Epidemiology and Etiology of Leukemia and Lymphoma

Abstract

Available evidence suggests that the incidence of leukemia and lymphoma tends to be higher in highly developed regions of the world and among Whites in the United States. Temporal trends in incidence are dynamic and multifactorial; for instance, the incidence of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increased around the turn of the century, in part because of the acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic. Most leukemias and lymphomas are sporadic and the specific etiology remains elusive. Still, research shows that these malignancies often develop in the context of genetic abnormalities, immunosuppression, and exposure to risk factors like ionizing radiation, carcinogenic chemicals, and oncogenic viruses. The prognosis varies by subtype, with poorer survival outcomes for acute leukemias among adults, and more favorable outcomes for Hodgkin's lymphoma. At a time when specific prevention efforts targeting these malignancies are nonexistent, there is a great need to ensure equitable access to diagnostic services and treatments worldwide.

Etiology of Acute Leukemia: A Review

“…For example, in the United Kingdom, 42.8% of all leukemias occur in individuals over 65 years of age [ 2 ]. A review of the subject in the United States reports that the overall age-adjusted leukemia incidence is highest in the White population at 15 per 100,000, followed by Blacks at 11 per 100,000, and Hispanics at 10.6 per 100,000 population [ 3 ]. The incidence among Asian/Pacific Islanders was 7.8 per 100,000 and in American Indian/Alaskan Natives, 8.3 per 100,000 population [ 3 ].…”

“…A review of the subject in the United States reports that the overall age-adjusted leukemia incidence is highest in the White population at 15 per 100,000, followed by Blacks at 11 per 100,000, and Hispanics at 10.6 per 100,000 population [ 3 ]. The incidence among Asian/Pacific Islanders was 7.8 per 100,000 and in American Indian/Alaskan Natives, 8.3 per 100,000 population [ 3 ]. Similar racial and ethnic patterns were found for age-adjusted mortality rates per 100,000 population, which were 7 for Whites, 5.6 for Blacks, 4.8 for Hispanics, 3.8 for Asian/Pacific Islanders and 3.3 for Indian/Alaskan Natives [ 3 ].…”

Global, regional, and national burdens of leukemia from 1990 to 2017: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease 2017 study

“…It not only results in a major personal burden, but also affects families and the economic structures of countries. Recently, some studies have reported the descriptive epidemiology of leukemia based on the SEER results [ 5 , 6 ], however, the burden of leukemia has not been comprehensively evaluated, despite some reviews reporting the epidemiological characteristics of some specific subtypes of leukemia [ 7 – 9 ]. A systematic analysis will help quantify health loss due to leukemia and guide policy-making by healthcare providers aimed at improving health systems and decreasing the burden of leukemia over time.…”

Secular trends in the incidence and survival of all leukemia types in the United States from 1975 to 2017

“…Only Xie et al evaluated the change of incidence and survival of overall leukemia in the United States from 1973 to 1998 14 , but the updated progress was imperative. Recently, Bispo et al reported the latest incidence and survival rates of leukemia and lymphoma by subtype, age, and race, but the corresponding variations across calendar years are unclear 15 . Summarily, although few studies analyzed the burden of leukemia from different aspects, and the latest disease burden of leukemia is still unknown.…”