How pneumonia can reveal undiagnosed blood cancer
Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization, most commonly pneumonia, can be a sign of previously undiagnosed blood cancer and immunodeficiency in adult patients, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg.
Severe pneumococcal infections, such as pneumonia, can sometimes be an indicator of undiagnosed blood cancer or immunodeficiency in adults, according to a study from the University of Gothenburg. The research, published in the journal Scientific Reports, focused on 156 patients who experienced invasive pneumococcal disease and required hospitalization in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden, between 2018 and 2023.
The majority of the patients were over 70 years old. The study measured antibody levels and assessed the presence of M protein, a potential indicator of blood cancer or precursor conditions. One quarter of the individuals with pneumococcal disease tested positive for M protein, suggesting a possible link to blood cancer or precursor conditions.
The detection process led to the diagnosis of seven patients with blood cancer, 12 with conditions that could lead to blood cancer, and eight with immunodeficiency, seven of whom were able to start preventative treatment. The researchers emphasize that screening for M proteins and antibody levels should be considered for adults with invasive pneumococcal disease, as these disorders may be overlooked otherwise.
The findings also highlight the need for adjusting pneumococcal vaccine recommendations for adults to account for the changing bacterial serotypes and their impact on vulnerable populations.
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