Fact 15: The Interplay Between HLH and Malignancies
An intriguing aspect of HLH is its connection with malignancies. Both primary and secondary HLH can occur in association with various types of cancer, most commonly lymphomas. This link can be explained by the fact that both conditions involve abnormal immune cell behavior.
HLH can sometimes present as a paraneoplastic syndrome, an abnormal immune response to a malignancy. In this context, the body’s immune response to the cancer spirals out of control, leading to the onset of HLH.
The presence of a malignancy can complicate the diagnosis of HLH. HLH symptoms might be mistakenly attributed to the cancer itself or to side effects of cancer treatment. It’s crucial to recognize HLH in these situations, as the condition can rapidly worsen without appropriate treatment.
The management of HLH associated with malignancies can be challenging. Treatment must not only address the overactive immune response characteristic of HLH but also tackle the underlying malignancy. This dual therapeutic approach can be complex, necessitating careful coordination and monitoring. (15)
