Predictors of Multiple Primary Malignancies: Literature Review

Abstract

The present paper considers the predictors of multiple primary malignancies. The multiple primary malignancies are often induced by genetic predisposition and familial cancer syndromes, environmental carcinogens and bad habits (e.g. tobacco and alcohol abuse), immunodeficiency and infectious diseases, carcinogens occurring as a result of various treatments, etc. Germinal mutations are considered to be one of the causes of primary cancer — they increase the risk of various multiple primary malignancies. Hereditary cancers are characterized by a strong family history, early age of onset and occurrence of multiple primary malignancies. The paper considers various mechanisms of multiple primary malignancies with an emphasis on the effect of carcinogens in carriers of pathogenic genes on cancer development. In proven cases, when patients are exposed to multiple carcinogens, they should be aware of possible late and long-term effects of treatment and their symptoms, as well as secondary malignancies that might occur. When the main predictors of carcinogenesis are manageable, and primary preventive measures can be taken, the hereditary malignancies require postexposure prophylaxis. In addition to specific recommendations for the prevention of primary cancers, it is essential to follow recommendations for the prevention of second primary cancers.