infections as the reference subjects. The higher infection rate in patients was observed four years before diagnosis and persisted for up to eight years after diagnosis.
“Both doctors and patients need to be aware of these complications. This shows that alongside the treatment of lymphoma, we should have strategies to manage and reduce the risk of infections, as well as take measures to limit exposure to bacteria that could lead to infections. That way, we can improve the overall quality of life for patients,” says Ingrid Glimelius, who has led the study.