Frequency of Hematologic and Solid Malignancies in the Family History of Patients with Myeloid Neoplasms

BackgroundStudies demonstrated that there are several germline mutations that lead to a familial predisposition for acute myeloid leukemia and Myelodysplastic syndrome. According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology ,the minimum cancer family history was defined as including first- and second-degree family history, type of primary cancer, and age at diagnosis. The current study aimed to estimate the frequency of positive family history for hematologic and solid malignancies in patients with Myeloid Neoplasms / Aplastic anemia. Patients and MethodsA cross section study was carried out at the Center of Blood Diseases, Medical City Campus during the period from March-December 2020. A purposeful sample of all adult patients with Myeloid Neoplasms [Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Myelodysplastic Syndrome, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Aplastic Anemia] were included in the study. A data collection form was prepared, based on the Hereditary Hematopoietic Malignancies Screening form adopted by the University of Chicago, and modified by the researchers; The data were collected by direct interview with the patients. Patients with hematologic malignancy and one or more first-degree relatives, or [≥]2 second-degree relatives, with hematologic malignancies and individuals with Myelodysplastic Syndrome or Acute Myeloid Leukemia and two first or second-degree relatives with a diagnosis of solid tumor malignancy were considered potential carriers of such genetic predisposition. ResultsA total of 153 patients were included; males were nearly equal to females with a male to female ratio of nearly 1:1. Acute Myeloid Leukemia was found in 57.5%, Aplastic Anemia was found in 19%, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia in 17% and only four patients (6.5%) were known cases of Myelodysplastic Syndrome. Nine patients (5.9%) reported family history of hematological malignancies, 29 (19.0%) reported family history of solid malignancies and only one patient reported family history of both hematological and solid malignancies. Regarding the official medical reports of the patients, no patient had been interviewed properly about this crucial point. ConclusionPositive family history for hematological and solid malignancies in Iraqi patients with myeloid neoplasms is prevalent. Our current approach to this critical issue in Iraq needs to be re-considered.