Secondary cancers following allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation in adults

Secondary cancers that arise in allogeneic haematopoietic-cell transplant recipients, possibly as a result of treatment exposures, are a relatively rare complication of transplantation. However, they can be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Secondary cancers include post-transplant lympho-proliferative disorders, new solid cancers and donor-derived haematological malignancies. This review describes the epidemiology, risk factors and screening recommendations for secondary cancers among adult allogeneic haematopoietic-cell transplant recipients. Constructing a patient-specific risk profile based on known exposures and risk-factors is the key to developing appropriate screening and preventative strategies for secondary cancers after allogeneic transplantation.