Transfusion and second malignancy

BACKGROUND: Perioperative blood transfusion has been reported to cause a variety of immunosuppressive effects, including increased rates of malignancy recurrence. The effect of perioperative transfusion on second malignancy risk has not previously been investigated. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Second malignancy risk was evaluated in 1053 patients previously operated upon for colon cancer, and these findings are related to perioperative transfusion history. RESULTS: Transfusion history did not relate to the probability of a patient's remaining free of second malignancy. CONCLUSION: An increased risk of total or second malignancies (with the possible exception of lung cancer) was not associated with transfusion.