Hemophilia and cancer: A new challenge for hemophilia centers

SummaryThe improved life expectancy of hemophilia patients due to the advances in hemophilia care and factor replacement therapy has permitted to hemophiliacs to reach an older age. As a consequence, age-related diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders and cancer, have been increasingly recognized in such patients. In particular, the management of cancer in people with inherited hemorrhagic disorders represents a new challenge for physicians working in hemophilia centers. The few published literature data document that there is a close relationship between hemophilia and neoplasia. Indeed, the congenital bleeding tendency may influence the cancer in different ways, by interfering with its clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. These aspects, along with the epidemiology of cancer in hemophiliacs will be discussed in this review.