Risk of colorectal cancer in patients with hematologic disease

Background and Aims: A relatively large number of patients with multiple my eloma have been reported to develop a secondary malignancy such as cancer o f the breast, biliary system or bower. Methods:A retrospective study was performed in 734 patients with hematologi c disease diagnosed at Nippon Medical School Hospital between May 1984 and September 1994 to determine the incidence of colorectal cancer in these pat ients based on a history review, colonoscopic findings, and surgical or aut opsy data. Results: Of the 734 patients, 14 (1.9%) had colorectal cancer; two of 11 pa tients (18.2%) had pure red cell aplasia; two of 25 patients (8%) had multi ple myeloma; and three of 46 patients (6.5%) had aplastic anemia. Patients with:pure red cell aplasia, multiple myeloma or aplastic anemia had colorec tal cancer at a significantly higher rate compared to those with leukemia ( P < 0.005, P < 0.02, P < 0.01, respectively). Conclusions: It is possible that a relatively large number of patients with pure red cell aplasia, multiple myeloma or aplastic anemia will develop a colorectal cancer. (C) 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.