Stroke as initial manifestation of non-small cell lung cancer with Trousseau syndrome

OBJECTIVE

Stroke is a rare but fatal complication of advanced cancer with Trousseau syndrome, especially as initial symptoms. Here, we report the clinical characteristics, treatment, and prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who initially presenting with acute multiple cerebral infarction.

METHODS

The clinical characteristics, imaging, treatment, and oncological outcomes of 10 patients diagnosed with Trousseau syndrome and NSCLC between 2015 and 2021 at Guangdong Sanjiu Brain Hospital were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The clinical course of two typical cases were presented.

RESULTS

All 10 patients with pathologically confirmed lung adenocarcinoma initially presented with neurological symptoms, including hemiplegic paralysis (7 patients, 70%), dizziness (5 patients, 50%), and unclear speech (3 patients, 30%). The median age was 63.5 years. Eight and two cases were stage III and IV, respectively, at the initial diagnosis. Five patients underwent driver gene testing, revealing three patients with EGFR-sensitive mutations, one patient with ALK fusion, and one patient with wild-type EGFR. All 10 patients received antiplatelet therapy, and six patients subsequently received anti-cancer treatment. The median overall survival of the patients was 8.5 months (95% confidence interval) and 1-year survival rate was 57.1%. Patients who received antitumor treatment, especially those harboring driver gene mutations and received tyrosine kinase inhibitors, had better neurological symptom recovery and superior oncological prognosis (median overall survival, not reached versus 7.4 months, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSION

Trousseau syndrome, presenting as multiple cerebral infarctions, is a rare complication of lung adenocarcinoma. Both antiplatelet and antitumor treatment are recommended to achieve better neurological recovery and oncological prognosis in these patients.

Anaplastic thyroid tumor as an embolic source of metastasis

Tumor-based arterial thromboembolism in patients with cancer is a poorly described concept that lacks evidence for surgical indications owing to its unusual occurrence. The study and understanding of this condition’s etiology is, however, essential because it could constitute the initial presentation or determine the prognosis of oncologic disease. In the present report, we have described the case of a 77-year-old female patient with multiple cerebral, splenic, and upper limb arterial embolic episodes. Embolectomy for acute upper limb ischemia revealed the histopathologic diagnosis of an anaplastic thyroid tumor.

Is it justified to search for cancer in patients with peripheral arterial disease?

BACKGROUND

Cancer is the leading cause of death in European countries, ahead of cardiovascular diseases. Cancer is also the most common co-morbidity among patients hospitalized for the management of cardiovascular diseases. Through an overview, we searched for the frequency and types of cancer associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in order to address the relevance of cancer screening in patients with PAD.

METHODS

We searched in PubMed database from 1996 to 2020 for retrospective and prospective cohort or cross-sectional or randomized studies evaluating the frequency of all types of cancer in patients with PAD excluding patients with aneurysmal disease. The keywords used were: peripheral arterial disease, arterial thrombosis, acute leg ischemia, critical leg ischemia, chronic leg ischemia, intermittent claudication, malignant tumor, cancer.

RESULTS

Based on published studies, the frequency of cancer in patients with PAD varied widely from 3.8 to 30.4% depending on study design, population, method used to screen for cancer and study period. In medical records database and registers,cancer prevalence varied from 3,8% to 22,4% in 4 retrospective studies of patients with acute limb ischemia and from 10.5 to 30.4% in 3 prospective studies of patients with acute limb ischemia, critical ischemia or intermittent claudication. In 3 retrospective analyses from 2 population-based cohorts and health insurance claims data, incidence of cancer in patients with intermittent claudication, acute limb ischemia or peripheral arterial disease varied from 8% to 11.7%. The frequency of cancer in PAD patients appeared higher than in the general population. Tobacco-dependent cancers seemed to be the most common cancers in PAD. Cancers were also more frequent in case of anemia, amputation and iterative bypass thrombosis in few studies.

CONCLUSION

Although there is no recommendation for cancer screening in patients with PAD, the high prevalence of cancer raises the question of screening patients at high risk such as those with acute or critical limb ischemia and especially in case of severe tobacco use, anemia, amputation and iterative bypass thrombosis. These results call for further studies with larger sample size and long term follow-up.

Acute and Long-Term Outcomes of ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Cancer Patients, a 'Real World' Analysis with 175,000 Patients

BACKGROUND

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and cancer are common and serious diseases. As the prognosis and treatment of both diseases has improved, more cancer patients will suffer an AMI. Unfortunately, data on these "double hit" patients is scarce.

METHODS

From the largest public German health insurance, anonymized data of all patients with pre-existing cancer who were hospitalized due to ST-elevation MI (STEMI) between 2010 and 2017 were analyzed and followed-up until 2018.

RESULTS

Of 175,262 STEMI patients, 27,213 had pre-existing cancer (15.5%). Most frequent were skin (24.9%), prostate (17.0%), colon (11.0%), breast (10.9%), urinary tract (10.6%), and lung cancer (5.2%). STEMI patients with malignancies were older and presented more often with coronary three-vessel disease, atrial arrhythmias, chronic kidney disease, chronic heart failure, cerebrovascular and peripheral artery disease (PAD, each p < 0.001). They showed more often previous AMI, percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), cardiac surgery, and stroke (all p < 0.001). Acute PCIs were applied between 2 and 6% less frequently compared to those without cancer. In-hospital adverse events occurred more frequently in cancer. Eight-year survival was 57.3% (95% CI 57.0-57.7%) without cancer and ranged between 41.2% and 19.2% in distinct cancer types. Multivariable Cox regression for all-cause mortality found, e.g., lung cancer (HR 2.04), PAD stage 4-6 (HR 1.78), metastasis (HR 1.72), and previous stroke (HR 1.44) to have the strongest impact (all p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

In this large "real world" data, prognosis after STEMI in cancer patients was markedly reduced but differed widely between cancer types. Of note, no withholding of interventional treatments in cancer patients could be observed.

Radiation-Induced Vascular Disease-A State-of-the-Art Review

Since the 1990s, there has been a steady increase in the number of cancer survivors to an estimated 17 million in 2019 in the US alone. Radiation therapy today is applied to a variety of malignancies and over 50% of cancer patients. The effects of ionizing radiation on cardiac structure and function, so-called radiation-induced heart disease (RIHD), have been extensively studied. We review the available published data on the mechanisms and manifestations of RIHD, with a focus on vascular disease, as well as proposed strategies for its prevention, screening, diagnosis, and management.

Effect of occult malignancy on femoropopliteal bypass graft thrombosis

OBJECTIVE

The presence of cancer increases arterial thromboembolic events, specifically myocardial infarction and stroke, before a formal diagnosis of cancer. To the best of our knowledge, this increase in thrombotic risk has not been studied in patients with lower extremity bypass grafts. In the present study, we aimed to determine the effect of occult cancer on femoropopliteal bypass patency.

METHODS

A retrospective review of femoropopliteal bypass procedures completed from 2001 to 2018 was performed. International Classification of Diseases, 9th and 10th revision, codes corresponding to breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, skin, brain, and hematologic cancer were used to identify patients who had had occult cancer. Occult cancer was defined as cancer diagnosed within ≤1 year after the bypass procedure. The demographics, comorbidities, bypass configuration and conduit, 1-month, 3-month, 6-month, and 1-year occlusion rates, major adverse limb events, and mortality rates were analyzed. Statistical analysis included t tests, χ² tests, and Cox regression analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 621 procedures in 517 patients met the inclusion criteria. Of the 621 procedures, 36 (5.8%) were classified as procedures in patients with occult cancer. The patients with occult cancer had had higher occlusion rates at 3 months (27.8% vs 8.0%; P < .001), 6 months (30.5% vs 15.1%; P < .01), and 1 year (44.4% vs 19.8%; P < .001). In Cox regression analysis for bypass thrombosis at 1 year, the only significant predictors were occult cancer (hazard ratio [HR], 2.03; P = .01), below-the-knee distal target (HR, 1.88; P < .01), and a compromised conduit (HR, 2.14; P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

We found an increase in bypass graft thrombosis rates in patients who had undergone femoropopliteal bypass who had had occult cancer. Thrombosis of the graft within 1 year postoperatively might be a sign of occult cancer.

A Case of Critical Essential Thrombocythemia Complicated by Severe Lower-Extremity Arterial Disease

Patient: Male, 66-year-old

Final Diagnosis: Essential thrombocythemia with CML • peripheral artery disease

Symptoms: Fever • infection • necrosis • pain

Medication: —

Clinical Procedure: —

Specialty: Cardiology • Dermatology • Diagnostics, Laboratory • Hematology

Revascularization Outcomes in Patients With Acute Limb Ischemia and Active Neoplastic Disease

PURPOSE

To report the outcomes of surgical (ST), endovascular (ET), and hybrid (HT) treatment in cancer patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A multicenter retrospective registry collected 139 patients (mean age 72.3±12.4 years; 73 men) with ALI and active malignancy treated by ET (41, 29%), ST (70, 51%), or HT (28, 20%) in 7 European centers between July 2007 and February 2019. In 22 cases (16%) ALI was the first manifestation of the malignancy. Lung cancer was the most common diagnosis (38, 27%). The primary composite outcome was amputation-free survival (AFS). Overall survival, amputation-free time (AFT), and reintervention-free time (RFT) were also assessed. Cox regression analysis was applied to identify independent risk factors for the primary and secondary outcomes. Results are presented as the hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

ET was associated with improved 12-month AFS compared with both ST (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.20 to 4.28, p=0.002) and HT (HR 2.14, 95% CI 1.09 to 4.18, p=0.008). ST (HR 2.50, 95% CI 1.19 to 5.53, p=0.003) and HT (HR 3.10, 95% CI 1.45 to 6.65, p<0.001) were related to an increased risk for mortality compared with ET. At 12 months, the AFT was similar between the 3 groups (ET vs ST: HR 1.52, 95% CI 0.51 to 4.53, p=0.45 and ET vs HT: HR 1.21, 95% CI 0.36 to 4.11, p=0.73). The 12-month RFT also did not differ significantly between the 3 treatment options (ET vs ST: HR 1.10, 95% CI 0.49 to 2.46, p=0.79 and ET vs HT: HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.17, p=0.19). ST and/or HT increased the risk for the major amputation and/or death (HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.05, p=0.03), while Rutherford class I ischemia (HR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.90, p=0.04) and previous vascular interventions on the index limb (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.32 to 0.97, p=0.04) showed a protective effect.

CONCLUSION

In patients with ALI and active malignant disease, ET was associated with increased AFS and overall survival compared with both ST and HT, while the limb salvage and reintervention rates were comparable among the 3 groups.

Portal Vein Thrombosis Associated with Trousseau Syndrome due to Urinary Bladder Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Liver Cirrhosis Patient

A 75-year-old woman with liver cirrhosis was admitted for treatment of portal vein thrombosis (PVT). Computed tomography (CT) showed PVT, massive ascites, and multiple abdominal organ embolism. Blood tests revealed a decreased liver function (Child-Pugh grade C). Language impairment followed by progressive left hemi-paralysis was subsequently detected. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed multiple small acute cerebral infarctions and, on CT, a 30-mm bladder tumour; a biopsy specimen examination showed squamous cell carcinoma. Her general condition worsened rapidly, and the best supportive care was chosen. Our findings suggest that, in patients with PVT, Trousseau syndrome should be considered, even in cases of liver cirrhosis.

Ferric Carboxymaltose in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia: an effective, safe and cost- sparing alternative to blood transfusion

Anaemia is highly prevalent in cancer patients, adversely affects quality of life and impacts survival. The pathogenesis is multifactorial, with iron deficiency being a major and potentially treatable contributor. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and economic impact of ferric carboxymaltose in chemotherapy-induced anaemia. This prospective cohort study between 2015–2016 of chemotherapy-treated patients for solid tumours, grade ≥2 anaemia and iron deficiency evaluated hematopoietic response four weeks after ferric carboxymaltose treatment. Transfusion rate of all cancer patients treated at our ambulatory unit during the two-year study period (2015–2016) was compared to a retrospective cohort (2013–2014) who received blood transfusion only. Between 2015–2016, 99 patients were included and treated with ferric carboxymaltose, the majority of whom (n = 81) had relative iron deficiency. Mean haemoglobin concentrations improved from 9.2 [6.7–10.8] g/dL to 10.6 [7.8–14.2] g/dL four weeks after treatment. A 26% reduction in the transfusion rate was observed from control retrospective to the prospective study group including ferric carboxymaltose treated patients [relative risk 0.74 (95% CI:0.66–0.83)]. The cost analysis showed a benefit for the use of ferric carboxymaltose in chemotherapy-induced anaemia. This study shows that ferric carboxymaltose is an effective, cost-saving support treatment, reducing the need for allogeneic transfusions saving blood units which are a limited resource.

Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance in the Oncology Patient

Patients with or receiving potentially cardiotoxic treatment for cancer are susceptible to developing decrements in left ventricular mass, diastolic function, or systolic function. They may also experience valvular heart disease, pericardial disease, or intracardiac masses. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance may be used to assess cardiac anatomy, structure, and function and to characterize myocardial tissue. This combination of features facilitates the diagnosis and management of disease processes in patients with or those who have survived cancer. This report outlines and describes prior research involving cardiovascular magnetic resonance for assessing cardiovascular disease in patients with or previously having received treatment for cancer.

Vascular Toxicities of Cancer Therapies: The Old and the New--An Evolving Avenue

Since the late 1990s, there has been a steady decline in cancer-related mortality, in part related to the introduction of so-called targeted therapies. Intended to interfere with a specific molecular pathway, these therapies have, paradoxically, led to a number of effects off their intended cancer tissue or molecular targets. The latest examples are tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the Philadelphia Chromosome mutation product, which have been associated with progressive atherosclerosis and acute vascular events. In addition, agents designed to interfere with the vascular growth factor signaling pathway have vascular side effects ranging from hypertension to arterial events and cardiomyocyte toxicity. Interestingly, the risk of cardiotoxicity with drugs such as trastuzumab is predicted by preexisting cardiovascular risk factors and disease, posing the question of a vascular component to the pathophysiology. The effect on the coronary circulation has been the leading explanation for the cardiotoxicity of 5-fluorouracil and may be the underlying the mechanism of presentation of apical ballooning syndrome with various chemotherapeutic agents. Classical chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, often used in combination with bleomycin and vinca alkaloids, can lead to vascular events including acute coronary thrombosis and may be associated with an increased long-term cardiovascular risk. This review is intended to provide an update on the evolving spectrum of vascular toxicities with cancer therapeutics, particularly as they pertain to clinical practice, and to the conceptualization of cardiovascular diseases, as well. Vascular toxicity with cancer therapy: the old and the new, an evolving avenue.

Trousseau's syndrome: cancer-associated thrombosis

Trousseau's syndrome (cancer-associated thrombosis) is the second leading cause of death in cancer patients, after death from cancer itself. The risk of a venous thromboembolism is 4- to 7-fold higher in patients with cancer than in those without cancer. The causes of this impaired coagulation are associated with general patient-related risk factors, and other factors that are specific to the particular cancer or treatment. It is important to assess the risk of thrombotic events in cancer patients and administer effective prophylaxis and treatment. Effective prophylaxis and treatment of venous thromboembolism reduces morbidity and mortality, and improves patients' quality of life. Low molecular weight heparin is the first-line treatment for venous thromboembolism, as an effective and safe means for prophylaxis and treatment, according to guidelines released by international scientific societies. Oral anticoagulation therapy with warfarin is preferable to no therapy. However, warfarin has low efficacy and is associated with high rates of recurrence. If low molecular weight heparin is unavailable, some guidelines recommend the use of vitamin K antagonists that have a target international normalized ratio in the range of 2-3, as acceptable alternatives. Novel oral anticoagulants that directly inhibit factor Xa or thrombin are promising for the prophylaxis of high-risk cancer patients and in the long-term treatment of venous thromboembolism. However, to date, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of these new anticoagulants.

The coagulopathy of cancer

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To provide an updated overview of the complex coagulopathy associated with malignancy, together with the advances in our knowledge of the interactions of cancer with the hemostatic system. Also, to offer an update of the recent progresses in the risk assessment, prevention, and treatment of thrombohemorrhagic complications in cancer patients.

RECENT FINDINGS

Mechanisms underlying the hemostatic derangement caused by cancer include many prothrombotic properties of tumor tissues. Of extreme interest are the most recent findings that the regulation of tumor cell hemostatic protein expression is driven by oncogenes, the tumor-derived tissue factor-positive microparticles are an important player in thrombosis, and the changes in the tumor microenvironment in the presence of tissue factor affect 'dormant' cells to shift to a malignant phenotype.On the clinical side, risk assessment models, based on clinical and biological risk factors, are becoming very attractive to identify categories of cancer patients at different thrombotic risk. Unsuspected pulmonary embolism, incidentally discovered, is also opening an intensive area of research. Finally, new updates of the guidelines to help clinicians in the management of venous thromboembolism in cancer patient have been recently released.

SUMMARY

The coagulopathy of cancer is complex. Thrombotic and bleeding complications significantly contribute to morbidity and mortality in this disease. The accrued knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is helping establish more accurate and appropriate interventions for the management of the thrombotic risk in these patients.

Thromboembolic Events in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma

AIM

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) increases the risk of thromboembolic events (TEEs). In this retrospective study, we aimed to determine the rate of TEEs in MPM and investigate its relationship with the presence of thrombocytosis, the disease stage, and the tumor histopathology.

METHODS

The study included 178 patients who were histopathologically diagnosed as MPM between the years January 2008 and June 2014.

RESULTS

The mean age was 58.7 ± 11.8 years, and the median follow-up time was 8 months. Seventy-one patients (39.9%) had thrombocytosis (>350 × 10(3)/mL). In total, 14 (7.9%) TEEs were identified: 6 (3.4%) pulmonary thromboembolism, 6 (3.4%) deep venous thrombosis, and 2 (1.1%) myocardial infarctions. Although 5 (2.8%) of the TEEs preceded the diagnosis of MPM, 1 (0.6%) occurred simultaneously with the diagnosis of MPM and 8 (4.5%) followed the diagnosis of MPM. Thromboembolic event rates were not statistically different based on the presence of thrombocytosis (P = .51), disease stage (P = .14), and histopathology (P = .38).

CONCLUSION

The rate of TEEs was 7.9%. Presence of thrombocytosis, disease stage, and histopathology did not affect the incidence of TEEs.

Acute limb ischemia in cancer patients: aggressive treatment is justified

BACKGROUND

The outcome of cancer patients with acute limb ischemia (ALI) is not well defined. The purpose of this study is to report our experience treating patients with active malignancy who developed ALI and compare their outcome with non-cancer patients.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients treated for ALI between 2009 and 2012 with ALI. We identified those patients who suffered from ALI and compared the outcome of those with active malignancy to those without malignancy.

RESULTS

Of 147 patients treated for ALI (122 lower extremity, 25 upper extremity), 24 (16%) were cancer patients. Mean follow-up was 9.8 months for the malignancy group and 13.4 months for the control. Perioperative mortality rates were similar among cancer and non-cancer patients (20% vs. 16%, respectively, NS). Freedom from major amputation at 30 months was similar (95% vs. 89%, NS). Long-term survival rates of cancer patients were significantly lower compared to non-cancer patients (45% vs. 77% respectively, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment of ALI among cancer patients can be achieved with perioperative mortality and limb salvage rates comparable to non-cancer patients. Aggressive treatment is justified when treating cancer patients with ALI.

Outcome of acute limb ischemia in cancer patients

The optimal management strategy for acute limb ischemia (ALI) in patients with a concomitant malignancy is not well established. A very high mortality rate (83–100%) at 1 year has been reported in those who are treated surgically. Accordingly, a conservative management approach has been suggested as the main therapeutic modality. Our aim was to evaluate the survival outcomes of cancer patients treated for ALI at our cancer center. Cancer patients treated for ALI at the MD Anderson Cancer Center from 2001 to 2011 were included in this study. Overall survival and amputation-free survival rates were calculated. A total of 74 cancer patients with concomitant ALI were included in the study. Surgery was the most common therapy (36 patients; 49%). Percutaneous catheter-based interventions were used in 21 patients (28%). Eighteen patients (24%) received anticoagulation therapy only, and six patients (8%) received no therapy. The 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year overall survival rates were 80% (95% confidence interval [CI], 69% to 87%), 59% (95% CI, 47% to 69%), and 48% (95% CI, 36% to 59%), respectively. Eight patients (11%) underwent amputation. The 1-year amputation-free survival rate was 47% (95% CI, 35% to 58%). In conclusion, we did not find an invasive approach for the treatment of ALI in cancer patients to be associated with the very high mortality rates previously reported. In our opinion, the indications for surgery or catheter-based intervention in these patients should not differ from patients without cancer.

Assessing the risk and prognosis of thrombotic complications in cancer patients

CONTEXT

Cancer is characterized by the development of a prothrombotic state. Approximately 15% to 20% and 1.5% to 3.1% of cancer patients develop venous and arterial thrombosis, respectively, whereas 18% to 20% of idiopathic venous events are caused by an occult neoplasia. The highest risk is observed in hematologic, gastrointestinal, and lung malignancies, as well as in patients with active disease, especially in the first 3 months after cancer diagnosis. Hospitalization, surgical interventions, and implanted venous devices increase the thrombotic risk. Patients with metastatic disease, febrile neutropenia, infections, and severe comorbidities experience more frequently a thrombotic event. A contemporary prechemotherapy predictive model incorporates both clinical and biologic parameters, such as the primary cancer site, platelet count, white blood cell count, hemoglobin, use of erythropoietic agents, and body mass index. Several studies aim to clarify the prognostic value of tissue factor, P-selectin, thrombin generation, microparticles, and D-dimers.

OBJECTIVES

To summarize current views on epidemiology, risk factors, and predictive variables, discussing the future perspectives and existing limitations in clinical practice.

DATA SOURCES

Review of published literature, including review papers, epidemiologic studies, and clinical trials, in online medical databases.

CONCLUSIONS

The thrombogenic properties of tumor cells affect the prognosis and quality of life for the cancer population. Despite the improved awareness and prompt use of thromboprophylaxis, recent studies reported increased rates of thrombotic events, whereas the annual risks for thrombosis recurrence and bleeding are 21% and 12%, respectively. The clinical use of risk factors and prognostic parameters could allow for patient risk stratification and individualization of anticoagulant treatment.

Simultaneous beating heart coronary artery bypass surgery and modified radical mastectomy

Concomitant surgeries for unrelated diseases can be performed to minimize the risks associated with surgery and general anesthesia. In treating a male patient with breast cancer and severe coronary artery disease, we used the beating heart technique for a coronary artery bypass graft to avoid the negative effects of on-pump bypass on the possible acceleration of tumor growth. In this report, we present a unique case of concomitant off-pump coronary artery bypass graft surgery and modified radical mastectomy in a 56-year-old man.

Cardiovascular toxicity of tyrosine kinase inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

Small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have revolutionized the management of many malignancies. However, they also have been shown to be associated with a certain degree of cardiovascular side effects that are often reversible.

AREAS COVERED

As the number of new TKIs continues to grow, it is expected that clinicians will be facing the challenge of early detection and 10 management of these side effects while balancing the risk-benefit ratios of continuing with life-saving cancer therapy medications. This review will present the current knowledge related to incidence and proposed mechanisms of cardiovascular side effects of TKIs and also discuss treatment recommendations when available

EXPERT OPINION

We will present and discuss available data and suggest recommendations related to patient monitoring and early identification of TKIs related cardiovascular toxities.

Coagulation and cancer: biological and clinical aspects

Malignancy affects the hemostatic system and the hemostatic system affects malignancy. In cancer patients there are a number of coagulation abnormalities which provide the background for an increased tendency of these patients to both thrombosis and hemorrhage. The causes of this coagulation impairment rely on general risk factors which are common to other categories of patients, and other factors which are specific to cancer, such as tumor type and disease stage. In addition, data from basic research indicate that the hemostatic components and the cancer biology are interconnected in multiple ways. Notably, while cancer cells are able to activate the coagulation system, the hemostatic factors play a role in tumor progression. This opens the way to the development of bifunctional therapeutic approaches that are both capable of attacking the malignant process and resolving the coagulation impairment. On the other hand, the management of thrombosis and hemorrhages in cancer patients can be different. To approach these problems, some guidelines have been released by prominent international scientific societies. Also actively investigated is the issue of identifying new biomarkers to classify the subjects at a higher risk, thus improving the prevention of thrombohemorrhagic events in these patients. Finally, novel prophylactic and therapeutic approaches are currently under development. This review provides an overview of the hemostatic complications in cancer, together with new insights into the interaction between hemostasis and cancer biology. We also review the assessment of the risk of thrombohemorrhagic events in cancer patients, and the prophylaxis and treatment of such manifestations.

Late cardiac effects of cancer treatment

Cardiac toxicities from cancer therapy can become evident many years after treatment, and these late cardiac effects can have a profound impact on cancer survivors. There are a myriad of potential cardiovascular complications from cancer therapy, but these can be grouped into three main categories. First, vascular conditions including atherosclerosis, thrombosis, and hypertension predominate. Second, cardiac structural problems, especially valvular degeneration, can have a dramatic impact long term. Lastly, and most importantly, cardiac dysfunction and heart failure are potentially common late cardiac effects and can certainly be prevented or detected early during active cancer therapy to result in optimal outcomes. Future research on late cardiac effects in cancer survivors needs to include advanced cardiac imaging techniques, novel cardiac biomarkers, and genetic determinants of response to cancer treatment.

Cardiac surgery in cases of myeloproliferative neoplasm: risk factor for stroke

Objectives: a history of myeloproliferative neoplasms is considered to increase the risks in cardiac surgery. In patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms, increased rates of perioperative infections and thromboembolic complications are suspected, but studies analyzing the impact of myeloproliferative neoplasms on results after cardiac surgery are lacking.

Methods: 13 patients with the diagnosis of myeloproliferative neoplasm underwent cardiac surgery. These patients were matched to 36 controls. Matching criteria consisted of sex, age, diagnosis, and comorbidities. Patients were analyzed regarding laboratory parameters, blood transfusion demands, morbidity, and mortality.

Results: compared to controls, patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms demonstrated a significantly lower body-mass index ( p < 0.01), creatinine ( p = 0.024), prothrombin time ( p = 0.001), and urea level ( p = 0.012). The perioperative leukocyte response ( p = 0.03) was ameliorated, and platelet counts ( p < 0.02) increased. Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms had a reduced need for erythrocyte concentrates (54% vs. 86%, p = 0.047) but increased need for plasma and thrombocytes (15% vs. 0%, p = 0.07). Patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms had a significantly increased incidence of thromboembolic events compared to controls (31% vs. 3%, p = 0.014). Hospital mortality remained at zero, but mid-term survival was lower in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms ( p = 0.078).

Conclusions: myeloproliferative neoplasm as a concomitant diagnosis increases the risk of thromboembolic complications during cardiac surgery. Plasma and platelet substitutions have to be administered, although strokes were not associated with hemostatic treatment.