Therapy Related Cancer refers to the development of cancer as a direct result of medical treatment or therapy administered for a different medical condition. Also known as secondary or iatrogenic cancer, therapy-related cancer typically occurs as a consequence of treatments like radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, or targeted therapy which are utilized to manage or cure various diseases, including benign or malignant tumors, infections, autoimmune disorders, or other illnesses.
The occurrence of therapy-related cancer can be attributed to the damaging effects of these therapies on healthy cells and tissues. These interventions, while aiming to eradicate the underlying disease, can also unintentionally damage genetic material, impairing normal cell growth and regulation. As a result, the affected cells can undergo genetic mutations and eventually develop into cancerous cells. Therapy-related cancer can manifest in various forms, including leukemias, lymphomas, solid tumors, or sarcomas.
Patients who have undergone extensive or repeated exposure to cancer therapies or those with a history of genetic predisposition may have a higher risk of developing therapy-related cancer. Identifying therapy-related cancers may be challenging as their symptoms may overlap with those of the primary disease or may appear several years after the initial treatment. Hence, vigilant monitoring and follow-up care are essential for patients undergoing cancer therapy to promptly identify and treat any therapy-related cancer. Various treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted therapies, may be employed to manage therapy-related cancer, with the specific course of action depending on several factors such as the type and stage of cancer, patient health, and prior treatments.