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Jackson DL, Coke L, Oni O, Taddesse-Heath L. Undiagnosed Metastatic Breast Carcinoma Presenting as Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura. Cureus 2023; 15:e44452. [PMID: 37791199 PMCID: PMC10544154 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.44452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated thrombotic microangiopathy has a documented relationship with metastatic disease. Other examples of thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) include thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). All these conditions can present with microangiopathic hemolytic anemia as well as thrombocytopenia. However, when these findings occur in association with cancer, they often carry a poor prognosis. Though associated with metastasis, microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and thrombocytopenia have rarely been seen as the presenting signs of malignancy. We present the case of a 66-year-old female with no known history of cancer who exhibited an intriguing clinical presentation, including progressive dyspnea worsening with exertion, diarrhea, and dizziness. Laboratory investigations revealed Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia with schistocytes on blood smears and thrombocytopenia. The patient's condition raised concerns for TTP, prompting the initiation of plasmapheresis. However, despite treatment, the anemia and thrombocytopenia showed no improvement, leading to further investigations. Ultimately, a bone marrow biopsy revealed tumor cells arranged in nests and single files, leading to a diagnosis of metastatic carcinoma, consistent with breast primary. This was the patient's first known sign of breast cancer. This case emphasizes the significance of considering metastatic cancer as a potential differential diagnosis in patients presenting with similar signs and symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devon L Jackson
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Lamarque Coke
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Olanrewaju Oni
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
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The Intriguing Connections between von Willebrand Factor, ADAMTS13 and Cancer. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10030557. [PMID: 35327035 PMCID: PMC8953111 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10030557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
von Willebrand factor (VWF) is a complex and large protein that is cleaved by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13), and together they serve important roles in normal hemostasis. Malignancy can result in both a deficiency or excess of VWF, leading to aberrant hemostasis with either increased bleeding or thrombotic complications, as respectively seen with acquired von Willebrand syndrome and cancer-associated venous thromboembolism. There is emerging evidence to suggest VWF also plays a role in inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor biology, and it is likely that VWF promotes tumor metastasis. High VWF levels have been documented in a number of malignancies and in some cases correlate with more advanced disease and poor prognosis. Tumor cells can induce endothelial cells to release VWF and certain tumor cells have the capacity for de novo expression of VWF, leading to a proinflammatory microenvironment that is likely conducive to tumor progression, metastasis and micro-thrombosis. VWF can facilitate tumor cell adhesion to endothelial cells and aids with the recruitment of platelets into the tumor microenvironment, where tumor/platelet aggregates are able to form and facilitate hematogenous spread of cancer. As ADAMTS13 moderates VWF level and activity, it too is potentially involved in the pathophysiology of these events. VWF and ADAMTS13 have been explored as tumor biomarkers for the detection and prognostication of certain malignancies; however, the results are underdeveloped and so currently not utilized for clinical use. Further studies addressing the basic science mechanisms and real word epidemiology are required to better appreciate the intriguing connections between VWF, ADAMTS13 and malignancy. A better understanding of the role VWF and ADAMTS13 play in the promotion and inhibition of cancer and its metastasis will help direct further translational studies to aid with the development of novel cancer prognostic tools and treatment modalities.
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Alhenc-Gelas M, Cabel L, Berger F, Delaloge S, Frenel JS, Levy C, Firmin N, Ladoire S, Desmoulins I, Heudel PE, Dalenc F, Loirat D, Dubot C, Vuagnat P, Deluche E, Mokdad-Adi M, Patsouris A, Annic J, Djerroudi L, Lavigne M, Pierga JY, Coppo P, Bidard FC. Characteristics and outcome of breast cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia: a multicentre study. Breast Cancer Res 2021; 23:9. [PMID: 33468209 PMCID: PMC7814553 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-021-01386-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer-related microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia (MAHA) is a rare but life-threatening paraneoplastic syndrome. Only single cases or small series have been reported to date. We set up a retrospective multicentre study focusing on breast cancer-related MAHA. METHODS Main inclusion criteria were known diagnosis of breast cancer, presence of schistocytes and either low haptoglobin or cytopenia and absence of any causes of MAHA other than breast cancer, including gemcitabine- or bevacizumab-based treatment. Patient characteristics, treatments and outcome were retrieved from digital medical records. RESULTS Individual data from 54 patients with breast cancer-related MAHA were obtained from 7 centres. Twenty-three (44%) patients had a breast tumour with lobular features, and most primary tumours were low grade (grade I/II, N = 39, 75%). ER+/HER2-, HER2+ and triple-negative phenotypes accounted for N = 33 (69%), N = 7 (15%) and N = 8 (17%) cases, respectively. All patients had stage IV cancer at the time of MAHA diagnosis. Median overall survival (OS) was 28 days (range 0-1035; Q1:10, Q3:186). Independent prognostic factors for early death (≤ 28 days) were PS > 2 (OR = 7.0 [1.6; 31.8]), elevated bilirubin (OR = 6.9 [1.1; 42.6]), haemoglobin < 8.0 g/dL (OR = 3.7 [0.9; 16.7]) and prothrombin time < 50% (OR = 9.1 [1.2; 50.0]). A score to predict early death displayed a sensitivity of 86% (95% CI [0.67; 0.96]), a specificity of 73% (95% CI [0.52; 0.88]) and an area under the curve of 0.90 (95% CI [0.83; 0.97]). CONCLUSIONS Breast cancer-related MAHA appears to be a new feature of invasive lobular breast carcinoma. Prognostic factors and scores may guide clinical decision-making in this serious but not always fatal condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Alhenc-Gelas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France
| | - Luc Cabel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France.,UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 35 rue Dailly, Saint Cloud, 92210, France
| | | | - Suzette Delaloge
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Jean-Sebastien Frenel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Christelle Levy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre François Baclesse, Caen, France
| | - Nelly Firmin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut du Cancer de Montpellier, Institut de cancérologie de Montpellier INSERM U1194, Montpellier, France
| | - Sylvain Ladoire
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Georges-François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | | | | | - Florence Dalenc
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse-Oncopole (IUCT-Oncopole), Toulouse, France
| | - Delphine Loirat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France
| | - Coraline Dubot
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France
| | - Perrine Vuagnat
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France
| | - Elise Deluche
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Meriem Mokdad-Adi
- Department of Cancer Medicine, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Anne Patsouris
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | - Josselin Annic
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint-Herblain, France
| | | | | | - Jean-Yves Pierga
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France.,Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Paul Coppo
- Reference Center for Thrombotic Microangiopathies (CNR-MAT), AP-HP.SU, INSERM UMRS, 1138, Paris, France.,Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Francois-Clement Bidard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Institut Curie, Paris and Saint Cloud, France. .,UVSQ, Université Paris-Saclay, 35 rue Dailly, Saint Cloud, 92210, France.
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Sanatani MS, Lazo-Langner A, Al-Rasheedy IM. Cisplatin and short-term 5-Fluorouracil infusion for paraneoplastic microangiopathic hemolytic anemia in gastric cancer: a case report and review of the literature. Case Rep Oncol Med 2013; 2013:594787. [PMID: 24490094 PMCID: PMC3893753 DOI: 10.1155/2013/594787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microangiopathic hemolytic anemia is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome accompanying adenocarcinoma of the stomach. We report on a patient presenting with anemia due to a combination of severe hemolysis and tumour bleeding, where the combination of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil in a short course infusional regimen led to a complete response of the hematologic abnormalities in the first line setting. Relapse was successfully treated with second line docetaxel; however the response was relatively short-lived. Overall survival was 16 months from diagnosis, which compares favourably to the survival of other reported cases. The chemotherapy regimens used in previously reported similar cases are reviewed. We suggest that a regimen based on bolus 5-fluorouracil, possibly with a platinum, should be investigated as a possible regimen of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. S. Sanatani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Western University, 790 Commissioners Road East, London, ON, Canada N6A 4L6
| | - A. Lazo-Langner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Western University, 800 Commissioners Road E E6-216, London, ON, Canada N6A 5W9
- Department of Oncology, Western University, 800 Commissioners Road E E6-216, London, ON, Canada N6A 5W9
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, 800 Commissioners Road E E6-216, London, ON, Canada N6A 5W9
| | - I. M. Al-Rasheedy
- Medical Oncology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Princess Noorah Oncology Center, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Lechner K, Obermeier HL. Cancer-related microangiopathic hemolytic anemia: clinical and laboratory features in 168 reported cases. Medicine (Baltimore) 2012; 91:195-205. [PMID: 22732949 DOI: 10.1097/md.0b013e3182603598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-related microangiopathic hemolytic anemia (CR-MAHA) is a paraneoplastic syndrome characterized by Coombs-negative hemolytic anemia with schistocytes and thrombocytopenia. We reviewed and analyzed all cases of CR-MAHA reported since 1979 (the time of the last published review on this topic) according to predefined criteria. We found 154 cases associated with solid cancer and 14 with lymphoma. Among the solid cancers, gastric, breast, prostate, lung, and cancer of unknown primary (CUP) were most common; 91.8% of cancers were metastatic, and in 19.4% of solid cancers CR-MAHA did not occur until recurrence of cancer. Lymphoma cases included Hodgkin disease, angiotropic lymphoma, diffuse large cell lymphoma, and myeloma. Evaluation of the clinical and laboratory findings revealed that only a minority of cases presented with the features of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) or atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), with the exception of prostate cancer, where aHUS was a common presentation. Compared to hereditary or immune TTP or aHUS, disseminated intravascular coagulation and pulmonary symptoms were more common in CR-MAHA. Plasma exchange or fresh frozen plasma was rarely effective except in prostate cancer patients with aHUS. CR-MAHA responded to antitumor therapy in many patients with gastric, breast, lung, and CUP cancers. These patients had a superior survival compared to patients without chemotherapy. Compared to the prognosis of patients with metastatic cancer without CR-MAHA, the prognosis of CR-MAHA patients was greatly inferior. There is evidence that some cases of CR-MAHA in lymphoma are immune mediated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaus Lechner
- From the Medical University of Vienna, 1st Department of Medicine, Divisionof Hematology and Hemostaseology, Vienna, Austria
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Regierer AC, Kuehnhardt D, Schulz CO, Flath B, Jehn CF, Scholz CW, Possinger K, Eucker J. Breast Cancer-Associated Thrombotic Microangiopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 6:441-445. [PMID: 22419897 DOI: 10.1159/000335201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) is defined as thrombocytopenia and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia. Cancer-associated TMA, a rare but fatal condition, seems an entity distinct from classical thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)/hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with breast cancer-associated TMA treated at our institution between 2003 and 2008 were analyzed retrospectively. To elucidate pathophysiological mechanisms, we measured the serum activity of the metalloprotease ADAMTS13. RESULTS: 8 patients were identified. All showed bone marrow infiltration of breast cancer as well as thrombocytopenia, schistocytes, and hemolytic anemia. ADAMTS13 activity was mildly decreased in 4/6 patients (20-108%, normal range 30-120%), but none showed severely low levels as is characteristic of classical TTP. 6 patients were treated with anthracycline-containing fractionated chemotherapy, 5/6 patients experienced partial response. Overall survival was 13 months. Fractionated chemotherapy was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer-associated TMA has an underlying mechanism different from classical TTP. While bone marrow infiltration might be of major relevance, ADAMTS13 deficiency seems to be an epiphenomenon. Fractionated chemotherapy resulted in higher remission rates and comparatively long survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Regierer
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Struensee-Haus, Hamburg, Germany
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