Dual primary malignancies are no longer a rarity: A single centre experience from eastern India

Abstract

Advancements in cancer therapies have improved long-term survival rates, contributing to an increased incidence of second primary malignancies. This study aims to describe the clinical characteristics, tumour profiles, and treatment patterns of patients diagnosed with dual primary malignancies. A retrospective review of prospectively maintained hospital records of patients diagnosed with histologically confirmed dual primary malignancies was performed from January 2023 to December 2024. Classification into synchronous and metachronous tumours was done as per the criteria by Warren and Gates. Demographic data, tumour site, chronology, and treatment details were collated for analysis. In this study, a total of 21 patients were found to have dual primary malignancies, which included 12 (57.1%) males and 9 (42.9%) females. Out of these, 8 (38.1%) were synchronous, and 13 (61.9%) were metachronous lesions. Common sites of first primary malignancy included breast, colon, head and neck, rectum, and prostate, whereas common sites of second primary malignancies included the thyroid, especially papillary carcinoma, followed by breast, gastrointestinal tract, and prostate. Six (28.6%) patients had breast malignancy, where it was the primary malignancy in 4 cases and a secondary malignancy in 2 cases. One patient with bilateral breast carcinoma is also included in this category. With the improving survival after cancer treatment, dual primary malignancies are being detected with increasing frequency. The key to improving outcomes in this growing subset of oncology patients lies in early identification by vigilant follow-up, appropriate screening, and management strategies tailored to the individual patient.