These cancers develop as a result and following another illness, another cancer or a treatment modalities. A patient with Hodgkin's Disease who has been treated with chemotherapy , may be at increased risk of developing an acute Leukemia . Individuals exposed to radiation may develop a secondary cancer as well. This was clearly seen in survivors of Hiroshima. Myelodysplastic Syndrome encompasses a few blood illnesses that can transform into leukemias, which are very difficult to manage.
Secondary cancers are generally more difficult to treat and are resistant to standard treatment.