Haematological cancers in pregnancy

Benjamin Brenner*, Irit Avivi, Michael Lishner

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

151 Scopus citations

Abstract

Haematological cancer in pregnancy, although rare, poses a substantial risk to both mother and fetus. Hodgkin's lymphoma is the most common, followed by non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute leukaemia. Diagnosis of haematological cancers is challenged by an overlap of the disease and gestation-related symptoms and limitations of imaging studies in pregnancy. Data for safety and effectiveness of therapy are scarce and mostly retrospective. This report provides updated guidance for management, focusing on chemotherapy and biological agents. The primary goal of treatment is to preserve the mother's health; hence, pregnancy termination is often advisable at early stages, allowing delivery of adequate therapy. However, at later gestational stages treatment is often feasible. Pregnancy-related hypercoagulability, augmented by cancer, often necessitates thromboprophylaxis. The consequences and complex management of haematological cancer during pregnancy emphasise the need for collaborative research, focusing on basic mechanisms of disease and prospective epidemiological studies.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)580-587
Number of pages8
JournalThe Lancet
Volume379
Issue number9815
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012

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