Impact of military deployment on non-Hodgkin lymphoma subtype.

Abstract

e19070 Background: Approximately 3.5 million activity duty service members (ADSM) have deployed to Afghanistan or Iraq from 2001-2022. During deployments, ADSMs are potentially exposed to deployment-related toxins and carcinogens, which could theoretically alter cancer biology. In terms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), it is unclear whether deployment affects NHL subtype or cancer-specific survival. Methods: Deployment and occupation data from the Defense Manpower Data Center was merged with data from the Department of Defense Tumor Registry. Documented cases of NHL diagnosed from 2001-2022 were identified. ADSMs and retirees were included; dependents and those under the age of 18 were excluded. Differences in NHL subtype (aggressive B-cell, indolent B-cell, T-cell) and cancer-specific survival were assessed by deployment status (previously deployed vs. never deployed). Occupation was assessed among those who deployed. Propensity score matching (2:1) for age at diagnosis, year of diagnosis, and gender was performed to minimize confounding. All data were carried out using SAS and Jump statistical software. This study was approved by the IRB. Results: There were 2,599 ADSMs and retirees diagnosed with NHL between 2001-2022. Approximately 15% had previously deployed (n=398). Compared with never deployed, military personnel who had previously deployed were more likely to have aggressive B-cell NHL (45% vs. 34%) and less likely to have indolent B-cell NHL (50% vs. 54%) or T-cell NHL (6% vs. 12%), p<0.001. Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan did not impact NHL subtype. During deployment, occupations of Infantry, Engineering and Healthcare did not impact NHL subtype, whereas occupations of Pilot/Aircrew and Intelligence did, with less T-cell lymphoma diagnosed (0 vs. 7%, and 3% vs. 8%, respectively). When evaluating NHL subtype by race, it was noted that in comparison to White, Asian, Pacific Islander and Other Race, Black Race was associated with more T-cell NHL (21%), largely comprised of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Conclusions: After propensity score matching, prior deployment was associated with more aggressive B-cell lymphoma than military personnel who had never deployed. Deployment occupation affected NHL subtype diagnosed, with Pilots/Aircrew and Intelligence personnel being less likely to have T-cell lymphoma, whereas Black Race was associated with a higher likelihood of having T-cell lymphoma. This study sheds insights into the impact of deployment on cancer subtype. Ongoing investigations are assessing mortality differences by deployment as well as causes of death.