Background: Perioperative blood transfusion has been reported to cause
a variety of immunosuppressive effects, including increased rates of
malignancy recurrence. The effect of perioperative transfusion on seco
nd malignancy risk has not previously been investigated. Study Design
and Methods: Second malignancy risk was evaluated in 1053 patients pre
viously operated upon for colon cancer, and these findings are related
to perioperative transfusion history. Results: Transfusion history di
d not relate to the probability of a patient's remaining free of secon
d malignancy. Conclusion: An increased risk of total or second maligna
ncies (with the possible exception of lung cancer) was not associated
with transfusion.