Cancer-Associated Thrombosis: An Overview of Mechanisms, Risk Factors, and Treatment

Characteristics and outcomes of cancer patients who develop pulmonary embolism: A cross‑sectional study

Pulmonary embolism (PE), along with deep vein thrombosis, are collectively known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). Predisposing factors for PE include post-operative conditions, pregnancy, cancer and an advanced age; of note, a number of genetic mutations have been found to be associated with an increased risk of PE. The association between cancer and VTE is well-established, and cancer patients present a higher risk of a thrombotic event compared to the general population. In addition, PE is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among cancer patients. The aim of the present study was to illustrate the clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, radiology features and outcomes of cancer patients who developed PE, collected from an anticancer hospital. For this purpose, adult cancer patients diagnosed with PE by imaging with computed tomography pulmonary angiography were enrolled. The following data were recorded: Demographics, comorbidities, type of cancer, time interval between cancer diagnosis and PE occurrence, the type of therapy received and the presence of metastases, clinical signs and symptoms, predisposing factors for PE development, laboratory data, radiological findings, electrocardiography findings, and the type of therapy received for PE and outcomes in a follow-up period of 6 months. In total, 60 cancer patients were enrolled. The majority of the cancer patients were males. The most common type of cancer observed was lung cancer. The majority of cases of PE occurred within the first year from the time of cancer diagnosis, while the majority of patients had already developed metastases. In addition, the majority of cancer patients had received chemotherapy over the past month, while they were not receiving anticoagulants and had central obstruction. A large proportion of patients had asymptomatic PE. The in-hospital mortality rate was 13.3% and no relapse or mortality were observed during the follow-up period. The present study demonstrates that elevated levels of lactic acid and an increased platelet count, as well as low serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen, albumin and D-dimer, may be potential biomarkers for asymptomatic PE among cancer patients.

Venous-thromboembolism and associated health care utilization in elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma

BACKGROUND

Patients with lymphoma have an increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE). The authors examined the risk of VTE and subsequent health care utilization in elderly patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

METHODS

A total of 5537 DLBCL patients ≥66 years old enrolled in Medicare from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry and a noncancer control group of Medicare beneficiaries (n = 5537) were identified. Cumulative incidence function to examine the risk of VTE 12 months after DLBCL diagnosis was used. Fine and Gray method was used to examine the risk factors associated with VTE risk in multivariable models. Total number of hospitalizations, outpatient visits, and Medicare spending were compared in DLBCL patients with and without VTE.

RESULTS

VTE was diagnosed in 8.3% DLBCL patients and 1.5% controls, yielding an 8.6-fold higher risk of VTE in DLBCL in adjusted analysis (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.62-11.20; P < .001). Multivariable regression analysis showed that precancer VTE history was associated with an increased risk of developing VTE after a DLBCL diagnosis (hazard ratio [HR], 5.39; 95% CI, 4.39-6.63), and Asian individuals were associated with a lower risk (HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.29-1.00). Patients newly diagnosed with VTE after lymphoma had a 1.7-fold higher rate of hospitalization and a 1.2-fold higher rate of outpatient visits compared to those without, resulting in excess Medicare spending of $22,208 in the first year after DLBCL diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients with DLBCL have an elevated risk of VTE resulting in excess health care utilization. VTE history before DLBCL was associated with increased risk of post-DLBCL VTE, and Asian individuals were associated with a lower risk of VTE.

Extracellular Vesicles Linking Inflammation, Cancer and Thrombotic Risks

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) being defined as lipid-bilayer encircled particles are released by almost all known mammalian cell types and represent a heterogenous set of cell fragments that are found in the blood circulation and all other known body fluids. The current nomenclature distinguishes mainly three forms: microvesicles, which are formed by budding from the plasma membrane; exosomes, which are released, when endosomes with intraluminal vesicles fuse with the plasma membrane; and apoptotic bodies representing fragments of apoptotic cells. Their importance for a great variety of biological processes became increasingly evident in the last decade when it was discovered that they contribute to intercellular communication by transferring nucleotides and proteins to recipient cells. In this review, we delineate several aspects of their isolation, purification, and analysis; and discuss some pitfalls that have to be considered therein. Further on, we describe various cellular sources of EVs and explain with different examples, how they link cancer and inflammatory conditions with thrombotic processes. In particular, we elaborate on the roles of EVs in cancer-associated thrombosis and COVID-19, representing two important paradigms, where local pathological processes have systemic effects in the whole organism at least in part via EVs. Finally, we also discuss possible developments of the field in the future and how EVs might be used as biomarkers for diagnosis, and as vehicles for therapeutics.

Absorption of Direct Oral Anticoagulants in Cancer Patients after Gastrectomy

Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are safe and effective in cancer patients treated for venous thromboembolism (VTE) or atrial fibrillation (AF). Gastrectomy is the treatment of choice in patients with localized upper gastrointestinal cancer. DOACs are absorbed in the upper gastrointestinal tract, but to what extent is unclear. In a retrospective analysis, hospital data were searched for adult patients who underwent gastrectomy for gastroesophageal or pancreatic cancer, and DOAC therapy for VTE or AF after gastrectomy. DOAC blood levels were determined by chromogenic assays before and after administration, and thromboembolic and bleeding complications were recorded. Eleven patients (median age 76 years) received a factor Xa inhibitor (FXaI; apixaban (3), edoxaban (3), rivaroxaban (4)) or the factor IIa inhibitor dabigatran (1) for VTE (7) or AF (4) after gastrectomy. Eight patients on FXaI had anti-Xa (aXa) trough levels within the expected range (ER). In all of them, aXa levels increased upon DOAC administration. Two patients on 30 mg edoxaban had low aXa trough levels. Administration of 20 mg of rivaroxaban resulted in trough levels in the ER in one of them. None of the FXaI patients had thromboembolism, while two experienced bleeding (arterial puncture site, gastrointestinal). One dabigatran AF patient with trough and peak concentrations below the ER had strokes during 110 mg and 150 mg dabigatran administration. While on apixaban, aXa levels were in the ER, and no clinical complications occurred. DOACs, particularly FXaI, were adequately absorbed in cancer patients after gastrectomy. Our observation of recurrent thromboembolic events in a patient treated with dabigatran warrants cautious use in this specific patient population.

Multimodality Advanced Cardiovascular and Molecular Imaging for Early Detection and Monitoring of Cancer Therapy-Associated Cardiotoxicity and the Role of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data

Cancer mortality has improved due to earlier detection via screening, as well as due to novel cancer therapies such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and immune checkpoint inhibitions. However, similarly to older cancer therapies such as anthracyclines, these therapies have also been documented to cause cardiotoxic events including cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, myocarditis, arrhythmia, hypertension, and thrombosis. Imaging modalities such as echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are critical in monitoring and evaluating for cardiotoxicity from these treatments, as well as in providing information for the assessment of function and wall motion abnormalities. MRI also allows for additional tissue characterization using T1, T2, extracellular volume (ECV), and delayed gadolinium enhancement (DGE) assessment. Furthermore, emerging technologies may be able to assist with these efforts. Nuclear imaging using targeted radiotracers, some of which are already clinically used, may have more specificity and help provide information on the mechanisms of cardiotoxicity, including in anthracycline mediated cardiomyopathy and checkpoint inhibitor myocarditis. Hyperpolarized MRI may be used to evaluate the effects of oncologic therapy on cardiac metabolism. Lastly, artificial intelligence and big data of imaging modalities may help predict and detect early signs of cardiotoxicity and response to cardioprotective medications as well as provide insights on the added value of molecular imaging and correlations with cardiovascular outcomes. In this review, the current imaging modalities used to assess for cardiotoxicity from cancer treatments are discussed, in addition to ongoing research on targeted molecular radiotracers, hyperpolarized MRI, as well as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data in imaging that would help improve the detection and prognostication of cancer-treatment cardiotoxicity.

Tumor-Educated Platelets Facilitate Thrombus Formation Through Migration

Platelets are small anucleate cells that circulate in the blood and form thrombi. Tumor-educated platelets are the platelets derived from cancer patients. Although many have reported that tumor-educated platelets are associated with cancer-associated thrombosis, their function in this process is poorly understood. Here we first collect the clinical data from 100 different cancer patients, showing that cancer patients are in a hypercoagulable state. Our experiment shows that tumor-educated platelets from melanoma-burdened mouse models can migrate faster and longer, forming more clots (thrombus). However, the plasma from tumor mice can inhibit platelet migration. The RNA sequence profile of tumor-educated platelets shows that many genes associated with cell migration and cell skeleton expressed significantly higher. Our research offers a new insight into the tumor-educated platelets to better understand the thrombus formation.

Neutrophil extracellular traps promote cancer-associated inflammation and myocardial stress

Cancer is associated with systemic pathologies that contribute to mortality, such as thrombosis and distant organ failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in myocardial inflammation and tissue damage in treatment-naïve individuals with cancer. Mice with mammary carcinoma (MMTV-PyMT) had increased plasma levels of NETs measured as H3Cit-DNA complexes, paralleled with elevated coagulation, compared to healthy littermates. MMTV-PyMT mice displayed upregulation of pro-inflammatory markers in the heart, myocardial hypertrophy and elevated cardiac disease biomarkers in the blood, but not echocardiographic heart failure. Moreover, increased endothelial proliferation was observed in hearts from tumor-bearing mice. Removal of NETs by DNase I treatment suppressed the myocardial inflammation, expression of cardiac disease biomarkers and endothelial proliferation. Compared to a healthy control group, treatment-naïve cancer patients with different malignant disorders had increased NET formation, which correlated to plasma levels of the inflammatory marker CRP and the cardiac disease biomarkers NT-proBNP and sTNFR1, in agreement with the mouse data. Altogether, our data indicate that NETs contribute to inflammation and myocardial stress during malignancy. These findings suggest NETs as potential therapeutic targets to prevent cardiac inflammation and dysfunction in cancer patients.

Apis mellifera syriaca Venom: Evaluation of Its Anticoagulant Effect, Proteolytic Activity, and Cytotoxicity along with Its Two Main Compounds-MEL and PLA2-On HeLa Cancer Cells

Bee venom (BV) is one of the most remarkable natural products that has been a subject of studies since ancient times. Recent studies have shown that Apis mellifera syriaca venom possesses antibacterial as well as cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. The venom contains a variety of bioactive molecules-mainly melittin (MEL) and phospholipase A2 (PLA2), as well as other compounds that are not well characterized. In this work, we continue the biological characterization of A. mellifera syriaca venom by testing its anticoagulant effect on human plasma using the prothrombin time (PT) test, as well as assessing its proteolytic activity. In addition, the cytotoxicity of the crude venom-and of its two main components, MEL and PLA2-was tested on HeLa cancer cell lines for the first time. The results obtained showed the capacity of A. mellifera syriaca venom to increase clotting time, thereby proving its anticoagulant effect. Moreover, the venom did not demonstrate a significant proteolytic activity unless administrated at concentrations ≥ 5 mg/mL. Finally, we showed that crude A. mellifera syriaca venom, along with MEL, exhibit a strong in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cancer cell lines, even at low concentrations. In summary, our findings could serve as a basis for the development of new natural-based drug candidates in the therapeutic field.

Factor VIII as a potential player in cancer pathophysiology

BACKGROUND

Trousseau sign was the first demonstration of a close relationship between cancer and thrombosis. Currently, venous thromboembolism (VTE) is five to six times more likely to occur in cancer patients, whereas there is a greater risk of cancer diagnoses following thromboses. In considering novel players, factor VIII (FVIII), an essential coagulation cofactor with emerging extracoagulative functions, has been identified as an independent VTE risk factor in cancer; however, the basis of this increase is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the possible direct expression and secretion of FVIII by cancer cells.

METHODS

Bladder cancer, with a high VTE risk, and normal bladder tissue and epithelium, were used to investigate FVIII. Factor VIII protein and secretion were examined in bladder cancer cell lines. Expanding to other cancers, the Cancer Cell line Encyclopedia database was used to analyze FVIII, tissue factor, FV, FVII, FIX, FX, and von Willebrand factor (VWF) mRNA in 811 cell lines subdivided according to origin. Factor VIII protein synthesis, secretion, and bioactivity were investigated in a profile of cancer cell lines of differing origins.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Although expressed in the normal bladder epithelium, FVIII mRNA and protein were higher in matched bladder neoplasms, with synthesis and secretion of bioactive FVIII evident in bladder cancer cells. This can be extended to other cancer cell lines, with a pattern reflecting the tumor origin, and that is independent of VWF and other relevant players in the coagulation cascade. Here, evidence is provided of a possible independent role for FVIII in cancer-related pathophysiology.

Thromboembolic Events in Patients with HER2-Negative, Hormone Receptor-Positive, Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated with Ribociclib Combined with Letrozole or Fulvestrant: A Real-World Data

Purpose

Patients and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Diagnosis of Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia After Presentation to Neuro-Ophthalmology

BACKGROUND

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APML) is a medical emergency that can initially present with neuro-ophthalmologic signs. Early recognition is crucial, and immediate treatment with all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide (ATO) can be life-saving. The goal of this study was to describe patients who first presented to neuro-ophthalmology and were subsequently diagnosed with APML.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients seen at a tertiary neuro-ophthalmology centre. Patients with an unknown diagnosis of APML at presentation who subsequently went on to receive this diagnosis were included. Clinical characteristics, neuro-ophthalmologic findings, and outcome were retrieved.

RESULTS

A total of 3 patients (2 women and 1 men) with a mean age of 30.7 (range 24-33) years were included in the study. Neuro-ophthalmologic diagnoses at presentation were severe hemorrhagic papilledema related to dural venous sinus thrombosis, hemorrhagic bilateral optic disc edema, and left homonymous hemianopia related to an occipital lobe hemorrhage. At diagnosis, the average hemoglobin was 83.7g/L (range 78-104), and the platelet count was 39.3 × 109/L (range 15-77). All patients were treated with ATRA and ATO. One patient developed papilledema and sixth nerve palsies related to this treatment, which resolved with acetazolamide. Clinical follow-up ranged from 6 to 12 months, and all patients were in clinical remission about systemic APML.

CONCLUSION

Neuro-ophthalmologic symptoms may be the first manifestations of APML, and a complete blood count is an essential test in patients presenting with optic disc edema, especially if hemorrhagic.

Complication Avoidance in Surgical Management of Vertebral Column Tumors

The surgical management of spinal tumors has grown increasingly complex as treatment algorithms for both primary bone tumors of the spine and metastatic spinal disease have evolved in response to novel surgical techniques, rising complication rates, and additional data concerning adjunct therapies. In this review, we discuss actionable interventions for improved patient safety in the operative care for spinal tumors. Strategies for complication avoidance in the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative settings are discussed for approach-related morbidities, intraoperative hemorrhage, wound healing complications, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak, thromboembolism, and failure of instrumentation and fusion. These strategies center on themes such as pre-operative imaging review and medical optimization, surgical dissection informed by meticulous attention to anatomic boundaries, and fastidious wound closure followed by thorough post-operative care.

Clinical impact of cerebral infarction in patients with non-small cell lung cancer

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer patients have a high risk of cerebral infarction, but the clinical significance of cerebral infarction in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the incidence, prognostic impact, and risk factors of cerebral infarction in patients with NSCLC.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined 710 consecutive patients with advanced or post-operative recurrent NSCLC treated between January 2010 and July 2020 at Kumamoto University Hospital. Cerebral infarction was diagnosed according to the detection of high-intensity lesions on diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging regardless of the presence of neurological symptoms during the entire course from 3 months before NSCLC diagnosis. The prognostic impact and risk factors of cerebral infarction were evaluated based on propensity score matching (PSM) and multivariate logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Cerebral infarction occurred in 36 patients (5%). Of them, 21 (58%) and 15 (42%) patients developed asymptomatic and symptomatic cerebral infarction, respectively. PSM analysis for survival showed that cerebral infarction was an independent prognostic factor (hazards ratio: 2.45, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24-4.85, P = 0.010). On multivariate logistic regression analysis, D-dimer (odds ratio [OR]: 1.09, 95% CI 1.05-1.14, P < 0.001) and C-reactive protein (OR: 1.10, 95% CI 1.01-1.19, P = 0.023) levels were independent risk factors.

CONCLUSION

Cerebral infarction occurred in 5% of NSCLC patients, and asymptomatic cerebral infarction was more frequent. Cerebral infarction was a negative prognostic factor and was associated with hyper-coagulation and inflammation. The high frequency of asymptomatic cerebral infarction and its risk in NSCLC patients with these conditions should be recognized.

Anticoagulation for atrial fibrillation in active cancer (Review)

Atrial fibrillation (AF) may often pre-exist in patients with newly diagnosed cancer or occur with increased frequency shortly after cancer diagnosis. Patients with active cancer and AF have a particularly high risk of thromboembolic complications, as both conditions carry a risk of thrombosis. Thromboembolic risk is determined by several factors, including advanced age, sex (females), cancer histology (adenocarcinomas), location (e.g., pancreas, stomach), advanced stage, anticancer regimens (e.g., platinum compounds, anti-angiogenic therapies, immune modulators), comorbidities (e.g., obesity, kidney disease) and concurrent therapies (e.g., surgery, central catheters). Physicians are often reluctant to prescribe anticoagulants to patients with active cancer and AF, mainly due to fear of bleeding complications, which is partly related to the paucity of evidence in the field. Decision making regarding anticoagulation for the prevention of ischemic stroke and systemic embolism in patients with active cancer and AF may be challenging and should not simply rely on the risk prediction scores used in the general AF population. By contrast, the administration and choice of anticoagulants should be based on the comprehensive, individualized and periodic evaluation of thromboembolic and bleeding risk, drug-drug interactions, patient preferences and access to therapies.

Circulating Fatty Objects and Their Preferential Presence in Pancreatic Cancer Patient Blood Samples

Human cancers are often complicated with increased incidences of blood vessel occlusion, which are mostly insensitive to anticoagulation therapy. We searched for causal factors of cancer-associated embolism. A total of 2,017 blood samples was examined for visible abnormalities. Examined were peripheral blood samples from cancer patients who were about to undergo surgical treatment for genitourinary, breast, gastrointestinal or abdominal tumors. Samples from ambulatory patients being treated for recurrent or castration-resistant prostate cancers were included in the study. The lipid-rich nature was studied with lipophilic stains and lipid panel analysis, while surface membrane was assessed with specific staining and antibody detection. We identified a new entity, lipid droplet-like objects or circulating fatty objects (CFOs), visible in the blood samples of many cancer patients, with the potential of causing embolism. CFOs were defined as lipid-rich objects with a membrane, capable of gaining in volume through interaction with peripheral blood mononuclear cells in ex vivo culture. Blood samples from pancreatic cancer patients were found to have the highest CFO incidence and largest CFO numbers. Most noticeably, CFOs from many pancreatic cancer samples presented as large clusters entangled in insoluble fiber networks, suggestive of intravascular clotting. This study identifies CFO as an abnormal entity in cancer patient blood, and a contributory factor to intravascular embolism during cancer development and progression.

Endovascular Management of Venous Thromboembolic Disease in the Oncologic Patient Population

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Venous thromboembolic disease causes significant mortality and morbidity in the oncologic patient population. Recently, minimally invasive endovascular technologies have been developed as an adjunct to antithrombotic therapy for the management of DVT and PE. The current and potential roles for endovascular treatment of cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) will be reviewed in this article.

RECENT FINDINGS

The recent NCCN guidelines recommend endovascular therapy in patients eligible for therapeutic anticoagulation who present with life-, organ-, or limb-threatening thrombosis. However, symptomatic non-life-threatening VTE can negatively affect QOL and physical function, both of which have prognostic implications in the cancer population. Endovascular therapies have been shown to improve physical function and QOL in prospective trials performed in a non-oncologic patient population as well as small retrospective studies in the cancer population. In addition to treating life- and limb-threatening thrombosis, endovascular therapy for VTE can improve QOL and physical function in comparison to anticoagulation alone. Prospective trials are warranted to assess the benefit of endovascular therapy for quality of life-years, performance status, and overall survival in the oncologic patient population.

Incidence and Related Factors for Low-Extremity Deep Vein Thrombosis in Breast Cancer Patients Who Underwent Surgical Resection: What Do We Know and What Should We Care

Malignancy, surgical resection, and neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy increase the low-extremity deep vein thrombosis (LDVT) risk in patients with breast cancer, bringing in great physical burdens, disabilities, and worse survivals. However, LDVT in surgical breast cancer patients is scarcely reported. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the incidence and related factors for LDVT in these patients. Patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical resection were included. LDVT was examined on the day of discharge and 1 month after the discharge. A total of 491 eligible patients were included, among which 11 (2.2%) patients occurred LDVT. Besides, higher age, history of diabetes mellitus, advanced T and tumor node metastasis (TNM) stages, higher platelet count, and shorter activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were correlated with increased LDVT incidence (all p < 0.05). Additionally, higher age [p = 0.004, odds ratio (OR) (95% CI): 1.082 (1.023–1.144)], history of diabetes mellitus [p = 0.003, OR (95% CI): 10.426 (2.219–48.986)], and a higher platelet count [p = 0.008, OR (95% CI): 1.017 (1.004–1.029)] were independent factors for increased LDVT incidence, while higher APTT [p = 0.004, OR (95% CI): 0.636 (0.467–0.866)] was an independent factor for decreased LDVT incidence. Lastly, the risk prediction model involving age, history of diabetes mellitus, platelet count, and APTT showed a good ability to predict LDVT occurrence (area under curve: 0.919, 95% CI: 0.869–0.968). In conclusion, the LDVT incidence is 2.2%, and its independent factors consist of age, history of diabetes mellitus, platelet count, and APTT in patients with breast cancer who underwent surgical resection, which provides evidence for the prevention and surveillance of LDVT in surgical breast cancer.

Platelet Membrane: An Outstanding Factor in Cancer Metastasis

In addition to being biological barriers where the internalization or release of biomolecules is decided, cell membranes are contact structures between the interior and exterior of the cell. Here, the processes of cell signaling mediated by receptors, ions, hormones, cytokines, enzymes, growth factors, extracellular matrix (ECM), and vesicles begin. They triggering several responses from the cell membrane that include rearranging its components according to the immediate needs of the cell, for example, in the membrane of platelets, the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia as a tissue repair response. In cancer, the cancer cells must adapt to the new tumor microenvironment (TME) and acquire capacities in the cell membrane to transform their shape, such as in the case of epithelial−mesenchymal transition (EMT) in the metastatic process. The cancer cells must also attract allies in this challenging process, such as platelets, fibroblasts associated with cancer (CAF), stromal cells, adipocytes, and the extracellular matrix itself, which limits tumor growth. The platelets are enucleated cells with fairly interesting growth factors, proangiogenic factors, cytokines, mRNA, and proteins, which support the development of a tumor microenvironment and support the metastatic process. This review will discuss the different actions that platelet membranes and cancer cell membranes carry out during their relationship in the tumor microenvironment and metastasis.

Direct Oral Anticoagulants Are Associated with Superior Survival Outcomes than Warfarin in Patients with Head and Neck Cancers

Simple Summary

Patients with head and neck cancers may suffer from cancer-associated thromboembolism and direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are a potential new therapeutic option. We aimed to determine the clinical impact of DOACs compared with traditional anticoagulants on the survival of patients with head and neck cancers. In our study, DOAC users had significantly better disease-specific survival (DSS) and higher overall survival (OS) rates than warfarin users and those who did not use any anticoagulant. Further, there were no significant differences in the occurrence rate of bleeding or ischemic events between DOAC and warfarin users. Our study suggested that DOACs can be a treatment choice or prophylaxis for tumor emboli in head and neck cancer patients and that they might be a better choice than traditional anticoagulants.

Abstract

Increasing clinical evidence supports the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) as a potential new therapeutic option for patients suffering from cancer-associated thromboembolism. However, the clinical impact of DOACs compared with traditional anticoagulants on the survival of patients with head and neck cancer has not been well studied. A total of 1025 patients diagnosed as having head and neck cancer, including 92 DOAC users, 113 warfarin users, and 820 nonusers of anticoagulants, were selected from the Chang Gung Research Database between January 2001 and December 2019. The patients were matched using the propensity-score method. The survival rates were estimated among the three groups using the Kaplan–Meier method. The protective effects and side effects of the two anticoagulants were compared using the chi-square test. The death rate (18 patients, 19.57%) in patients using DOACs was significantly lower than that in patients using warfarin (68 patients, 60.18%) and those not using any anticoagulant (403 patients, 49.15%). DOAC users had significantly better disease-specific survival (DSS) than warfarin users (p = 0.019) and those who did not use any anticoagulant (p = 0.03). Further, DOAC users had significantly higher overall survival (OS) rates than warfarin users and those who did not use any anticoagulant (p = 0.003). Patients with oropharyngeal and laryngeal cancer and DOAC users had a significantly lower hazard ratio for survival, whereas patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage IV disease and those receiving multidisciplinary treatment (e.g., surgery with radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy) had a significantly higher hazard ratio for survival. Among them, patients with laryngeal cancer (HR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.26–0.86, p = 0.0134) and DOAC users (HR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.29–0.98, p = 0.042) had the lowest hazard ratio from DSS analysis. Similarly, patients with laryngeal cancer (HR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.30–0.76, p = 0.0018) and DOAC users (HR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36–0.93, p = 0.0251) had the lowest hazard ratio from OS analysis. As for the protective effects or side effects of anticoagulants, there were no significant differences in the occurrence rate of bleeding or ischemic events between DOAC and warfarin users. In our study, DOACs were found to be better than warfarin in terms of survival in patients with head and neck cancer. As regards thromboembolism prevention and side effects, DOACs were comparable to warfarin in our patients. DOACs can be a treatment choice or prophylaxis for tumor emboli in head and neck cancer patients and they might be a better choice than traditional anticoagulants according to the results of our study.

Clinical characteristics and disease course of splanchnic vein thrombosis in gastrointestinal cancers: A prospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SpVT) in solid tumors has not been well investigated. Therefore, the treatment guidelines for SpVT are not well established. We aimed to conduct this prospective study to investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors influencing survival in patients with gastrointestinal cancer with SpVT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-one patients with gastrointestinal cancer diagnosed with SpVT were prospectively enrolled. The clinical characteristics and courses of SpVT were analyzed.

RESULTS

SpVT occurred in various clinical situations (at the time of initial cancer diagnosis or tumor recurrence after curative therapy, in the postoperative period, during chemotherapy, or in the period of end-of-life care). Among the total patients, 90.2% had no SpVT-related symptoms at initial SpVT diagnosis, and 82.4% did not receive any anticoagulation therapy. The clinical course of SpVT during the follow-up varied: (1) spontaneous resorption without any anticoagulation (47.1%), (2) resorption with anticoagulation (3.9%), (3) persistent thrombosis without progression (17.6%), and (4) SpVT extension (31.4%). Although the SpVT showed extension in some cases, most of them did not cause symptoms or had little impact on the patient's cancer treatment course. During the follow-up period, 23 patients died, all of which were caused by tumor progression. In the multivariable analysis, performance status and clinical situation at the time of SpVT diagnosis were significant prognostic factors.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinicians could adopt a strategy of close observation for incidentally detected SpVT in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. Anticoagulation should be considered only for SpVT cases selected strictly, weighing the risks and benefits.

Modeling Tumor Disease and Sepsis by Networks of Adaptively Coupled Phase Oscillators

In this study, we provide a dynamical systems perspective to the modelling of pathological states induced by tumors or infection. A unified disease model is established using the innate immune system as the reference point. We propose a two-layer network model for carcinogenesis and sepsis based upon the interaction of parenchymal cells and immune cells via cytokines, and the co-evolutionary dynamics of parenchymal, immune cells, and cytokines. Our aim is to show that the complex cellular cooperation between parenchyma and stroma (immune layer) in the physiological and pathological case can be qualitatively and functionally described by a simple paradigmatic model of phase oscillators. By this, we explain carcinogenesis, tumor progression, and sepsis by destabilization of the healthy homeostatic state (frequency synchronized), and emergence of a pathological state (desynchronized or multifrequency cluster). The coupled dynamics of parenchymal cells (metabolism) and nonspecific immune cells (reaction of innate immune system) are represented by nodes of a duplex layer. The cytokine interaction is modeled by adaptive coupling weights between the nodes representing the immune cells (with fast adaptation time scale) and the parenchymal cells (slow adaptation time scale) and between the pairs of parenchymal and immune cells in the duplex network (fixed bidirectional coupling). Thereby, carcinogenesis, organ dysfunction in sepsis, and recurrence risk can be described in a correct functional context.

Casting a NET on cancer: the multiple roles for neutrophil extracellular traps in cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The role of the innate immune system has become widely appreciated in cancer and cancer-associated disorders. Neutrophils, the most abundant circulating leukocytes, have prognostic value in determining cancer progression and survival. One of the ways by which neutrophils negatively impact outcome is by formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) which result in release of nuclear chromatin and bioactive proteins into the extracellular space. Here, we review the evidence for NETs contributions to cancer progression, metastasis, and cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT).

RECENT FINDINGS

NETs are increased across several cancer types and predict progression and adverse outcome. Several preclinical and clinical observations implicate NETs in promoting tumor growth, angiogenesis and metastasis via distinct pathways. Furthermore, NETs are shown to contribute to resistance to immunotherapy. NETs also emerge as key players in the prothrombotic phenotype associated with cancer that can result in potentially life-threatening arterial and venous thrombosis. Recent mechanistic insights expose several potential targets to inhibit NET formation and disrupt the interaction between NETs and tumor cells.

SUMMARY

Clinical and translational insights highlight the central role of NETs in cancer progression and metastasis, disease resistance and CAT. Targeting NETs and NET-associated pathways may represent a novel approach to treat cancer.

The association between two genetic polymorphisms in ITGB3 and increase risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients in Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is one of the major complications in most cancer patients leading to poor prognosis and short survival. Several common clinical risk factors coexist in cancer patients are used as risk predictive biomarkers to help in the management and prevention of VTE. These include cancer site and stage, chemotherapy regimen and elevated biological markers. However, Genetic polymorphisms in genes controlling coagulation and fibrinolysis are significantly associated with VTE if detected, then they might be more sensitive individual predictive biomarkers for VTE risk assessment. This study was conducted to evaluate the association between ITGB3 rs3809865 and rs5918 with VTE risk as well as monitor the effect of VTE on overall survival of these cancer patients. In this retrospective case-control study, 195 cancer patients' formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue (FFPE) samples were collected (controls n = 157, case n = 38) using the stored data through Jan 2010 to Sep 2018 from King Fahad Specialist Hospital in Dammam. Samples were genotyped using TaqMan genotyping assay, then logistic regression analysis and Chi-square were used to predict the association between risk factors and VTE. Survival Comparison was tested by the log-rank test. Genetic polymorphisms in ITGB3 (rs3809865 and rs5918) found not to be associated with VTE increasing risk in cancer patients (p>0.05). While the advanced stage was potentially increasing the risk of VTE events (OR 5.1 CI 2.01-12.9p = 0.001). Patients with VTE showed a poor overall survival reflected by the median survival rate of only three years compared to seven years for cancer patients without VTE. This study highlighted the potential influence of VTE on prognosis and survival of cancer patients and raised the importance of exploring risk predictive biomarkers in our population. This will improve the risk prediction biomarkers leading to implementing safe and effective thrombosis prophylaxis strategies.

The Emerging Role of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps in Arterial, Venous and Cancer-Associated Thrombosis

Neutrophils play a vital role in the formation of arterial, venous and cancer-related thrombosis. Recent studies have shown that in a process known as NETosis, neutrophils release proteins and enzymes complexed to DNA fibers, collectively called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Although NETs were originally described as a way for the host to capture and kill bacteria, current knowledge indicates that NETs also play an important role in thrombosis. According to recent studies, the destruction of vascular microenvironmental homeostasis and excessive NET formation lead to pathological thrombosis. In vitro experiments have found that NETs provide skeletal support for platelets, red blood cells and procoagulant molecules to promote thrombosis. The protein components contained in NETs activate the endogenous coagulation pathway to promote thrombosis. Therefore, NETs play an important role in the formation of arterial thrombosis, venous thrombosis and cancer-related thrombosis. This review will systematically summarize and explain the study of NETs in thrombosis in animal models and in vivo experiments to provide new targets for thrombosis prevention and treatment.

Deep Vein Thrombosis as an Initial Symptom of Malignant Tumor: A Case Report of Angiosarcoma in the Iliac Vein

Although deep vein thrombosis, as well as subsequent pulmonary embolism, is one of the major and fatal complications in cases of malignant neoplasm, it most often occurs after the diagnosis or treatment of the tumor. On the other hand, malignant tumors that develop with deep vein thrombosis as a specific initial symptom are extremely rare. Here, we report a case of angiosarcoma of the iliac vein, whose initial symptom was dyspnea due to pulmonary embolism. Although angiosarcoma arising directly from major blood vessels is rare, literature reviews, as well as our case, indicate that thromboembolism is an important initial symptom related to angiosarcoma from thick blood vessels and may contribute to immediate diagnosis and therapeutic intervention.

Uncoupled biological and chronological aging of neutrophils in cancer promotes tumor progression

Background

Beyond their fundamental role in homeostasis and host defense, neutrophilic granulocytes (neutrophils) are increasingly recognized to contribute to the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. Recently, aging of mature neutrophils in the systemic circulation has been identified to be critical for these immune cells to properly unfold their homeostatic and anti-infectious functional properties. The role of neutrophil aging in cancer remains largely obscure.

Methods

Employing advanced in vivo microscopy techniques in different animal models of cancer as well as utilizing pulse-labeling and cell transfer approaches, various ex vivo/in vitro assays, and human data, we sought to define the functional relevance of neutrophil aging in cancer.

Results

Here, we show that signals released during early tumor growth accelerate biological aging of circulating neutrophils, hence uncoupling biological from chronological aging of these immune cells. This facilitates the accumulation of highly reactive neutrophils in malignant lesions and endows them with potent protumorigenic functions, thus promoting tumor progression. Counteracting uncoupled biological aging of circulating neutrophils by blocking the chemokine receptor CXCR2 effectively suppressed tumor growth.

Conclusions

Our data uncover a self-sustaining mechanism of malignant neoplasms in fostering protumorigenic phenotypic and functional changes in circulating neutrophils. Interference with this aberrant process might therefore provide a novel, already pharmacologically targetable strategy for cancer immunotherapy.

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis in pancreatic cancer and other high-risk malignancies: the case for prophylactic treatment

Non-bacterial thrombotic endocarditis (NBTE) typically affects patients with underlying adenocarcinoma, often of pancreatic origin. If untreated, it can lead to serious morbidity and mortality, including recurrent ischaemic stroke. NBTE is frequently missed or confused with infective endocarditis, leading to inappropriate management. We present the case of a 54-year-old male with newly diagnosed pancreatic malignancy (CA19–9 >120 000) who suffered recurrent deep-vein-thromboses and multiple ischaemic strokes despite full anticoagulation therapy. Transoesophageal echocardiography was correctly performed, but only after a second stroke was NBTE considered. We recommend early clinical suspicion and investigation for NBTE in patients with known or suspected malignancy presenting with neurological symptoms consistent with stroke. Initial calculations indicate this could also be cost-effective. Further, the patient’s significantly elevated tumour-markers and NBTE-severity raise the possibility of a link; if further research established a reliable relationship, routine surveillance of high-risk malignancies could identify patients who might benefit from earlier echocardiography and anticoagulation management.

Heparin detection based on the fluorescent turn-on probe of amino carbon quantum dots

Amino-rich carbon quantum dots (CDs) were synthesized by hydrothermal treatment of ethylene glycol, glucose and polyethyleneimine. CDs have green fluorescence (excitation/emission peaks 435 nm/515 nm) and can be enhanced by the addition of heparin (Hep). A linear relationship between fluorescence intensity and heparin concentration was observed. The fluorescence turn-on probe used for Hep detection showed a very large detection range of 0.02-16 μM, covering different therapeutic ranges in clinical applications. The probe exhibited an ultra-low detection limit of 0.007 nM.

Impact of Perioperative Thromboembolic Complications on Future Long-term Risk of Venous Thromboembolism among Medicare Beneficiaries Undergoing Complex Gastrointestinal Surgery

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE), including deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), represents a common cause of morbidity and mortality following complex gastrointestinal surgery. Whether perioperative VTE also exposes patients to a higher long-term risk of VTE events remains poorly defined.

METHODS

The Medicare 100% Standard Analytic Files were used to identify patients undergoing esophageal, hepatic, pancreatic, and colorectal resection between 2013 and 2017. The impact of perioperative VTE, defined as a VTE episode occurring during the index hospitalization or within 30 days of discharge, on the risk of developing subsequent long-term VTE episodes (i.e., more than 30 days following discharge) was examined.

RESULTS

Among 253,212 patients who underwent complex gastrointestinal surgery, 1.9% (n=4763) developed a VTE episode perioperatively. With a median follow-up period of 553 days (IQR 194-1052), a total of 11,052 patients (4.4%) developed a long-term VTE episode. Of note, patients who developed a DVT perioperatively had a higher risk of experiencing a long-term VTE episode than patients who had no perioperative thromboembolic complications (HR 6.50, 95%CI 6.04-6.98). The increase in risk was more pronounced among patients who had a PE (HR 27.97, 95%CI 25.39-30.80) at the time of surgery. Risk factors for long-term thromboembolic events following complex GI surgery included Black patients (HR 1.20, 95%CI 1.11-1.30), receipt of surgery at a teaching hospital (HR 1.09, 95%CI 1.04-1.13), nonelective surgery (HR 1.19, 95%CI 1.14-1.24), as well as a diagnosis of cancer (HR 1.10, 95%CI 1.05-1.16). The development of a perioperative DVT was associated with an increased long-term risk of VTE in both cancer (HR 5.59, 95%CI 5.29-6.61) and non-cancer patients (HR 6.98, 95%CI 6.37-7.64). Similarly, experiencing a PE at the time of surgery led to a higher long-term risk of VTE in cancer (HR 24.30, 95%CI 21.08-28.02), as well as non-cancer (HR 30.81, 95%CI 27.01-35.15) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with a history of perioperative VTE had a higher risk of developing subsequent VTE events within 1-2 years following complex GI surgery. The risk was more pronounced among patients who had perioperative PE rather than DVT. These findings were consistent among both cancer and non-cancer patients.

Clinical use of thrombin generation assays

Determining patient's coagulation profile, i.e. detecting a bleeding tendency or the opposite, a thrombotic risk, is crucial for clinicians in many situations. Routine coagulation assays and even more specialized tests may not allow a relevant characterization of the hemostatic balance. In contrast, thrombin generation assay (TGA) is a global assay allowing the dynamic continuous and simultaneous recording of the combined effects of both thrombin generation and thrombin inactivation. TGA thus reflects the result of procoagulant and anticoagulant activities in blood and plasma. Because of this unique feature, TGA has been widely used in a wide array of settings from both research, clinical and pharmaceutical perspectives. This includes diagnosis, prognosis, prophylaxis, and treatment of inherited and acquired bleeding and thrombotic disorders. In addition, TGA has been shown to provide relevant information for the diagnosis of coagulopathies induced by infectious diseases, comprising also disturbance of the coagulation system in COVID-19, or for the assessment of early recurrence in breast cancer. This review article aims to document most clinical applications of TGA.

Polyphosphate expression by cancer cell extracellular vesicles mediates binding of factor XII and contact activation

Cleaved HK is observed in many patients with cancer, suggesting activation of the contact system.

EVs from cancer cell lines or patients with cancer express polyphosphate, bind and activate FXII, and are prothrombotic.

Extracellular vesicles (EV) have been implicated in diverse biological processes, including intracellular communication, transport of nucleic acids, and regulation of vascular function. Levels of EVs are elevated in cancer, and studies suggest that EV may stimulate thrombosis in patients with cancer through expression of tissue factor. However, limited data also implicate EV in the activation of the contact pathway of coagulation through activation of factor XII (FXII) to FXIIa. To better define the ability of EV to initiate contact activation, we compared the ability of EV derived from different cancer cell lines to activate FXII. EV from all cell lines activated FXII, with those derived from pancreatic and lung cancer cell lines demonstrating the most potent activity. Concordant with the activation of FXII, EV induced the cleavage of high molecular weight kininogen (HK) to cleaved kininogen. We also observed that EVs from patients with cancer stimulated FXII activation and HK cleavage. To define the mechanisms of FXII activation by EV, EV were treated with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase or Escherichia coli exopolyphosphatase to degrade polyphosphate; this treatment blocked binding of FXII to EVs and the ability of EV to mediate FXII activation. In vivo, EV induced pulmonary thrombosis in wild-type mice, with protection conferred by a deficiency in FXII, HK, or prekallikrein. Moreover, pretreatment of EVs with calf intestinal alkaline phosphatase inhibited their prothrombotic effect. These results indicate that polyphosphate mediates the binding of contact factors to EV and that EV-associated polyphosphate may contribute to the prothrombotic effects of EV in cancer.

Venous thromboembolism events in patients with advanced cancer on immune checkpoint inhibitors

Aim: To evaluate the correlation between venous thromboembolism events (VTEs) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)-based regimens. Methods: This is a retrospective study of 403 patients with advanced cancer on ICI-based regimens. Results: We report 8% VTE incidence post-ICI initiation over a median of 11.1 months of follow-up. Compared with single-agent ICI, dual-ICI was significantly correlated with higher incidence of VTE (odds ratio [OR]: 4.196, 95% CI: 1.527-11.529, p = 0.005), but chemotherapy-immuno-oncology combination was not (OR: 1.374, 95% CI: 0.285-6.632, p = 0.693). Subsequent systemic therapy post-ICI was also independently associated with higher VTE incidence (OR: 2.599, 95% CI: 1.169-5.777, p = 0.019). Conclusion: Our findings suggest potential underreporting of VTE incidence in ICI clinical trials. As dual-ICI is becoming more prevalent in cancer management, clinicians should maintain vigilance regarding VTE in patients with advanced cancer on ICI-based regimens.

Modulation of Cellular NAD+ Attenuates Cancer-Associated Hypercoagulability and Thrombosis via the Inhibition of Tissue Factor and Formation of Neutrophil Extracellular Traps

Cancer-associated thrombosis is the second-leading cause of mortality in patients with cancer and presents a poor prognosis, with a lack of effective treatment strategies. NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) increases the cellular nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) levels by accelerating the oxidation of NADH to NAD⁺, thus playing important roles in cellular homeostasis, energy metabolism, and inflammatory responses. Using a murine orthotopic 4T1 breast cancer model, in which multiple thrombi are generated in the lungs at the late stage of cancer development, we investigated the effects of regulating the cellular NAD⁺ levels on cancer-associated thrombosis. In this study, we show that dunnione (a strong substrate of NQO1) attenuates the prothrombotic state and lung thrombosis in tumor-bearing mice by inhibiting the expression of tissue factor and formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Dunnione increases the cellular NAD⁺ levels in lung tissues of tumor-bearing mice to restore the declining sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity, thus deacetylating nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and preventing the overexpression of tissue factor in bronchial epithelial and vascular endothelial cells. In addition, we demonstrated that dunnione abolishes the ability of neutrophils to generate NETs by suppressing histone acetylation and NADPH oxidase (NOX) activity. Overall, our results reveal that the regulation of cellular NAD⁺ levels by pharmacological agents may inhibit pulmonary embolism in tumor-bearing mice, which may potentially be used as a viable therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer-associated thrombosis.

Importance de la thromboembolie veineuse liée au cancer : Premier article de la série « Prévenir la thrombose »

Dans la documentation sur les soins infirmiers en oncologie, les besoins d’apprentissage des patients atteints de cancer sont largement étudiés et les publications abondent; toutefois, on tient rarement compte de la nécessité d’y inclure la thrombose associée au cancer (Cancer-Associated Thrombosis, ou CAT en anglais).

Les patients cancéreux ont peu d’information sur la thromboembolie veineuse (TEV) et son lien avec le cancer (Aggarwal et al., 2015 ). En 2015, une étude qualitative menée par le Dr Simon Noble a révélé que les patients cancéreux sous chimiothérapie à risque élevé en savaient davantage sur la neutropénie fébrile que sur les signes et symptômes de la thromboembolie veineuse, malgré le risque plus élevé de la seconde dans l’absolu. Chose préoccupante puisque la thrombose associée au cancer est la première cause de décès des patients sous chimiothérapie. En général, les patients et leur famille, mais aussi les fournisseurs de soins de santé, sont peu informés sur la thrombose associée au cancer. La recherche indique que beaucoup de patients en ayant reçu un diagnostic ont eu l’impression que leur médecin traitant manquait de connaissances sur le sujet puisqu’il avait considéré d’autres diagnostics avant de poser celui de la thrombose, et ce, malgré l’apparition de signes et la présence des symptômes classiques de la maladie thromboembolique veineuse (Noble et al., 2015 ).

Survenant fréquemment, la thromboembolie veineuse est une complication grave chez les patients cancéreux : c’est en fait la première cause de morbidité et la deuxième cause de mortalité pour eux (Noble et al., 2015 ). Malgré son importance, les patients, les proches aidants et les fournisseurs de soins de santé en savent peu sur la thrombose associée au cancer. Le présent article est le premier d’une série intitulée « Prévenir la thrombose » qui vise à sensibiliser les infirmières en oncologie afin d’améliorer l’enseignement aux patients sur cet important sujet.

The significance of VTE in cancer: Introduction of the 'Spot the CLOT' series

Learning needs of patients with cancer have been examined and published widely in oncology nursing literature. However, the topic of cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is rarely considered a necessary inclusion. Awareness by individuals with cancer about venous thromboembolism (VTE) and its association with cancer is low (Aggarwal et al., 2015). A 2015 qualitative study by Dr. Simon Noble revealed that high-risk cancer patients receiving active chemotherapy knew more about febrile neutropenia than signs and symptoms of VTE, despite a higher absolute risk of VTE. This is concerning given that CAT is the number one cause of death for patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Awareness of CAT is generally low not only in patients and their families, but also in healthcare providers. Research has found that many patients diagnosed with CAT perceived a significant knowledge deficit in their treating physicians because alternative diagnoses were considered before CAT, despite classic signs and symptoms of VTE (Noble et al., 2015). VTE is a common and often severe complication in cancer patients, being the leading cause of morbidity and second leading cause of mortality (Noble et al., 2015). Despite its significance, however, the awareness of CAT is low in patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers. This article is the first in a series entitled, 'Spot the CLOT', which is aimed at promoting the awareness of CAT in oncology nurses with the goal of improving patient education on this important topic.

Neurological Complications of Pulmonary Embolism: a Literature Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The present review discusses in-depth about neurological complications following acute venous thromboembolism (VTE).

RECENT FINDINGS

Intracranial hemorrhage, acute ischemic cerebrovascular events, and VTE in brain tumors are described as central nervous system (CNS) complications of PE, while peripheral neuropathy and neuropathic pain are reported as peripheral nervous system (PNS) sequelae of PE. Syncope and seizure are illustrated as atypical neurological presentations of PE. Mounting evidence suggests higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in patients with neurological diseases, but data on reverse, i.e., neurological sequelae following VTE, is underexplored. The present review is an attempt to explore some of the latter issues categorized into CNS, PNS, and atypical complications following VTE.

Association of circulating PLA2G7 levels with cancer cachexia and assessment of darapladib as a therapy

BACKGROUND

Cancer cachexia (CCx) is a multifactorial wasting disorder characterized by involuntary loss of body weight that affects many cancer patients and implies a poor prognosis, reducing both tolerance to and efficiency of anticancer therapies. Actual challenges in management of CCx remain in the identification of tumour-derived and host-derived mediators involved in systemic inflammation and tissue wasting and in the discovery of biomarkers that would allow for an earlier and personalized care of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to identify new markers of CCx across different species and tumour entities.

METHODS

Quantitative secretome analysis was performed to identify specific factors characteristic of cachexia-inducing cancer cell lines. To establish the subsequently identified phospholipase PLA2G7 as a marker of CCx, plasma PLA2G7 activity and/or protein levels were measured in well-established mouse models of CCx and in different cohorts of weight-stable and weight-losing cancer patients with different tumour entities. Genetic PLA2G7 knock-down in tumours and pharmacological treatment using the well-studied PLA2G7 inhibitor darapladib were performed to assess its implication in the pathogenesis of CCx in C26 tumour-bearing mice.

RESULTS

High expression and secretion of PLA2G7 were hallmarks of cachexia-inducing cancer cell lines. Circulating PLA2G7 activity was increased in different mouse models of CCx with various tumour entities and was associated with the severity of body wasting. Circulating PLA2G7 levels gradually rose during cachexia development. Genetic PLA2G7 knock-down in C26 tumours only partially reduced plasma PLA2G7 levels, suggesting that the host is also an important contributor. Chronic treatment with darapladib was not sufficient to counteract inflammation and tissue wasting despite a strong inhibition of the circulating PLA2G7 activity. Importantly, PLA2G7 levels were also increased in colorectal and pancreatic cancer patients with CCx.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, our data show that despite no immediate pathogenic role, at least when targeted as a single entity, PLA2G7 is a consistent marker of CCx in both mice and humans. The early increase in circulating PLA2G7 levels in pre-cachectic mice supports future prospective studies to assess its potential as biomarker for cancer patients.

Oncologists' attitudes towards prophylaxis of cancer associated venous thromboembolism: A prospective, descriptive study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer-associated venous thromboembolism creates a big burden on both patients and healthcare systems. Clinical guidelines have a consensus on the initiation of prophylactic treatment for hospitalised patients, however a debate still exists for ambulatory cancer patients. Therefore, this study aimed to identify attitudes and practices of medical oncologists on cancer-associated venous thromboembolism management.

METHODS

An online survey consisting of 22 questions was developed by researchers in the view of previous studies and delivered to 100 medical oncologists registered to the national society of medical oncology by e-mail between September and October 2018. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 23.0 (ICM Corp. Released 2015. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp).

RESULTS

A total of 62 medical oncologists (75.8% male) responded to the survey (response rate of 62%). The most critical three risk factors considered for initiating prophylaxis were prior venous thromboembolism history, immobilisation and tumour/cancer type for inpatients and outpatients (χ² test, p < 0.001). The first choice of drug for prophylaxis was mostly low molecular weight heparins (n = 60, 96.8%). In the absence of contraindications, physicians initiate prophylaxis 'usually' for inpatients (n = 25, 40.3%) and outpatients (n = 5, 8.1%). However routine use of the Khorana score is not incorporated into the risk assessment process of cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Attitudes of oncologists towards thromboprophylaxis in cancer patients are consistent with previous studies in the literature. The respondents are aware of the venous thromboembolism risk of cancer patients, however raising awareness on both cancer-associated venous thromboembolism and current guideline recommendations is needed.

Medical and Neurological Management of Brain Tumor Complications

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The diagnosis of brain tumors often leads to complications that are either related to the tumor itself or the tumor-directed and supportive therapies, increasing the burden on the patients' quality of life and even survival. This article reviews the medical and neurological conditions that commonly complicate the disease course of brain tumors patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Various mechanisms have been newly identified to be involved in the pathophysiology of seizures and brain edema and can help advance the treatment of such complications. There have also been new developments in the management of thromboembolic disease and cognitive impairment. Medical and neurological complications are being identified more often in brain tumor patients with the improved survival provided by therapeutic advances. Early and proper identification and management of such complications are crucial for a better survival and quality of life.