The Impact of Healthy Lifestyles on Late Sequelae in Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma and Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Survivors. A Systematic Review by the Fondazione Italiana Linfomi.

Abstract

Simple SummaryWith the presented study, Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) researchers want to fill a gap in the literature regarding long-lived lymphoma patients (beyond 5 years after diagnosis). These patients can develop a series of late sequelae that affect their quality of life and overall survival, especially cardiotoxicity and secondary malignancies. In this context, although part of the risk is closely related to the chemotherapy and radiotherapy, some risk factors can be modified through tertiary prevention. There are currently no specific indications for tertiary prevention in the subset of long-term lymphoma survivors. This systematic review conducted by the FIL researchers is aimed at understanding whether there is evidence that correcting unhealthy lifestyles can reduce the onset of late sequelae.Background: In recent years, the scientific community has been paying ever more attention to the promotion of lifestyles aimed at the prevention of late toxicities related to anti-cancer treatments. Methods: Fondazione Italiana Linfomi (FIL) researchers conducted a systematic review in order to evaluate the evidence in favor of the promotion of lifestyles aimed at the prevention of the main sequelae of long-term classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in survivors treated at adulthood with first-line or second-line therapy, including autologous stem cell transplants (ASCTs). Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched up to December 2020. Results: Seven studies were ultimately included in this systematic review; some of them were eligible for multiple PICOS. The majority of the studies emerged from data extraction regarding cHL; less evidence resulted for DLBCL survivors. Five studies in favor of physical activity provided consistent data for a reduction of the cardiovascular risk in cHL and also in survivors who underwent ASCT. A beneficial effect of physical activity in reducing chronic fatigue was found. Being overweight was associated with a higher risk of coronary heart disease in cHL survivors in one of the two eligible studies. Studies aiming to evaluate the impact of the Mediterranean diet on late toxicities and secondary cancers were lacking. Tailored survivorship care plans (SCP) seemed to represent an optimal tool to guide the follow-up and promote healthier lifestyles in the one eligible study. Thus, promotion of healthy lifestyles and empowering of lymphoma survivors should be implemented through structured models. The study also brought to light numerous areas of future clinical research.