JAMA Network –

Here are the results of a fascinating study on the risk of bone density loss in adult survivors of childhood cancer. This research looked at more than 3900 survivors from the St. Jude Lifetime cohort. Not surprisingly, the study showed that a significant portion of these survivors had significant bone loss decades after their treatment ended. Increased doses of radiation led to increased risks, though the researchers found that other comorbid conditions like sedentary behavior and smoking were factors that led to loss of bone density.

Healio –

Researchers have found a potential link to the consumption of coffee and tea to the reduced risk of head and neck cancers. The “how’s and why’s” are not yet clear, but we find this to be a very interesting discovery, especially as Hodgkin’s survivors may be at risk for cancers of the neck (esophageal) due to earlier radiation treatments.

Healio –

“Active Surveillance” is defined as “a way to monitor cancer without immediately treating it, with the goal of delaying treatment until it’s necessary.” It is generally used to monitor low-risk cancers. Patients who are undergoing active surveillance may have regular tests and exams, such as bloodwork, X-rays or MRI’s, and even biopsies. It sounds a lot like what survivors of Hodgkin’s who are at risk for late effects are going through! While this article does not address late effects, it does call attention to the uncertainty and anxiety that many people experience when being watched closely – even if it’s with the intention to prevent a cancer diagnosis.

Medscape –

Here is some good news for Hodgkin’s survivors who suffer from cardiac failure due to aortic valve regurgitation – a common late effect for those who had chest radiation. The forward progression of this trial could ultimately mean that there are additional, far less invasive (and grueling!) options for open-heart surgery (SAVR). Hodgkin’s survivors often have complicating co-morbidities when it comes to surgical valve replacement procedures, making the use of TAVR a welcome choice.

HemOnc Today –

This article summarizes a study using data collected from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study. It affirms that long-term cancer survivors, even those who are decades beyond treatment, continue to have a fear of recurrence. This research went beyond merely compiling statistics. It looked at some of the predictors and risk factors as well as interventions to help survivors manage these fears.

HemOnc Today –

The results of this recent study show that only about one-third of childhood cancer survivors adhered to follow-up recommendations regarding late effects. This finding is indeed alarming but probably not surprising to many long-term survivors.

Hematology Advisor –

A new first-line chemotherapy regimen of prednisone, vinblastine, doxorubicin, and bendamustine (PVAB) yields a high complete metabolic response (CMR) rate with acceptable toxicity in older patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), according to research published in Blood.

Healio –

This article describes research done by the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and CARDIA, which stands for “Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults.” These two organizations combined their data bases to create an in-depth study of the specific risks for childhood cancer survivors. The results are concerning, and they underline the need for early and frequent observation post treatment.

Dana Farber Cancer Institute – The Adult Survivorship Program team and Lymphoma Division at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has created an evidence-based Hodgkin Lymphoma online educational resource website for Hodgkin Lymphoma survivors, loved ones, caregivers, and clinicians. We have designed this program to describe the different aspects of survivorship for Hodgkin Lymphoma patients, including cancer risks, care of your heart, healthy living, emotional well-being, family and relationships, and general tips. This website provides specific strategies to manage potential late and long-term effects from chemotherapy and/or radiation for Hodgkin Lymphoma and other related cancers.

Medpage Today –

The research was presented in October, 2022 at the International Symposium on Hodgkin Lymphoma and earlier, at the ASCO (American Society for Clinical Oncology) Annual Meeting in 2021. A common chemotherapy drug used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma conferred a significantly increased risk of breast cancer among women treated during adolescence and adulthood, a large retrospective study showed.