TRANSFUSION AND 2ND MALIGNANCY

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.